The Seke Tutuba are an indigenous people group of Vanuatu, living in Sanma Province on Tutuba Island and parts of the south coast of Espiritu Santo Island. Their community is small, with around 900 people who trace their roots through village life, family ties, and oral tradition rather than written records. Their language, also referred to as Tutuba, is part of the Oceanic branch of the Austronesian language family, one of the many distinct languages spoken across Vanuatu's islands.
The Seke Tutuba live in coastal and island villages where daily life centers on subsistence gardening, fishing, and close cooperation within extended families. Gardens produce root crops such as taro, cassava, and bananas, while fishing and gathering from the surrounding sea and forest supplement the diet. Homes are built from locally sourced materials, and village life is shaped by shared responsibilities and community rhythms.
Their language is used in everyday communication within the community, while Bislama—Vanuatu's creole language—is commonly used for broader communication with other groups and in regional settings. Access to formal services such as healthcare and higher education typically requires travel off Tutuba Island to larger centers on Espiritu Santo.
Most Seke Tutuba people identify with Christianity, and church life plays an active role in community gatherings and rhythms. Worship and Christian teaching are part of village life, providing both spiritual identity and social cohesion.
At the same time, elements of traditional spiritual beliefs connected to the natural world, ancestors, and customary practices continue to influence how some community members understand spiritual realities. These traditional influences may coexist with Christian forms of worship rather than being entirely replaced, resulting in a mixed spiritual landscape.
Scripture translation into the Tutuba language has started but is not yet complete, and a full Bible is not yet available in their language. This limits direct engagement with the entire message of God's Word in the language used within the community.
The Seke Tutuba need clear and faithful teaching of the gospel that fosters genuine, personal faith in Jesus Christ rather than cultural or mixed religious adherence. Deeper discipleship rooted in Scripture is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.
A significant need is Bible translation and distribution in the Tutuba language. With translation work begun but no complete Bible available, access to the full counsel of God's Word remains limited in the language the community uses in daily life.
There is also a need for faithful local leaders who are grounded in Scripture and equipped to teach, disciple, and guide others toward a mature biblical faith.
Practical challenges also affect daily life. Limited access to healthcare, education, and reliable transportation can hinder both physical well?being and opportunities for community development and sustained discipleship.
Pray that the Seke Tutuba would come to a clear and saving faith in Jesus Christ, firmly grounded in Scripture rather than cultural or mixed belief systems.
Pray for continued Bible translation and Scripture access in the Tutuba language so that God's Word becomes fully available and understandable to the community.
Pray for the raising up of faithful, Scripture?centered leaders who can teach, disciple, and shepherd others with wisdom and compassion.
Pray that traditional spiritual influences would be replaced with a deep trust in Christ and the truth of God's word.
Pray for improved access to healthcare, education, and transportation that supports everyday life and community growth.
Pray that the gospel would spread throughout households and villages, bringing lasting transformation among the Seke Tutuba.
Scripture Prayers for the Tutuba in Vanuatu.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
