Watiwa in Papua New Guinea
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| People Name: | Watiwa |
| Country: | Papua New Guinea |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 900 |
| World Population: | 900 |
| Primary Language: | Watiwa |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 88.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 17.00 % |
| Scripture: | Translation Started |
| 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 Watiwa people witnessed World War II firsthand. Their village of Dumpu was a military base for the Australian army and was connected to the outside world by an airfield.
God longs for the Watiwa people to connect with him, to be blessed by his word in a language they understand. The Watiwa language is still used by all generations, but it is becoming increasingly popular to speak Tok Pisin. Watiwa is the preferred language when the people are travelling to Madang town, and they don't want others to overhear their conversation. In all other contexts, it is normal to mix Tok Pisin and Watiwa. The growing familiarity of the Watiwa people with Tok Pisin opens up access to Tok Pisin scriptures, including audio recordings. Thank God for this possibility and pray that the Watiwa people will hunger for God's word and be satisfied.
What Are Their Lives Like?
There is no airfield today, but the Ramu Highway runs right through Watiwa land, providing them with ready access to markets for the sale of food crops, betelnut and livestock. The highway also connects them to the Ramu Sugar refinery, just 20 kilometers (12 miles) down the road. Anyone who works at Ramu Sugar earns a high income by local standards.
What Are Their Beliefs?
A high percentage of the Watiwa people profess Christ.
What Are Their Needs?
The Watiwa people need their own Bible and audio scriptures.
Prayer Points
Some Watiwa won't understand the Tok Pisin Bible. Pray that Watiwa believers and believers from neighboring groups with access to God's word will share God's love and God's word with all Watiwa people.