Paama in Vanuatu

People Name:	Paama
Country:	Vanuatu
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	11,000
World Population:	11,000
Primary Language:	Paama
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	95.00 %
Evangelicals:	42.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Vanuatu
Affinity Bloc:	Pacific Islanders
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Home for the Paama is Vanuatu, a nation of 80 islands. The land passes through generations as birthright. For substance crops families raise yams, taro and vegetables and harvest coconuts to sell.

Almost all claim Christianity but many believe in harnessing power from created objects and performing rituals or using divination for prosperity and health. In the early 20th century, English and French cotton and coconut plantations dominated the volcanic islands that form Vanuatu. During that period, a Christian worker arrived with his family on the island of Paama. Over time, he shared the Gospel with the Paama people as well as the neighboring islands. One by one, the chiefs put aside violence and sorcery and embraced Christianity. But without the foundation of God's Word in the languages of these populations, fear of sorcery and belief in spirits resurfaced as common practice.

A recent network of churches is working together to complete translation of Scripture in Paama. Church leaders are excited and already plan to produce training materials and discipleship courses. Both print and audio Scripture materials will be produced, making God's Word quickly available to as many people as possible. The finishing touches will be applied to prepare for print and for audio production during this final phase.