Penchal in Papua New Guinea
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| People Name: | Penchal |
| Country: | Papua New Guinea |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,600 |
| World Population: | 1,600 |
| Primary Language: | Penchal |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 95.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 18.00 % |
| Scripture: | Translation Started |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | New Guinea |
| Affinity Bloc: | Pacific Islanders |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Penchal people are the largest of three people groups who reside on the beautiful but remote Rambutyo Island, southeast of Manus Island. The Penchal speak their own language as their primary language and can also speak the languages of their neighbors, the Lenkau and Titan.
None of the groups on Rambutyo Island has any scripture. However, give thanks to God that PNG Bible Translation Association (BTA) is starting work among each of the groups. BTA has identified three Penchal believers with a passion for Bible translation. Two had been working to translate the Bible into the Titan language. Commit these plans to the Lord of the harvest. Pray for unity between all those who are involved in translating the scriptures for the Titan, Penchal and Lenkau.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Income opportunities are limited on Rambutyo Island. When the opportunity arises, residents sell fish, betelnut, coconuts or traditional artefacts for some cash. A significant source of income is the money that educated Rambutyo islanders send home while working abroad.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Almost all Penchal people are Christian of some sort. There is a high percentage of Evangelicals among them.
What Are Their Needs?
The Penchal and their neighbors all need adequate Christian resources including a complete Bible and gospel recordings.
Prayer Points
Pray that the Penchal people will hunger for God's word and do all they can to support the translation work.
Ask the Lord of the harvest to guide who works on which translation project, and to raise up strong community support for each project.