Onank, Northern Watut in Papua New Guinea

People Name:	Onank, Northern Watut
Country:	Papua New Guinea
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	1,400
World Population:	1,400
Primary Language:	Kodut, North
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	90.00 %
Evangelicals:	22.00 %
Scripture:	Translation Needed
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	New Guinea
Affinity Bloc:	Pacific Islanders
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The North Watut people were once located in the mountains but moved closer to the Watut River in the 1960s. They now live in villages in the flat areas that border the Watut River, and in the Morum village located in the mountains to the west.
The North Watut language is used by all generations. They also speak Tok Pisin and some English. The North Watut village of Uruf encourages the use of the vernacular in the village primary school. The Lutheran church in Uruf uses the North Watut language in singing, prayer and announcements. Tok Pisin is used exclusively for Bible readings, teaching and liturgy.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their transport is mainly by foot or by motorized dug-out canoes along the Watut River.
Landowners in Middle Watut and South Watut regularly pan for gold in the Watut River, and travel through the North Watut area to Lae or Bulolo to sell their gold for cash. The North Watut people have established a market at the Mafanzo village alongside the river. The Mafanzo market is popular with other valley residents en route to and from Lae or Bulolo. A number of entrepreneurial residents operate motorized canoes and transport travelers along the Watut River.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The North Watut people are Christian.

What Are Their Needs?

The North Watut community prefers the use of English and Tok Pisin in their school. It can be difficult to grasp concepts in a secondary language.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Bible and the teaching is understood accurately by the North Watut people.
Pray that the church leaders and the people themselves promote the translation of God's word into the North Watut language, making it easier for the people to know God and to follow Jesus.