Summary
The volcanic soil of the islands is very fertile, so the Northern Wakatobis are able to grow good crops. Many are also fishermen or boat builders. Rice is the staple crop along with peanuts, maize, cassava, melons, mangos, and sweet potatoes. Most villages have a few pigs, chickens, and goats to supplement their diets. Since economic opportunities are scarce in their home islands, many young Wakatobi move to other locations for work. Although parents are often involved in arranging marriages, young people are generally free to choose their own partners. After marriage, the couple lives with the bride's family until the husband can build his own house. The Northern Wakatobi believe in education for both boys and girls.
Ministry Obstacles
The Northern Wakatobi live on a remote island, so physically coming into close proximity with this people group is difficult for outsiders.
Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Matthew 13:8
Pray
Pray that today’s people group would become fertile soil and produces much fruit for God and His kingdom.
Ask the Lord to send workers to the Northern Wakatobi. Pray also that the few Wakatobi believers would find each other and spur each other to love and good works. Pray that tribal leaders would become interested in hearing about Jesus. Pray for efforts to translate the Bible into the Tukangbesi language for the benefit of the Northern Wakatobi's current and future generations. Pray that the Lord raises up a growing, biblical church among the Northern Wakatobi in this decade.
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