Hahon in Papua New Guinea

People Name:	Hahon
Country:	Papua New Guinea
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	4,700
World Population:	4,700
Primary Language:	Hahon
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	95.00 %
Evangelicals:	17.00 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	New Guinea
Affinity Bloc:	Pacific Islanders
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Hahon speakers live in northwest Bougainville. The language is spoken by all generations, although a small minority learn Tok Pisin first before learning their traditional language. All also speak Tok Pisin, which is essential for communicating with speakers from other languages.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Education is laying the groundwork in Bougainville for literacy and acquiring higher skills. Pray for the children as they transition from vernacular to English tuition in the first three years of primary education. It is difficult for children to learn when they are taught in a foreign language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most identify as Christian. They lack both printed and audio Christian resources.

What Are Their Needs?

A Latin script has been in use for the Hahon language since 2002, but no work is underway to translate the scriptures.

Prayer Points

Ask God to provide schoolteachers who speak Hahon well. Pray also for more teachers of the Bible who know the Hahon language and culture well.
Ask the Lord of the harvest for workers to bring his love and his word to the Hahon people.
Thank God that neighboring groups have the Bible. The Tinputz (also called Vasui) have the New Testament in print and audio form, and the JESUS Film. Pray that the Tinputz and Teop people will take God's word to heart and share Jesus' love and teachings with the Hahon speakers.