Kelana, Gitoa in Papua New Guinea
Photo Source:
Prof Yaip K Telue
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| People Name: | Kelana, Gitoa |
| Country: | Papua New Guinea |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,500 |
| World Population: | 1,500 |
| Primary Language: | Gitua |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 95.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 28.00 % |
| Scripture: | Translation Needed |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | No |
| People Cluster: | New Guinea |
| Affinity Bloc: | Pacific Islanders |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Gitua people live in village communities along the Huon Peninsula of Morobe Province.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They have a strong desire to preserve their language and their culture. All generations use the Gitua language as their primary language. When needed, they will also use Tok Pisin, English or a neighboring village's language.
Thank God that a number of neighboring groups have at least some scriptures. The Sio to the north have the New Testament and there are some elderly people among the Gitua who speak Sio. To the south, the Ono, Dedua and Migabec all have the New Testament and the Kate have had the full Bible since 1978 (although it hasn't been updated). Could multilingualism pave the way for translating God's word into the Gitua language?
What Are Their Beliefs?
Although 95 per cent of the people claim to be Christians, they have no scriptures in their language.
What Are Their Needs?
How can they know God well if they have not heard his word in a language that speaks to their heart?
Prayer Points
Ask the Lord of the harvest for his workers and for his strategies to make the Gitua Bible a reality.
Pray for soft hearts among the Gitua, that the people will eagerly listen to God's word and faithfully follow Jesus.