The Ponam-speaking people number about 560 with just over 300 residing on the three kilometre-long island of Ponam, off the north coast of Manus Island. The remainder are scattered across Papua New Guinea.
Ponam Island was of strategic importance during World War II, which left its mark on the environment and on the people. Much of the reef was destroyed to construct a naval base and the people have retained a high awareness of the outside world.
The Ponam language, also known as Rahau, is used by all inhabitants of the island. They can also speak English, Tok Pisin and the traditional language of their neighbors, Kurti.
We know little about the daily lives of the Ponam people.
There is a very high percentage of Christians among the Ponam. Among these are a high percentage of Evangelicals.
There is no scripture available in the Ponam language but thank God that a few books have been translated into the Kurti language of their neighbors.
Pray that the Ponam islanders will take to heart all that they know of God's word and will follow Jesus faithfully.
Ask God for workers to provide Ponam scriptures, which will speak more readily to the heart of the Ponam people.
Scripture Prayers for the Ponam in Papua New Guinea.
Wycliffe Bible Translators
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Ponam |
People Name in Country | Ponam |
Alternate Names | |
Population this Country | 1,400 |
Population all Countries | 1,400 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 5 ● |
Unreached | No |
Frontier People Group | No |
GSEC | 5 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | |
People ID | 14438 |
ROP3 Code | 108107 |
ROP25 Code | 306779 |
ROP25 Name | Ponam |
Country | Papua New Guinea | ||
Region | Australia and Pacific | ||
Continent | Australia | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
Persecution Rank | Not ranked | ||
Location in Country | Manus province: Ponam island. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Country | Papua New Guinea |
Region | Australia and Pacific |
Continent | Australia |
10/40 Window | No |
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Location in Country | Manus province: Ponam island.. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Primary Religion: | Christianity |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 16.00 %) |
95.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
5.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Ponam (1,400 speakers) |
Language Code | ncc Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Unknown |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Ponam (1,400 speakers) |
Language Code | ncc Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Ponam |
Primary Language: Ponam
Bible Translation Status: Translation Started
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
None reported |
Photo Source | Anonymous |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |