Mari, Hop in Papua New Guinea

Introduction / History

The Mari language, also known as Hop, is spoken along the upper Ramu River on the border of Madang Province and Morobe Province. Mari is the primary language of all generations.
Education opportunities in the district are limited and literacy is low, creating a barrier to accessing God's Word. Only 15 percent of males and 10 percent of females can read with comprehension.

What Are Their Lives Like?

It's not easy for a Mari speaker to become a teacher. There is only one provincial high school and one vocational training center in the entire district. Pray that the children and adults will value education, and that God will bring high quality teachers to the Mari people who teach well in the Mari language.
The Ramu Highway runs alongside Mari land, connecting them to the markets along the highway and to the Ramu Sugar Refinery. The Ramu Sugar Refinery is within 10 kilometers (6 miles), providing an opportunity for formal employment. Those who work at Ramu Sugar earn a high income by local standards. But they are relatively few. Pray that God supplies the material needs of the Mari people.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Mari identify as Christian. Many are Lutherans and across the border in Morobe Province and the Seventh Day Adventist church is strong.

What Are Their Needs?

They have no scripture in their language.

Prayer Points

Pray for unity between all believers regardless of denomination.
Ask God for workers to help the Mari speakers to translate God's word into their language.
Pray for an audio Bible that all Mari people can access even if they cannot read.
Pray that Mari speakers would desire Jesus more and be satisfied.

Text Source:   Joshua Project