The Seke are an indigenous people group of Vanuatu, living on Pentecost Island in Penama Province. Their presence is tied to a series of small villages in the interior and southwestern part of the island, in a region shaped by volcanic terrain and rainforests. The Seke identity has been preserved through generations by local tradition, kinship, and life connected to land and waterways in their island home.
Their language, called Ske (also spelled Seke), is part of the Oceanic branch of the Austronesian language family, reflecting long?standing ties with other island communities across Vanuatu.
The Seke live in small rural villages where community cooperation and family life are central. Subsistence gardening provides staple foods such as root crops, bananas, and other tropical produce, and fishing and local forest gathering contribute to daily provision. The coastal and island environment shapes patterns of travel and interaction, with small boats and walking paths connecting nearby settlements.
Homes are typically made from materials gathered locally, and extended families often live close together, reinforcing social support and shared responsibilities. Their language is used in everyday interaction within the group, while Bislama may be used for communication with people from other regions of Vanuatu. Access to formal infrastructure like hospitals, secondary education, and advanced services is limited locally and often requires travel to larger towns.
What Are Their Beliefs
Most Seke people identify with Christianity, and church life plays a significant role in community rhythms. However, some elements of traditional beliefs linked to ancestor influence, spiritual forces, and customary practices continue to shape how individuals perceive spiritual realities. These traditional elements often coexist with Christian rituals and worship rather than being entirely replaced, resulting in a blended spiritual context.
Scripture access in the Seke language is limited. Work on translation has begun, but there is no complete New Testament or full Bible available in Ske, which restricts comprehensive engagement with the full message of Scripture in the language spoken within the community.
The Seke need clear, faithful teaching of the gospel that leads to genuine understanding and personal trust in Jesus Christ rather than a simple cultural identification with Christianity.
A significant need is Bible translation and Scripture access in the Ske language. A complete Bible would enable deeper engagement with God's Word in the language most familiar to the community and support sustained discipleship.
There is also a need for faithful church leaders grounded in Scripture who can disciple others, teach the gospel clearly, and help guide communities away from mixed belief systems toward a biblically grounded faith.
Practical challenges also affect daily life: limited access to healthcare, education, and transportation can hinder both physical well?being and opportunities for consistent church growth.
Pray that the Seke would come to a clear and saving faith in Jesus Christ, rooted in Scripture and not simply cultural forms of religion.
Pray for Bible translation and Scripture distribution in the Ske language so that God's Word becomes fully accessible in the language the community uses.
Pray for the raising up of faithful, Scripture?centered leaders who can teach, disciple, and shepherd their people.
Pray that traditional spiritual influences would be replaced with a firm trust in the truth of God's Word.
Pray for improved access to healthcare, education, and transportation for Seke villages.
Pray that the gospel would spread deeply through families and communities, bringing lasting transformation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ske_language
https://peoplegroups.org/language/ske/
https://www.ethnologue.com/language/ske/
Scripture Prayers for the Seke in Vanuatu.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
