Introduction / History

The Rerep are an indigenous people group of Vanuatu, living on the east coast of Malekula Island in Malampa Province, a region of rugged hills, forest, and coastal villages in the archipelago nation. Their community is relatively small, with an estimated population around one thousand. Their language, Rerep (also known by names such as Pangkumu or Tisman), is part of the Oceanic branch of the Austronesian language family, reflecting deep historical connections with neighboring island peoples across Vanuatu's linguistic mosaic.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Rerep live in closely knit village settlements where family ties and cooperation are central to daily life. Subsistence agriculture forms the core of food production, with gardens providing staples such as taro, yam, cassava, and bananas, while fishing and gathering from the surrounding coastal environment supplement the diet. Homes are typically constructed from locally sourced materials, and extended families often live near one another, reinforcing social cohesion.

Their language is used within the community for everyday communication, while Bislama serves as a broader language for communication with people from other groups or regions of Vanuatu. Formal services such as secondary education, healthcare, and government administration are generally accessed through travel to larger towns off the Rerep coast.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Rerep people identify with Christianity, and church life plays a significant role in communal gatherings and worship. Christian forms of worship are woven into local rhythms of life, yet traditional beliefs connected to ancestors, spirits, and customary practices may still influence how some people understand the spiritual world. These traditional elements often coexist with Christian practice rather than being fully supplanted, resulting in a blend of spiritual expressions.

Scripture in the Rerep language includes portions translated historically, but there is no complete Bible or full New Testament available in the Rerep language, which limits access to the full message of God's Word in the language the community uses daily.

What Are Their Needs?

The Rerep need clear, faithful teaching of the gospel that leads to personal trust in Jesus Christ and a robust understanding of biblical truth rather than merely cultural expressions of Christianity.

A key need is Bible translation and increased Scripture access in the Rerep language. Having the full counsel of God's Word available in the language spoken within the community would support deeper discipleship and stronger spiritual growth.

There is also a need for biblically grounded local leaders who can teach Scripture clearly, disciple believers within their context, and help guide local communities away from syncretistic practices toward mature faith.



Practical challenges also shape daily life. Limited access to healthcare, formal education, and transportation affects both physical well?being and opportunities for sustained spiritual development. Addressing these practical needs would support overall resiliency and community stability.

Prayer Items

Pray that the Rerep would come to a clear and saving faith in Jesus Christ, grounded in the truth of Scripture.
Pray for Bible translation and scripture distribution so that the full Word of God becomes available in the Rerep language.
Pray for the raising up of faithful, scripture?centered leaders who can disciple and teach effectively within their communities.
Pray that traditional spiritual beliefs and influences would be replaced with a firm trust in Christ and the truth of God's word.
Pray for improved access to healthcare, education, and transportation that strengthens daily life and community development.
Pray that the gospel would spread deeply through households and villages, bringing lasting transformation among the Rerep.

Scripture Prayers for the Rerep in Vanuatu.