Introduction / History

The Mosin are indigenous to Vanua Lava Island, one of the Banks Islands that are located in the northern part of Vanuatu. Vanua Lava Island is small, measuring about 25 km north-south and 20 km east-west.

An active volcano, Mt Seretimiat, overshadows the center of the island. Its last major eruption was in 1965. There are five people groups indigenous to the island, all of which are located in different corners, as far from the volcano as possible. Given the dimensions of the island, the volcano is only around 12 kilometers (seven miles) from the coast in any direction. The Mosin live on the southern tip of the island.

Tropical cyclones frequent the waters of Vanuatu from the beginning of November through to the end of April.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The main exports of Vanua Lava Island are copra and cocoa. Tourism is another important source of income for the island. The COVID-19 pandemic severely damaged the tourism industry, but tourism is now recovering.

Mosins of all generations still speak their traditional language, called Vures. Vures is the language spoken at home. Almost everybody also speaks Bislama, one of the national languages of Vanuatu. Bislama is used in church and conversations with other people groups. Some Mosin people also speak French and English.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all Mosins identify as Christian. Christianity is the dominant religion of Vanuatu, but without God’s word in their language, many struggle to understand the gospel of grace and continue to strive to appease traditional spirits.

What Are Their Needs?

There is no Scripture in the Vures language, even though almost all identify as Christians. On the entire island, there is only one people group who have some published portions of the Bible – the Mwotlap people. The Mwotlap people live on the far northern tip of Vanua Lava and the neighboring Mota Lava Island, a long way from the Mosin.

Prayer Items

Pray to the Lord of the Harvest to thrust out the workers and provide the resources needed to bring his word to the Mosin people in their language.
Pray for the material well-being of the Mosins.
Pray for the protection of the people of Vanua Lava Island from all natural disasters.
Ask God to strengthen the faith of the Mosin who follow Jesus Christ, and that they continue to become more like Christ.
Pray for unity between all believers, no matter what church they are part of and no matter which language they speak. May God be glorified in the oneness of his people.
Pray that the believers are effective in sharing the love and the good news of Jesus Christ at every opportunity, and for the multiplication of followers of Jesus across the island and beyond.

Scripture Prayers for the Mosin in Vanuatu.