Malas in Papua New Guinea
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| People Name: | Malas |
| Country: | Papua New Guinea |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,200 |
| World Population: | 1,200 |
| Primary Language: | Manep |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 90.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 13.00 % |
| Scripture: | Translation Needed |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | No |
| People Cluster: | New Guinea |
| Affinity Bloc: | Pacific Islanders |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Malas is the traditional language in the two villages of Simbukanam and Malas, on the coast of Madang. The Malas language is losing speakers. Most Malas people in their thirties and below have limited proficiency, and instead prefer speaking Tok Pisin. Give thanks that their growing proficiency in Tok Pisin gives them growing access to God's word in the Tok Pisin Bible. Pray that older and younger generations remain united despite the language shift.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The North Coast Road runs directly through the land of the Malas. This makes it so easy to access markets to sell their cash crops or to access a service center. Their main cash crops are cocoa and coconut. They also sell betel nut, food crops and livestock. Give thanks for their livelihoods.
Andrew Pick from the University of Hawaii recorded many stories told by the Malas people from both villages in 2017 and 2018. Andrew has made those stories and their translations available online, giving us valuable insights into their culture. Give thanks to God for his creativity that shines through the Malas culture.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most all Malas people profess Christ.
What Are Their Needs?
This people needs both audio and written scriptures in their heart language.
Prayer Points
Pray for clear communication of the scriptures to the Malas people in their cultural context and in their heart languages, including those that rely on Malas and don't speak Tok Pisin well. There is evidence that three in four people in this district cannot read, so please also pray that the Malas people are able to access audio scriptures.
Pray that God continues to bless the Malas people both materially and spiritually.