“The LORD reigns, let the islands be glad!”
The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. (Psalm 97:1,NIV)
The Federated States of Micronesia
》 Country Profile
Continent | Oceania
Population | 101,000
Area | 702㎢ , Consists of four main island states in the western Pacific Ocean: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, and a total of 607 islands.
Capital City｜Palikir (7,000 people)
People Groups | Total 25 groups: Micronesians (Chuukese 38.6%, Pohnpeians 20.2%, Yapese 6.2%) 96%, English-speaking Micronesians 1.6%, Americans 1.1%
Unreached People Groups | 1 Group (800 Japanese)
Official Language(s) | English
Total Languages | 24
Bible Translations | Complete 9, New Testament 4
Religion | Christianity 95.4% (Protestant 47%, Catholic 43%), Ethnic religion 2.3%, Non-religious 1%, Evangelical 22.8% (23,000 people)
》 About The Federated States of Micronesia
The four states of the Federated States of Micronesia have been inhabited since ancient times, each developing its own distinct languages, cultures, and traditions under local chiefs or kings. In 1525, a Portuguese explorer visited for the first time, and during the 16th century, European traders, whalers, and missionaries, particularly from Spain, began arriving. Spain controlled parts of Micronesia until 1899, when it sold its rights to Germany after losing the Spanish American War. During World War I, Japan took control of the islands and many Japanese settlers moved in. By that time, the indigenous population was around 40,000, while Japanese residents numbered about 100,000. Local people were mainly engaged in sugar cane farming, mining, fishing, and agriculture. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Micronesia fell under U.S. trusteeship in 1947. In 1978, a referendum on a constitution to form a Micronesian federation alongside the Marshall Islands and Palau was held, but the latter two chose independence. A self-governing government for Micronesia was established in 1979, and the Federated States of Micronesia was born. Wesley Simina has been serving a four-year term as president since May 2023.
Economically, most residents work in agriculture and fishing, but mineral resources are scarce except for phosphate, and tourism development is limited due to geography and lack of infrastructure. A key concern is the looming end of U.S. financial support after 2023, which threatens economic stability and could lead to high unemployment, overfishing, and dependency on foreign aid.
The Federated States of Micronesia’s GDP per capita is approximately $4,166.
》 Scripture Focus
| Psalm 97:1-7(NIV) 1 The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. 2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3 Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. 4 His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. 5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory. 7 All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols—worship him, all you gods! |
》 Prayer Point
1. The Federated States of Micronesia still practice traditional rituals and use a narcotic drink called “sakau” as part of their culture. Influenced by Western materialism, many people are also choosing to immigrate to the United States. About 47% of the population are Protestants, which is the result of centuries of missionary work by the U.S. Congregational Church and the German Liebenzell Mission. Two Bible colleges and Pacific Islands University are training disciples through Scripture. Missionary organizations such as Pacific Missionary Aviation and Pacific Mission Fellowship are engaged in ministries including aviation missions, the Sea Haven medical ship, orphanages, and FM radio stations. Let us pray that churches and mission groups boldly proclaim that the Lord is sovereign over Micronesia and preach the gospel faithfully. Let us pray that this land will turn from vain idols and become a place where only the living God is worshiped.
Northern Mariana Islands
》 Country Profile
Continent | Oceania
Population | 56,000
Area | 464㎢ , Consists of 14 volcanic islands in the western Pacific Ocean.
Capital City｜Saipan (51,000 people)
People Groups | Total 11 groups: Pacific Islanders (Chamorro 37.5%, Carolinians 3.9%, Palauans 2.5%) 45%, Asians (Chinese 19.6%, Filipinos 19.6%, Koreans 3.6%) 44%, Americans 11%
Unreached People Groups | 1 group (Japanese, 900 people)
Official Language(s) | English, Chamorro
Total Languages | 11
Bible Translations | Completed 5, New Testament 2
Religion | Christianity 75.4% (Protestant 18%, Catholic 49%), Non-religious 8.8%, Buddhism 7.4%, Ethnic religion 7.2%, Others 1.2%, Evangelical 16.9% (8,600 people)
》 About The Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands were discovered by Magellan in 1521. Spain took control in 1565 and officially colonized the Marianas in 1668 with Guam as the administrative center. Spanish oppression, combined with disease and intermittent warfare, reduced the indigenous Chamorro population by about 90% in the 1700s. Spain forcibly relocated Chamorros from the Northern Marianas to Guam, preventing their return. In 1899, Spain sold the islands to Germany. After World War I, Japan took control, focused on sugar production and brought in thousands of Japanese laborers, eventually outnumbering the indigenous population. In 1944, during World War II, the United States took control, the islands became a major US air base. In 1978, a self-governing Commonwealth was established under US sovereignty, and in 2023, Governor Arnold Palacios began his four-year term.
Economically, tourism has driven growth. In 2016, real GDP jumped by 28.6%, fueled by casino development and Asian tourists—especially from China and Korea. Casino gambling expanded from small islands like Tinian and Rota to the main hub of Saipan. Over a quarter of the government’s budget in 2016—about 25%—came from US federal aid, which supported economic stability. Agriculture is small-scale, with ranches and family farms producing coconuts, breadfruit, tomatoes, and melons. Upland cattle ranches on Tinian supply beef locally and to nearby regions. The Northern Mariana Islands’ GDP per capita is approximately $24,500.
》 Prayer Points
1. About 37% of the Northern Mariana Islands’ population are indigenous Chamorro people. While most identify as Catholic, traditional animistic beliefs are often interwoven with their faith. The New Testament has been translated into the Chamorro language, but further Bible translation work is still needed. There are also more than 20 Asian churches, made up of Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and other communities. These churches have many opportunities to share the gospel with Chinese migrant workers, as well as with visitors from Japan and Taiwan. Let us pray that the gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the righteousness of God, is boldly proclaimed in the Northern Mariana Islands and that His glory shines over the land. Let us pray that, by the power of our holy God, the people turn away from sin and worthless idols and come to worship and serve the one true God.
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