Label in Papua New Guinea

Introduction / History

The Label are a small people group in New Ireland Province of Papua New Guinea, specifically associated with the southwest coast near Nasko village. They belong to the island societies of New Ireland, where coastal and near-coastal communities have long been shaped by seafaring, gardening, kinship ties, and village-based life. Their language is Label, a recognized language of New Ireland Province.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Label live in the New Ireland island setting, where daily life is commonly centered on small village communities linked by footpaths, coastal travel, and small boats or canoes. In this region, ordinary life often includes small-scale gardening, fishing, gathering coconuts and other local foods, and strong family and clan obligations that shape work, marriage, and community cooperation. Homes are typically simple village houses built from local materials suited to a humid tropical climate. Their language in ordinary life is Label. Because the group is tied to a specific coastal village area, life is likely closely bound to local land, shoreline resources, and relationships within a tight-knit community.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Label people are identified as Christian, though some traditional ethnic religious influence may remain. Scripture is available in their language.

What Are Their Needs?

The Label need spiritual depth so that a strong Christian identity is matched by genuine repentance, biblical conviction, and obedience to Christ. Where there is a strong Christian base, the need is for healthy churches, faithful shepherds, sound teaching, and families that live out the gospel clearly. They need protection from nominal Christianity, compromise, and any lingering attachment to older spiritual loyalties. They also need renewed zeal to carry the gospel beyond their own community and to serve other ethnic groups with faithful witness.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Label would grow in genuine repentance, biblical clarity, and joyful obedience to Jesus Christ.
Pray that pastors, elders, and other local leaders would teach Scripture faithfully and lead with humility and courage.
Pray that any remaining attachment to older spiritual practices would be fully surrendered to the lordship of Christ.
Pray for strong Christian families, healthy churches, and enduring discipleship among the Label.
Pray that the Label would actively reach out to other ethnic groups with the gospel and become a faithful blessing beyond their own community.

Text Source:   Joshua Project