Introduction / History

The Warkay-Bipim people speak the Warkay-Bipim (Bipim) language, which is a Papuan language classified in the Trans-New-Guinea family (Fly River/Anim ? Marind–Yaqay branch).
Historically, the Warkay-Bipim have lived in very remote inland areas of South Papua (reported in sources as Assue District, Mappi Regency), and their geographic isolation has contributed to the language's small speaker base and limited outside contact.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Warkay-Bipim communities live in inland forest and riverine environments where subsistence activities such as hunting, gathering and garden cultivation form the core of daily life.
Limited road and service infrastructure in the region make travel and access to markets, education and health care difficult, which reinforces a lifestyle centered on local resources and customary social structures.
Linguistic shift pressures are present because younger people increasingly use regional lingua francas (Papuan Malay/Indonesian) for wider communication, putting the mother-tongue at risk without active maintenance.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary religious identification reported for the Warkay-Bipim in mission and people-group databases is "Ethnic/Animist" or "Ethnic religions," indicating that traditional belief systems and ancestral/animist cosmology remain dominant.
Some Christian presence has been recorded in recent surveys, but evangelical penetration is still minimal relative to the total population.

What Are Their Needs?

Careful documentation and language development work is required so that Bipim can be recorded, taught, and used in domains that will encourage transmission to younger generations. Practical, culturally appropriate access to education and basic health services would strengthen family resilience and reduce vulnerabilities caused by isolation. Spiritually sensitive ministry performed by workers who understand both the Bipim language and customary worldview would help bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and the gospel in ways that build lasting relationships.

Prayer Items

Pray that the Warkay-Bipim would encounter the truth of the gospel in ways that make sense within their worldview and lead many to faith in Jesus.
Pray for linguists and local language workers to be raised up who can create Scripture portions, oral Bible stories, and discipleship resources in the Bipim language so the message is heard in the heart tongue.
Pray for long-term, patient workers—especially indigenous Papuan believers—who will build trustful relationships and disciple new believers toward healthy, growing congregations.
Pray for protection and spiritual clarity for Warkay-Bipim families as outside influences (logging, migration, and cultural change) increase, that such changes would not erode hope but would open doors for the gospel.
Pray that soon Warkay-Bipim disciples will make more disciples.

Scripture Prayers for the Warkay-Bipim in Indonesia.

References

Ethnologue — Warkay-Bipim (bgv) language entry.
Wikipedia — Bipim / Warkay-Bipim language.
PeopleGroups.org — Warkay-Bipim overview.
Global Recordings / Mission audio resources (Bipim language materials).