Rennellese, Mugaba in Solomon Islands

The Rennellese, Mugaba have only been reported in Solomon Islands
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Mugaba Rennellese people live on Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands, a place known for its forested interior, coastal villages, and long?standing clan structures. Their history has been shaped by close family networks, maritime travel, and traditions passed down through generations through story, ceremony, and shared community responsibilities. Over time, Christian workers and outside visitors brought new influences, yet the Mugaba Rennellese people have maintained a strong sense of identity rooted in their land, language, and heritage.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Daily life among the Mugaba Rennellese people often centers on gardening, fishing, and gathering resources from the island's natural environment. Families live in close-knit village settings where cooperation is highly valued, and responsibilities are often shared among relatives. Coconut groves, coastal fishing grounds, and forested areas support much of the community's livelihood. Traditional skills such as canoe building, food preparation, and storytelling continue to play a meaningful role. While modern schooling, communication, and transportation have become more accessible in some areas, many families continue to balance these changes with long-standing rhythms of island life.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Christianity is widely present among the Mugaba Rennellese people, and churches play an important role in community life, worship, and teaching. Traditional beliefs may still influence certain customs, especially in relation to land, explanations of the natural world. Information about specific practices is limited, and it appears that Christian teaching remains a central influence for many households. Scripture availability is available for this group, though use may vary by individual, family, or church setting. Where believers have access to Scripture, it often supports teaching, fellowship, and community worship.


What Are Their Needs?

Some Mugaba Rennellese communities experience practical challenges related to isolation, limited transportation, and varying access to education or medical care. These factors can also affect the availability of consistent Bible teaching or training for local church leaders. Strengthening believers through discipleship, mentoring, and opportunities for deeper engagement with Scripture remains an important need. Encouraging local leaders, families, and young people to grow in biblical understanding can help build long-term spiritual stability within their communities. Practical support that respects local culture while helping churches grow in maturity is also valuable.


Prayer Items

Pray for the Mugaba Rennellese people to grow in their understanding of God's word and to walk faithfully with Christ in daily life.
Pray for church leaders to be strengthened with wisdom, clarity, and humility as they guide their communities.
Pray for families to be united in faith, grounded in Scripture, and encouraged in their calling to reflect Christ's love.
Pray for increased opportunities for discipleship, mentoring, and spiritual growth among believers of all ages.
Pray for a vision among the Mugaba Rennellese people to share the hope of Jesus Christ with peoples who haven't heard the gospel.


Scripture Prayers for the Rennellese, Mugaba in Solomon Islands.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Rennellese
People Name in Country Rennellese, Mugaba
Alternate Names Mugaba
Population this Country 9,000
Population all Countries 9,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 5  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 14545
ROP3 Code 108357
Country Solomon Islands
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Oceania
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Rennell and Bellona province: Rennell and Bellona islands.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Solomon Islands
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Oceania
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Rennell and Bellona province: Rennell and Bellona islands..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
99.00 %
Ethnic Religions
1.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Rennell-Bellona (9,000 speakers)
Language Code mnv   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Rennell-Bellona (9,000 speakers)
Language Code mnv   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Rennell-Bellona

Primary Language:  Rennell-Bellona

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1942-1996)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1994)
Bible-Complete No
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Rennell-Bellona YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Rennell-Bellona YouVersion Bibles
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.