Nabak in Papua New Guinea
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| People Name: | Nabak |
| Country: | Papua New Guinea |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 43,000 |
| World Population: | 43,000 |
| Primary Language: | Nabak |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 90.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 34.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | No |
| People Cluster: | New Guinea |
| Affinity Bloc: | Pacific Islanders |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Nabak are an indigenous people of the Huon Peninsula in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea, known by their traditional name Nabak or Naba and speaking the Nabak language, a Papuan language of the Trans-New Guinea family still actively used in village life and steadily developing in written form.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Nabak people live in rural communities where subsistence farming, gardening and exchange relationships shape daily life. They grow staple crops like sweet potatoes, taro and greens, and food is often shared in community gatherings. Social exchanges include traditional customs such as knot-tying for marking gifts or feasts, reflecting deep relational values. Family and clan ties are strong, and celebrations center around harvests, feasts, and important life events. Traditional culture remains woven with everyday work and community rhythms.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Nabak identify as Christian, with local churches expressing this faith in ways shaped by community and tradition. Christian teaching has been present for decades, and the New Testament has been translated into Nabak, where believers often understand biblical covenant in culturally meaningful ways, such as through the symbol of the knot representing God's covenant of reconciliation through Christ's blood.
What Are Their Needs?
The Nabak people continue to grow in their understanding of Jesus Christ and to integrate Scripture with their cultural worldview, needing ongoing discipleship and encouragement to be active in mission beyond their villages. Because literature and recordings in the Nabak language are still limited, many would benefit from resources that deepen their understanding of God's word in their heart language. Physical needs include sustainable access to education and community development that affirms dignity and opportunity.
Prayer Points
Pray for peace and reconciliation to continue within families and communities, and for opportunities that bring health, education and hope to every village.
Pray for continued spiritual growth among believers, that Nabak Christians will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be bold witnesses for Jesus.
Pray for more Scripture resources and discipleship tools in the Nabak language.