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Wala NT

Wala 1

The Wala people live as fishermen along the coasts and on man-made islands in Langa Langa Lagoon of the coast of Malaita Island in the Solomon Islands. Though most of the Wala people are affiliated with a Christian denomination, many retain their animistic worldviews. The Wala people look to the spirits of their ancestors for guidance in their daily lives and take careful measures to appease them. The Wala are known for their worship of sharks, which they pacify through ritual feedings.

Wala 2

In 2002, Matthew Wale, a a college educated Wala man, heard about a Bible translation in a related language and expressed interest in translating the Bible into the Wala language. On his own initiative, with the guidance of SIL consultants, he has translated most of the New Testament. A translation committee was formed by the leaders of the community with members from representative churches of the community to help test the translation. Since then, they have received positive feedback from both the community and local church denominations. Through the translation of the New Testament, the Wala people will understand the power of Christ and the freedom they can find solely in Him.

News from the Field
  • Jun17

    Wala of the Solomon Islands

    Though most of the Wala people are affiliated with a Christian denomination, many retain their animistic worldviews. The Wala people look to the spirits of their ancestors for guidance in their daily lives and take careful measures to appease them. The Wala are known for their worship of sharks, which they pacify through ritual feedings.

    In 2002, Matthew , a college educated Wala man, heard about a Bible translation in a related language and expressed interest in translating the Bible into the Wala language. On his own initiative, with the guidance of SIL consultants, he has translated most of the New Testament. A translation committee was formed by the leaders of the community with members from representative churches of the community to help test the translation.

    Today, the New Testament is available in the Wala language for the first time thanks to the joint effort of the Wala people and Seed Company partners!

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  • Jan10

    Daily Prayer: the Wala-speaking people of the Solomon Islands

    Pray with us for the Wala people.

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