Yaben in Papua New Guinea

Yaben
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People Name: Yaben
Country: Papua New Guinea
10/40 Window: No
Population: 2,300
World Population: 2,300
Primary Language: Yaben
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 91.00 %
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

Yaben speakers live about 100 kilometers (60 miles) northwest of Madang, the provincial capital. Yaben is a tonal language, one of eight tonal languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. The language is used for face-to-face communication by all generations, but they have no scripture in their language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Coconut and cocoa are the main cash crops where the Yaben live. They sell betelnut, food crops and livestock for cash. Most likely some Yaben people participate in these activities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A high percentage of the Yaben people identify as Christian. Think how much deeper their faith would be if they had the complete Bible and audio materials!

What Are Their Needs?

Literacy rates are low. Around one in four males and one in five females can read and comprehend.

Prayer Points

Pray for greater education opportunities.
Pray also for an audio version of the scriptures that all Yaben people can access, even if they cannot read.
Ask the Lord of the harvest to compel workers to assist the Yaben people to translate the scriptures into their heart language.
Pray for their economic and physical wellbeing.

Text Source:   Joshua Project