Lenkau in Papua New Guinea

Lenkau
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People Name: Lenkau
Country: Papua New Guinea
10/40 Window: No
Population: 700
World Population: 700
Primary Language: Lenkau
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 90.00 %
Evangelicals: 23.00 %
Scripture: Translation Needed
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: New Guinea
Affinity Bloc: Pacific Islanders
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The people of Lenkau reside on the beautiful but remote Rambutyo Island, in the south east of Manus Province. They share the island with the Penchal and Titan people groups.
The Lenkau people of all generations speak Lenkau as their primary language. Many can also communicate in the languages of their two neighboring people groups, the Titan and Penchal. None of these groups have any scripture in their languages.
Give thanks to God that PNG Bible Translation Association has recently started to work among each of these three groups. The work among the Lenkau is being pioneered by a local pastor. Pray for him!

What Are Their Lives Like?

There is very limited income earning capacity for residents of Rambutyo Island. When presented with the opportunity, Rambutyo islanders can sell fish, coconuts, betelnut and food crops for cash. A more significant source of income are the remittances that educated Manus islanders send home while working abroad.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Even by PNG standards, there is a high percentage of Evangelicals among the Lenkau people.

What Are Their Needs?

The Lenkau people need to find ways to make a good living.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Lenkau people will hunger for God's word and do all they can to support the translation work.
Thank God that there are some audio recordings of scripture in the Lenkau language and pray that the internet will be adequate to allow the people to access those recordings.
Pray for the Lord to direct the Lenkau people into new and better ways to earn a living.

Text Source:   Joshua Project