Maring, Yoadabe-Watoare in Papua New Guinea

Introduction / History

The Maring, also referred to by the name Yoadabe-Watoare, are an indigenous people of Papua New Guinea whose communities are found across parts of the Western Highlands Province and Madang Province. Their traditional territory spans rugged highland terrain along the Bismarck Mountain Range and adjacent valleys, where villages are dispersed but connected through language and shared heritage. The Maring language belongs to the Trans-New Guinea family's Chimbu-Wahgi branch and includes several dialects that are mutually intelligible.

Anthropological study of the Maring has shown how traditional social organization and agricultural systems are woven into cultural practices. Researchers have noted the role of gardens, pig husbandry, and ritual exchanges in shaping community life and interaction.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Maring communities are predominantly rural and oriented around subsistence agriculture. Families cultivate garden crops such as sweet potatoes, taro, bananas, and other staples suited to highland climates, and they raise pigs, which historically have played both economic and social roles in village life. Hunting, gathering, and small-scale trading with neighboring groups also contribute to household needs.

Extended family networks and clan groupings help knit together social life. Elders and experienced community members guide decisions and help preserve the customs, stories, and skills that define Maring life. Villages may cluster around shared communal areas where gatherings, music, and traditional expressions reinforce identity.

The Maring language remains central to everyday life, carrying cultural memory, oral histories, and interpersonal communication. Many people also use Tok Pisin, a widespread trade language, when interacting with neighbors from other language groups.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Christianity is the primary religion among the Maring, and churches are present in many of their communities. Worship services, prayer gatherings, and fellowship occasions provide spaces for believers to gather, hear Christian teaching, and encourage one another. Surveys of religious affiliation show that a large majority of Maring identify with Christian faith.

Scripture portions have been made available in the Maring language, allowing people to hear and read parts of the Bible in their heart language. Access to these portions of Scripture supports personal devotion and community teaching, though a complete Bible has not yet been fully translated into Maring. Some put more faith in local spirits than they do in the God of the Bible, which is a spiritual need.

What Are Their Needs?

Although Christian faith is widely present among the Maring, continued discipleship and biblical teaching remain important needs. Local church leaders benefit from ongoing training and resources that help them teach scripture clearly and guide believers in applying biblical truth to daily life.

Access to additional Scripture materials in the Maring language — including audio recordings, study resources, and teaching aids — would support deeper engagement with God's Word among families and congregations. These tools help both new believers and long-time followers of Christ grow in spiritual maturity.

There is also opportunity to strengthen connections between churches and neighboring communities, encouraging mutual support and a shared witness to the love of Christ across the region.

Prayer Points

Pray that Maring believers will grow in a deep understanding of scripture and in an authentic walk with Jesus Christ.
Pray for pastors, teachers, and church leaders who will guide their communities with wisdom, humility, and a firm grasp of biblical truth.
Pray that Scripture portions in the Maring language will be widely read, understood, and applied in family life and church settings.
Pray for strong spiritual growth and unity within Maring churches, and a growing vision to share the gospel with neighboring peoples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project