Introduction / History

Oral traditions and scientific evidence indicate Pohnpei to have been settled from areas to the east, south, and west. Archaeological evidence dates the earliest human activity at roughly the beginning of the Christian era. Of particular note is the megalithic site of Nan Madol, located just off the southeastern shore of Pohnpei. Archaeologists estimate that construction began sometime during the thirteenth century A.D. and continued for a period of approximately five centuries. Local histories speak of a line of rulers, the Saudeleurs, who attempted to dominate the island from Nan Madol. Following the fall of the Saudeleurs, there developed a more decentralized system of chieftainship. By the end of the nineteenth century, there were five chiefdoms coexisting with several smaller, autonomous regions that possessed a less stratified system of political organization. Intensified contact with the European-American world in the nineteenth century brought trade, Christianity and new diseases.

Most Ponpeans (or Ponapeans) live on the island of Pohnpei which is part of the Federated States of Micronesia, though quite a few live on Guam as well as in the United States.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Life around the islands has elements of Pohnpei's past as well as Western cultural influence. Various feasts help bolster their culture, not only in Micronesia, but also in Guam and the U.S. You can count on three things being present at these feasts: pwig (pigs), kehp (yams) and sakau en Pohnpei (kava).

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Ponapeans claim to be Christians. About half of the professing Christians are Catholic and half are Protestant. Spiritism is still sometimes practiced among non-Christians and even interwoven into many Christian groups. Faith in Christ is weaker among them on Guam than in Micronesia or the United States.

What Are Their Needs?

Ponapeans need revival in every area of life. Many Christians are nominal and have little evidence of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Many young people in Pohnpei are getting into trouble because of a lack of things to do, unemployment, and a twisted version of Western values. Youth focused ministry would be a great asset in Pohnpei.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord to thrust our youth workers to disciple them in Guam and Micronesia.
Pray for the leaders of the churches in Pohnpei - that God would use them to lead Ponapeans into a personal, hand-holding relationship with Jesus Christ.
Pray that sound biblical theology would be understood and taught in Pohnapean.
Pray that soon Ponpean Christians will become an important part of Christ's ambassadors to the nations.

Scripture Prayers for the Ponapean in Guam.

References

Christian Jung