The Kare are an indigenous people group of Papua New Guinea, located in Madang Province, particularly in inland mountainous areas of the region. Their communities are small and relatively isolated, and their identity has been shaped through strong clan relationships, land inheritance, and oral tradition rather than written history.
The Kare speak the Kare language, a Papuan language belonging to the Central Madang family. This places them among the many distinct and localized language groups that characterize Papua New Guinea's extraordinary linguistic diversity.
The Kare live in rural village settings where daily life centers on subsistence agriculture, family cooperation, and connection to the surrounding land. Gardens provide staple foods such as sweet potatoes, taro, bananas, and other crops suited to the highland and foothill environment. Hunting and gathering from nearby forests supplement their diet.
Homes are typically built from local materials, and extended families live in close proximity, reinforcing strong social bonds and shared responsibilities. The Kare language is used within the community, while Tok Pisin is commonly used for wider communication with neighboring groups and in regional settings.
Because of their remote location, access to healthcare, education, and transportation is limited. Travel to larger towns or service centers often requires significant time and effort over difficult terrain.
Most Kare people identify with Christianity, and it is the dominant religious affiliation within the community. However, only a portion of the population demonstrates a clear evangelical understanding of the gospel, indicating that for many, Christianity may be practiced alongside older cultural patterns.
Traditional beliefs involving spiritual forces and customary practices continue to influence how some individuals understand the unseen world. These beliefs may coexist with Christian practices, resulting in a mixed spiritual environment rather than one fully grounded in Scripture.
Bible translation work in the Kare language has begun, but there are no known Scripture portions, no New Testament, and no complete Bible available. This severely limits access to God's Word in the language used within the community.
The Kare need clear and faithful teaching of the gospel that leads to genuine understanding and personal faith in Jesus Christ rather than a primarily cultural identification with Christianity.
A critical need is Bible translation and Scripture access in the Kare language. With no Scripture currently available, the community lacks direct access to God's Word in their own language, making discipleship and spiritual growth more difficult.
There is also a need for biblically grounded local leaders who can teach Scripture clearly, disciple others effectively, and guide their communities toward a faith rooted firmly in biblical truth.
Practical challenges are significant as well. Limited access to healthcare, education, and transportation affects daily life and can hinder both physical well-being and long-term church development.
Pray that the Kare would come to a clear and saving faith in Jesus Christ, grounded firmly in Scripture.
Pray for Bible translation to begin producing Scripture portions so that God's Word becomes available in the Kare language.
Pray for the raising up of faithful, Scripture-centered leaders who can teach and disciple others effectively.
Pray that traditional spiritual influences would yield to a deep trust in Christ and the truth of God's Word.
Pray for improved access to healthcare, education, and transportation that supports daily life and strengthens their communities.
Pray that the gospel would spread throughout their villages, bringing lasting transformation among the Kare.
Scripture Prayers for the Kare in Papua New Guinea.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
