The Fulani of Niger
The Fulani are a culturally diverse and widely dispersed group across the continent West to East in a band just South of the Sahara desert.
Please pray the Fulani would hear and embrace God’s desire for them: “That you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the LORD and besides Me there is no Savior.” Isaiah 43:10-11.
Population: 20 million
Location and Background: The Fulani are widely dispersed with large populations in Nigeria, Guinea, and Senegal. They are also found in Gambia, Cameroon, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and as far East as Sudan.
They are thought to be an ancient people of West African and North African descent.
Culture: Despite the diversity of culture among the Fulani, they all adhere to a code of conduct called ‘pulaaku’. These moral values can be summarized in four qualities: patience (acceptance of Fate, self-control, discipline), wisdom (intelligence, common sense, prudence, shrewdness), modesty (respect for others, personal responsibility, hospitality) and courage (strength, handwork).
Cattle are highly prized among the Fulani. The decreasing availability of land and drought leads to conflict with their farming neighbors.
The Fulani can be grouped into three types:
- The Nomadic/Pastoralist Mbororo
- The Semi-nomadic
- The settled “Town” Fulani
Religion: Islam. The Fulani were the first group in West Africa to convert to Islam. Fulani clerics are held in high esteem.
Latest Prayer Updates:
Continue watering
We are relocating to another location due to security reasons. Pray for this transition. We praise the Lord for a wonderful relationship we have had with our local partners. Pray for the Evangelist who was brought in a few days ago to work with the local church members. Praise the Lord that they have a plan to continue watering the seeds we have planted in our two locations since we arrived here. Pray for those seeds to grow!
Boldness and Courage
About 18 months ago a group of leaders were imprisoned. Through harsh conditions they stood strong and were released with tacit approval to practice their faith. Then a couple of months ago the body of a local believer, who had been buried the day before, was exhumed by a mob and dragged through town. Following this the believers were warned that they couldn’t be buried in public cemeteries. In response, earlier this month, three locals sent a letter to the governor requesting that they be given land for a private cemetery. What boldness! It’s incredible to see how each new pressure hasn’t forced them down into fear and hiding, but up into even greater courage, stepping further out into the open. Pray for these leaders to remain bold and wise, and be protected from evil men and the Evil One. Pray also for the wider local community, that God would so move hearts that they would come to gladly accept the presence of believers amongst them.
VIDEO FEATURE: Prayer for the Fulani
