The Maimai Sokorok are a small people group in Papua New Guinea, numbering around a thousand. They live in Sandaun Province, in the Makru?Klaplei Division of Nuku District, especially in Seleput village north of Mehek. Their identity is tied closely to the small river valley and forest communities of this part of the country, where many groups have lived in relative isolation for generations.
The language they speak is Siliput, also locally known as Maimai or Sokorok, and it belongs to the Maimai branch of the Torricelli language family spoken just west of Nuku in eastern Sandaun Province.
The Maimai Sokorok live in small rural villages surrounded by tropical forest and waterways. Families typically cultivate gardens for staple foods such as root crops and bananas, and supplement their diet through fishing and small?game hunting. Homes are built with materials gathered from the forest, such as wood, palms, and grasses. Daily life revolves around cooperation among neighbors and extended family networks.
Travel beyond the immediate area is usually by foot or simple river craft, as roads and modern infrastructure are limited. Because of this relative isolation, community members rely on local knowledge and mutual support to meet practical needs like shelter, food preparation, and childrearing.
About 95?percent of the Maimai Sokorok identify as Christian, but only a smaller portion are classified as evangelical believers, suggesting that many do not yet have a solid grasp of the gospel as taught in the New Testament.
A minority continue to hold traditional beliefs that include respect for spiritual forces connected to the natural environment and ancestral influence. These traditional elements may persist alongside outward Christian affiliation in daily life.
In their Siliput language, Bible translation has not yet begun and there are no known Scripture portions or full translations available. Audio Bible and Jesus Film resources are not available in their language either, though there may be audio teaching resources produced by external ministries.
The Maimai Sokorok need a clear presentation of the gospel that leads to personal faith in Jesus Christ and growth in biblical understanding, not merely cultural identification with Christianity.
The translation and availability of Scripture in the Siliput language is a crucial need. Access to God's Word in the language spoken within their community would empower discipleship and personal transformation.
There is also a need for faithful local leaders who can teach Scripture accurately, disciple believers, and help establish strong, biblically grounded churches.
Practically, improved access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and reliable transportation would support both physical well?being and opportunities for long?term development in their remote setting.
Pray that the Maimai Sokorok people would come to a clear and saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that those who identify as Christians would grow in true understanding of the gospel rooted in Scripture.
Pray for the translation and availability of the Bible in the Siliput language so that the community can engage directly with God's word.
Pray for faithful local church leaders to be raised up who can shepherd, teach, and disciple others.
Pray that traditional spiritual beliefs would be replaced by a biblical understanding of God's truth.
Pray for improved access to healthcare, education, and opportunities for economic development in their remote communities.
Scripture Prayers for the Sokorok, Maimai in Papua New Guinea.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
