Papua New Guinea

[David]

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GEOGRAPHY

Area 462,840 sq.km. Eastern half of New Guinea, the second largest island in the world, plus Bougainville in the Solomon Islands, also many smaller islands in the north and east which make up the nation of Papua New Guinea. The other half of the island (lying just north of Australia) is West Papua (Irian Jaya), part of Indonesia. PNG is a land of high mountains, dense forests, lowland swamps, coral islands, torrential rainfall, many rivers, and beautiful flora and fauna including the bird of paradise – the national emblem.

Population		Ann.Gr.	Density
2000	4,806,640	+2.25%	10 per sq. km.
2010	5,917,105	+2.04%	13 per sq. km.
2025	7,459,895	+1.26%	16 per sq. km.

Capital Port Moresby 380,000. Urbanites 17%.

PEOPLES

About 1,000 peoples speaking 816 languages. Ethnically and linguistically the world's most complex nation, whose cultures have been moulded by geography, successive immigrations, sorcery, fear and warfare, and more recently by Christianity, colonialism, World War II and modernization.

Melanesian 99%. Numerous tribal groups, over half of which are less than 1,000 in population. Largest: Enga 235,000; Chimbu(2) 185,000; Melpa 104,000; Huli 91,000; Kamano 90,000; Tolai 89,000; Wahgi 80,000; Sinasina 76,000; Boikin 53,000; Kapau 54,000.

Other 1%. Polynesian, Caucasian, West Papuan refugees 7,000.

Literacy 43%. Official language English. National languages, Tok Pisin (Melanesian – English Creole) used in centre and north, and increasingly in the south-west, and Motu in south. All languages 816. Languages with Scriptures 8Bi 150NT 110por 170w.i.p.

ECONOMY

Predominantly subsistence agricultural/fishing economy, supplemented by cash crops (tea, coffee and copra), an expanding mining industry and increasing local manufacture. Many problems (land compensation claims, rugged terrain, earthquakes, aggressive multinational corporations, droughts and war) complicate the wise exploitation and management of the land's rich mineral, timber, fish, oil and gas resources. Recession in late 1990s due to reduced foreign investment and lower income from produce. High urban unemployment. HDI 0.570; 129^th/174. Public debt 31% of GNP. Income/person $930 (3% of USA).

POLITICS

The north and east parts (called German New Guinea) were under German control until World War I and the south (called British New Guinea) was under British rule until 1901. The latter then came under Australian rule and was called Papua. Australia continued to administer Papua and New Guinea until independence in 1975 when Papua New Guinea became a state within the British Commonwealth. The nation is governed by a democratic parliamentary system and administered on a decentralized basis by 20 provincial governments. The 1988-98 uprising of Bougainville Island has proved costly at every level and may lead to its ultimate independence.

RELIGION

Freedom of religion. Almost the entire population has links to a Christian denomination. The old ethnic religions remain a powerful underlying influence.

Religions	Population %	Adherents	Ann.Gr.
Christian	97.28	4,675,899	+2.3%
Traditional ethnic	1.80	86,520	+1.1%
Baha'i	0.70	33,646	+2.2%
non-Religious/other	0.10	4,807	-11.0%
Buddhist	0.07	3,365	-0.4%
Chinese	0.05	2,403	-4.4%

Christians	Denom.	Affil.%	,000	Ann.Gr.
Protestant	56	58.60	2,817	+3.8%
Independent	33	5.60	269	+3.3%
Anglican	1	5.62	270	+2.4%
Catholic	1	28.09	1,350	+0.2%
Marginal	47	2.57	124	+2.0%
Unaffiliated		6.79	326	n.a.
Doubly affiliated		-9.99	-480	n.a.

Churches	MegaBloc	Cong.	Members	Affiliates
Catholic	C	1,815	798,817	1,350,000
United	P	3,500	600,000	1,000,000
Evang Luth Ch of PNG	P	3,000	532,468	820,000
Seventh-day Adventist	P	737	184,428	290,000
Anglican	A	900	108,000	270,000
Foursquare Gospel	P	900	65,000	100,000
Gutnius Lutheran	P	560	51,667	93,000
Bethel Pentecostal Tab	I	273	41,000	82,000
Baptist Union (W Highl.)	P	400	35,000	75,000
United Pentecostal	P	317	68,571	72,000
Chr Revival Crusade	I	269	35,000	60,000
Evangelical Ch of PNG	P	210	24,000	56,000
Apostolic	P	290	27,000	38,000
Christian Brethren	P	360	22,000	38,000
Indigenous (NTM)	P	250	19,000	34,000
Assemblies of God	P	137	7,000	26,000
Jehovah's Witnesses	M	52	3,434	15,000
Ch of the Nazarene	P	260	10,000	14,000
Apostolic Christian	P	60	3,000	12,000
Evang Ch of Manus	P	16	2,200	5,500
Latter-day Saints (Morm)	M	28	2,695	4,500
Other denoms [118]		2,147	186,000	374,000
Doubly affiliated			-267,000	-480,000
Total Christians [139]		16,524	2,559,600	4,349,000

Trans-bloc Groupings	pop. %	,000	Ann.Gr.
Evangelical	21.1	1,014	+3.3%
Charismatic	12.4	598	+3.5%
Pentecostal	9.2	442	+3.5%

Missionaries from Papua New Guinea
P,I,A 339 in 17 agencies to 8 countries: PNG 310, Australia 11.

Missionaries to Papua New Guinea
P,I,A 2,221 in 88 agencies from 35 countries: USA 1,228; Australia 260; New Zealand 147; Canada 115; UK 89; Finland 70; Germany 68; Korea 49; Philippines 36.

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Answers to Prayer

A national prayer movement for revival was born in 1997 in response to the serious problems of the young nation. Results:

1 The cease-fire in Bougainville with serious talks initiated seeking a fair solution.

2 The 1998 elections resulted in many active Christians entering Parliament.

Challenges for Prayer

1 The government faces a daunting task of uniting such a variety of peoples into a single nation. Tribal fighting and revenge killings still occur, especially in the Highlands. The messy war in Bougainville was badly handled. Corruption in government seriously impaired several administrations in the 1990s. Social dislocation caused by the drift of people to the cities, and unemployment for the educated youth, have led to social problems, including crime and violence. Pray that the leaders of this land may seek righteousness and the guidance of God in the affairs of their nation.

2 Economic development is a major challenge. Mining and logging companies have had overly much influence in the capital and the media; serious ecological damage and social unrest have been the result. Over 80% of the population is still isolated and living at subsistence level. Availability and quality of health care is limited. There was much loss of life and property in the 1990s through volcanic eruptions, El Ni�o drought and a tsunami (North Coast). Both local and national governments need wisdom in balancing development with long-term environmental and social stability.

3 Over the past 120 years the gospel has spread throughout PNG, first along the coast and then inland, and finally in the past 40 years into the Highlands. Nearly all the tribes have been reached. In some there have been mass movements to Christianity. Today over 96% claim to be Christian. Praise God for the presence of an alive, vibrant church today. But the ready acceptance of the gospel has resulted in a superficial Christianity of the majority without a radical transformation of basic values and beliefs. True discipling is an urgent need. In some areas there is already disillusionment and a turning back to traditional customs, drunkenness, gambling, cargo cults or other syncretistic groups. Pray for revival and deep repentance which will result in true disciples and transformed cultures. Revivals have occurred in many areas (e.g. East and West Sepik, New Britain, North Solomons and Highlands areas) but follow-up discipling in these situations is greatly needed. There is also vigorous growth in Pentecostal and charismatic fellowships in many areas, especially the towns.

4 The PNG Church faces challenging problems:

a) Effective discipling. Nominalism, syncretism, fear of witchcraft and evil spirits are widespread. Notable is the expansion over the 1990s of NTM church-planting to many tribes hitherto superficially evangelized.

b) Strong tribal ties, ancient animosities and diversity of languages. These are barriers that hinder fellowship and flow of spiritual blessing.

c) Lack of Scriptures and illiteracy in many languages. The results are many – nominalism, slow growth, spiritual apathy and vulnerability to error.

d) Denominational rivalry. Rural communities and churches are harmed. Church discipline is hindered, denomination hopping increased and local leadership undermined. There is good cooperation between main denominations at national level. The Melanesian Council of Churches was the first ecumenical body in the world to include the Roman Catholic Church along with Protestants. The main body linking Evangelicals is the Evangelical Alliance.

5 Leadership training is a priority. Many small Bible schools are run by churches and missions. There are a number of denominational theological colleges. The well-known interdenominational Christian Leaders' Training College (CLTC), with 120 full-time students and an international faculty, trains leaders for churches from all over PNG and the Solomon Islands. Churches are recognizing the value of TEE as a tool for training the many marginally-literate rural pastors and church workers who have received minimal grounding in the faith. Pray for:

a) Men and women called of God to full-time service as pastors, missionaries, etc. The lure of highly paid secular jobs is strong for those with good education.

b) Bible teachers who can impart a love of God's Word to students and the desire to apply its truths to their own cultures.

c) The provision of mature, articulate Christian leaders who will significantly influence the spiritual life of the nation, and establish the church on biblical foundations.

d) Specialized urban training programmes to prepare leaders for urban ministries (CLTC Centres in Port Moresby and Law; Baptist Urban Pastoral Training Centre [BUPTC] in Port Moresby).

e) The excellent TEE programme in English run by CLTC to serve PNG and the Pacific, and development of more TEE programmes in Tok Pisin in the country.

6 There is increasing missionary vision in the country. The indigenous PNG Missionary Association is being used of God to stimulate mission awareness and prepare and send missionaries overseas. It also coordinates a national prayer movement called Global Prayer Warriors. CLTC runs an annual missions conference called Launch Out. OM have a base in PNG and many nationals have already served on the MV Doulos. Many denominations have sent or are planning to send overseas missionaries. Many are working cross-culturally within the country. The NTM Missionary Training Centre provides a two-year course for prospective PNG missionaries.

7 Missionaries both from the South Pacific and the West suffered disease and martyrdom at the hands of cannibals during the early days of church-planting just over 100 years ago. The large investment of missionary personnel in evangelism, church-planting, health, education and development has significantly changed the land and its people. Many missionaries continue to work in these areas as well as translation, teaching, discipling, leadership training and support work. The larger mission agencies are: SIL (686 workers), NTM (535), Pentecostal agencies (109), Lutheran agencies (94), CoN (64), Baptist agencies (62), Evangelical Bible Mission (55), Pioneers (44), SdA (37), Christian Brethren (34), Liebenzell (32). Pray for:

a) Good relationships between expatriate and national workers.

b) A greater emphasis on relating the gospel to local cultures in order to see a more indigenous expression‎ of Christianity.

c) Those committed to strengthening the church through various ministries.

d) Those involved in translation and literacy programmes. A great deal of work is still to be done in these areas.

e) Those involved in health, education and community development programmes.

8 Aircraft of missionary organizations are an essential lifeline for the work of churches and missions. Many areas are only accessible by air. Flying conditions are some of the worst in the world, with thick forests, high mountains, dense clouds and treacherous weather conditions. Pray for the flying staff of MAF-Australia (with 54 workers, 20 planes and a helicopter), of SIL (4 planes and 2 helicopters), NTM (3 planes and 1 helicopter), and all who service these planes and travel in them. Several aircraft have crashed with loss of life, and MAF has suffered one high-jacking! Helimission have a ministry with helicopters.

9 Ministry to young people is one of the most crucial for PNG today. They are vulnerable in a rapidly changing society, there are few job openings and many urban youth have joined criminal gangs. Yet there are encouragements:

a) SU has a good ministry among students in high schools and is seeking to expand through regional workers.

b) TSCF(IFES) has 30 groups among the 15,000 tertiary students.

c) YWAM has valuable input in youth training and mobilization for evangelism and missions. Camps (especially at Easter) are very significant in youth ministry.

Pray for the many 'graduates' of these ministries, that they may impact their nation for good.

10 Peoples and areas of special spiritual need. Few PNG peoples are unevangelized and unoccupied by missions, but there are several groups and areas of special need:

a) Unreached people groups. Some tribes are only now being discovered and opened up in isolated parts of the country, e.g. the Star Mountains on the West Papua border, and some Fly and Sepik River valleys and swamps.

b) Cargo cult followers. Of the people groups who are affect by cargo cults, some within the groups have turned back to biblical Christianity. Pray for those pockets where cargo cults are still firmly entrenched (e.g. some parts of Manus Island where Liebenzell Mission works, Bougainville and Madang Province).

c) Squatter settlements. Increasing numbers of people live in squatter settlements outside towns and cities. They are places of poverty and social unrest.

d) Prisoners. They tend to be very open to Christian witness. Prison Fellowship International has a well-established ministry which is bringing hope and blessing to many.

e) Chinese. The Chinese merchant community are often third- or fourth-generation in PNG, and are still resistant to the gospel.

11 Translation and literacy programmes and the provision of appropriate Christian literature are fundamental for acculturalizing the gospel. Pray for this demanding ministry and those committed to its accomplishment. SIL/WBT, the Bible Society and the indigenous Bible Translators' Association are involved in over 170 translation projects and about 160 languages now have a Bible or NT. Translation teams are definitely needed for 135 languages and possibly for a further 466.

12 Christian help ministries for prayer:

a) Local radio is a vital link used by churches and Christian workers to exchange news and spread the gospel, and Kristen Radio has a modern studio for national and regional Christian broadcasting on the national radio network. EM-TV is now operating throughout the country; Christians have input through the Churches' Council for Media Coordination. TWR broadcasts 7hrs/wk in English to PNG.

b) Christian Radio Missionary Fellowship (CRMF) serves the churches by providing two-way radio contact for those in isolated areas.

c) Christian cassettes are an effective tool for evangelism and teaching, especially for the large numbers of rural illiterates, many of whom speak only their tribal languages. Language Recordings (GRN) has produced materials in 651 languages and dialects, and flip charts are effectively used in conjunction with them.

d) Christian literature. There are 5 main publishing groups: Christian Books Melanesia (Brethren), Evangelical Brotherhood Church (Swiss Missions), Kristen Press (Lutheran), the interdenominational Melanesian Institute and The Bible Society. Much excellent material is being produced, and there are Christian bookstores in most towns – including CLC with 5 staff, one store and a mail order ministry.

e) Films and videos. Several Christian film libraries have been operated over the past years, and many churches use films regularly. Video is increasingly popular, and Kristen Komunikaisen in Lae are planning involvement in this ministry. The JESUS film is extensively used in English and Tok Pisin.

Bougainville

GEOGRAPHY

Area 9,300 sq.km. The most northerly of the Solomon Islands but arbitrarily linked in colonial times to PNG.

Population 160,000. About 20,000 lost their lives in the fighting during the 1990s. A further 40,000 became refugees.

PEOPLES

Approximately 25 Melanesian and Polynesian peoples.

ECONOMY

A large copper mine opened in 1972 provided 35% of the national income to the PNG central government but severely damaged the ecology of the islands. The mine was closed in 1989.

POLITICS

Local opposition to incorporation in PNG at independence in 1975 led to a war for Bougainville's independence in 1988. After intense fighting, a cease-fire was finalized in 1998. In 2000 negotiations about the future status of Bougainville commenced.

RELIGION

Almost entirely Christian. Roman Catholics 80%, United Church 10%, also SdA. Many are nominal with much syncretism.

Challenges for Prayer

1 Peace and reconciliation after 25 years of bitterness and hatred between the PNG government and the Islanders.

2 The economic and social dislocation has been immense, though by 2000 nearly all refugees had returned to their homes. Pray that Bougainville might experience recovery at every level – especially the spiritual.

Web links for Papua New Guinea

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	CIA World Factbook (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pp.html)
	Country profile, with only very brief information on religion or society.
	Brief, largely statistical information on geography, people, government, economy, and more.
	Papua New Guinea Net Search (http://www.pngnetsearch.com)
	A commercial Web guide and search engine, with a section on religion.