People
Who they are
The Kei are the native inhabitants of the Kei Islands archipelago in Maluku Province, eastern Indonesia. Known locally as the Evav people, they have a rich cultural heritage grounded in strong kinship ties and coastal community life. They speak the Kei language and preserve oral traditions expressed through dances, songs, and respect for the wisdom of elders.
Where they live
1
Country
122K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Indonesia Partially reached
|
100%
|
121.000 |
How they live
Daily life among the Kei revolves around the sea and subsistence farming. Small-scale fishing and the cultivation of cassava, yams, corn, and coconuts provide the villages with their basic livelihood. Society is governed by traditional customary laws known as Larvul Ngabal, which emphasize mutual respect, community honor, and the peaceful resolution of disputes between families and settlements.
What they believe
Most of the population identifies with Christianity, primarily divided between Catholicism and historic Protestantism, and lives alongside Muslim neighbors. In daily practice, however, many ancestral animist customs and fear of territorial spirits still influence decision-making, revealing a spirituality that often combines Christian faith with traditional beliefs.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Kei
Translation started
- Translation started Current stage
- 2 Portions Still ahead
- 3 New Testament Still ahead
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Not available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)55%
Evangelicals10%
Needs
The islands face economic challenges arising from geographic isolation and limited access to advanced healthcare and education. Spiritually, there is an urgent need for discipleship that helps congregations move beyond nominal religious affiliation and their lingering fear of the traditional spirit world.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pelo aprofundamento bíblico e discipulado sólido entre os cristãos kei.
Pela contínua harmonia e paz entre as famílias cristãs e muçulmanas nas ilhas.
Por líderes de igrejas comprometidos com a verdade do evangelho e a capacitação bíblica.
Por iniciativas locais que alcancem corações ainda apegados ao medo de espíritos e ao ocultismo.
Pelo desenvolvimento de recursos e porções bíblicas claras no idioma do dia a dia.
Pray for Kei
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
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