The Maruhia Isabi are a very small people group of around 900 individuals in Papua New Guinea, associated with both Eastern Highlands Province (Goroka Urban area) and Madang Province (Usino Bundi District). Their community has developed as part of the New Guinea cultural cluster, where many small, village?based societies have maintained distinct identities amid the island's vast cultural and linguistic diversity.
They speak the Isabi language, a Trans–New?Guinea language within the Kainantu–Goroka branch, historically confined to this community. Isabi is considered endangered, with use increasingly limited and not widely taught outside daily life.
The Maruhia Isabi live in rural settings, often in small villages near river valleys or foothill country typical of the Highland and adjacent Madang regions. Daily life centers on subsistence agriculture, with families tending gardens for staple crops such as root vegetables and bananas, while fishing and gathering supplement diets where waters and forests allow.
Homes are constructed from locally available materials, such as timber and palms. Because of their remote and small?scale setting, access to modern services is constrained: travel to formal healthcare, secondary schooling, or larger markets generally requires significant time and effort by foot or limited roadways. Interdependence among extended families and community cooperation plays a vital role in managing daily tasks, raising children, and transmitting cultural knowledge.
Almost all of the Maruhia Isabi identify as Christian, but only a smaller portion are classified as evangelical believers, indicating that many may not yet have a deeply rooted or biblically informed understanding of the gospel. Christian identity often exists alongside enduring influences of traditional belief patterns, which include faith in unseen spiritual forces connected to nature and ancestors.
Scripture translation in the Isabi language has started, but there are no Bible portions, New Testament, complete Bible, audio Scriptures, or gospel films available in their language. This limits opportunities for the community to engage deeply with God's Word in the language spoken within their homes.
The Maruhia Isabi need a clear and faithful presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ that leads to genuine personal faith and ongoing spiritual transformation rooted in Scripture rather than a blend of beliefs. Where Christianity is present, discipleship must be strengthened through teaching grounded in the Bible.
A critical need is the completion and broad distribution of the Bible in the Isabi language, so that individuals and families can read, listen to, and reflect on God's Word in the language they use in daily life.
There is also a need for trained local leaders who can teach sound doctrine, disciple believers, and help establish strong, biblically grounded churches within their villages.
Practically, improved access to healthcare, education, and reliable transportation would support both physical well?being and opportunities for long?term spiritual and community growth in their rural setting.
Pray that the Maruhia Isabi people would come to a clear and saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray that those who identify as Christians would grow in biblical understanding and not blend traditional beliefs with Christian teaching.
Pray for the completion and availability of the Bible in the Isabi language so that the community can engage directly with God's word.
Pray for faithful local leaders to be raised up who can teach, disciple, and shepherd others.
Pray that traditional spiritual beliefs would be replaced by a firm trust in the truth of Scripture.
Pray for improved access to healthcare, education, and transportation to support overall community wellbeing.
Scripture Prayers for the Isabi, Maruhia in Papua New Guinea.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
