Pitcairner in Pitcairn Islands

Introduction / History

Pitcairn, a British possession, is the least-populated non-sovereign country in the world. Almost all Pitcairners, in nine families, are descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions. They arrived on Pitcairn in 1790.

Where Are they Located?

All 50 inhabitants live on Pitcairn Island, one of four in the island group, east of French Polynesia in the southeastern Pacific. It can only be reached by boat from French Polynesia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Pitkern, an English creole dialect (with some mixture of Tahitian), is the primary language. Public moral behavior, once strictly regulated, has been relaxed somewhat in recent years. Pitcairners practice subsistence agriculture, with barter, and sustain their economy with the sale of collector stamps, exported honey, and handicrafts to cargo and cruise ships. One of the more isolated populations in the world, there is no airport. The workforce consists of fifteen people.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most are Seventh-Day Adventists, though only a few are regular worshippers.

What Are Their Needs?

In recent years there have been notorious cases of sexual abuse and rape allegations. Six men were convicted of various sexual crimes. Isolation and a small population most likely have created a situation in which community healing is needed. True discipleship to Jesus Christ is necessary to heal this tiny country.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Pitcairn community will find healing and forgiveness for widespread sexual abuse.
Pray that the true Gospel will reach every heart on Pitcairn.
Pray that their isolation will not keep the Pitcairners from finding their own global vision.

Text Source:   Thomas Watch