The Ningil people are an indigenous tribe of northwest Papua New Guinea, living in the Western Province of the country. Their history dates back to pre-colonial times when they lived in small, self-sufficient communities.
The Ningil speak their own language of Ningli. Some Audio Recordings are available in Ningli. About one half of the Ningil speak Tok Pisin, a major trade language of PNG. This language allows the Ningil to communicate with those outside their villages. A Bible translation into Ningil is needed.
The Ningil people's lifestyle is centered around subsistence farming and fishing. They grow crops such as sweet potatoes, taro and yams, which they use to feed themselves and their families. They also hunt and fish. These activities provide them with additional sources of food. The Ningil people are skilled fishermen; they use traditional fishing tools such as nets and spears.
In addition to their subsistence activities, the Ningil people have a strong tradition of craft-making. They create intricate baskets, mats and carvings from materials such as bamboo, sago and wood. These crafts are often sold or traded with neighboring villages and provide the Ningil people with additional sources of income. With their income the Ningil are able to buy things like metal tools.
The Ningil live in an isolated region. There are no roads to the provincial capital of Vanimo. To trade their products the Ningil must travel for hours by foot or canoe.
The Ningil people have a colorful history that has been passed down through generations in the form of oral traditions. They have stories and legends that explain the origins of their people and their connection to the land. These stories also tell of the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors.
The life expectancy of the Nigil people is relatively low. It takes hours to reach clinics offer modern medicine. Some Ningil children die of preventable diseases.
Over one third of the Ningil claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. Their Christianity is mixed with a belief in animism. The majority of the people continue to practice folk religion and ancestor veneration. The Ningil believe that the natural world is full of spirits and deities. They believe that their ancestors watch over them and protect them from harm. The natural spirits and the ancestral spirits must be appeased by rituals and offerings. The Ningil live in fear of offending the spirits.
The Ningil would greatly benefit by access to modern medicine. Solar panels could bring them electricity. The Ningil need schools to educate their children. Most of all, the Nigil need to hear and believe the message of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.
Pray that the Bible soon becomes available in Ningil.
Pray the Lord raises up Ningil pastors who know and can teach the word of God.
Pray the Lord sends medical teams to help the Ningil.
Pray that schools are established among the Ningil.
Scripture Prayers for the Ningil in Papua New Guinea.
The National Research Institute 2010, Papua New Guinea District and Provincial Profiles, link here.
National Economic & Fiscal Commission 2014, Go Long Ples Reducing inequality in education funding, A Report by the National Economic & Fiscal Commission
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
