The Solomon Islands are volcanic islands near Papau New Guinea. With over 76 ethno-linguigistic peoples, the islands do not have much of a national identity, but rather ethnicity dominates their identity and government. They also have a unique gene for blonde hair among dark-skinned people. They have been independent from Britain since 1978, but had a civil war after that which led to a downward economy and displacement of up to 30,000.
The islands are predominantly Christian and have had a history of revivals over the last 100 years. The churches and Christian ministries played an important role in trying to keep the peace during the civil war and within the government. Significant progress has been made on Bible translations, but they need more. Only three languages among the 76 ethnicities have the entire Bible. The Bible in Solomons Pijim, the most widely used language, was just completed in 2008, and the New Testament recently completed in other languages. Pray that they will be able to continue translating the Bible to all 50+ languages still needed.
