The Bara of Madagascar
The Bara live in the grasslands of south-central Madagascar, which is not easily accessible by car. They are traditionally a cattle people, although that is changing with the discovery of sapphires in their area. They believe in a god who is distant, and they depend on their ancestors for blessing. They have a complex system of rituals, taboos, and practices which play a key role in their lives.
The whole Bara way of life is changing rapidly due to the unrest caused by the cattle thieves in the area. Although Bara culture revolves around cattle, many Bara can no longer keep livestock as the risk is too great and they are moving towards farming. Pray that the local church would use this opportunity to reach out and help the Bara adapt to these changes and that the Bara lifestyle would not only be changed but their hearts as well. Pray the Bara would open wide their hearts.
Population: 750,000
Location and Background: The Malagasy people, who are a mixed Malayo-Indonesia and African-Arab ancestry, are believed to have migrated to the island between 1500-2100 years ago. The Bara live in the grasslands of south-central Madagascar, and although there are some roads, it is not very accessible by vehicles.
History: While traditionally a cattle people, changes are taking place amongst the Bara due to the discovery of sapphires in their area. It means many other tribal groups have come to their area to dig for gemstones, as well as ex-pats who have set themselves up as exporters. This means the Bara’s traditional way of life is changing and becoming less viable, and they are more open to new ideas and ways of life.
Culture: Possessing cattle is very important to the Bara, and much of their lifestyle revolves around the care and maintenance of their cattle, as well as their rice fields. They have a reputation for cattle-rustling even those it’s little practiced today. The traditional Bara authority structure gives power and respect to theLonaky, who is a family and community leader who has spiritual and material responsibility for the animals, people and general well-being of the village. He may be the village “priest” and give stability and direction to the whole community.
Religion: The Bara believe in Zan͂ahary, the Creator, who is a high and distant figure, and they also fear and worship ancestors—the living dead who can exert influence for good and ill on those still alive. They have a complex system of customs, rituals, taboos and practices which play a key role in their animistic worldview. Keeping harmony between the spiritual and physical worlds is important, and sacrifices and rituals aid in doing so. Much emphasis is given to death and dying, and elaborate rituals have traditionally accompanied burials. The “second burial” which comes some time after the “first burial” is deemed even more important and involves bones being reburied, sacrifices and feasting. Their independence from outsiders, bondage to false gods, and influence of witch doctors are challenges, but there are Bara stories that have parallels which could point them to Christ.
Latest Prayer Updates:
Clean Water and the Love of Christ
Bara of Madagascar: Genesis Project is helping construct a well at a Christian school where 200 children are receiving education and participating in the church’s children’s ministry. When completed, the well will provide the school and children with access to clean water. This is more than a construction project. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ in a tangible way. The Gospel calls us to proclaim Christ, but it also calls us to love and serve people in practical ways. In the village of Z, different churches and organizations are working together to do both. We give thanks to God for Genesis Project and for their willingness to come alongside our ministry in Madagascar.
Please pray: For the successful completion of the well and reliable access to clean water for the children and community. Ask that the teachers, church leaders, and ministry workers would have wisdom and strength to shepherd the hearts of the children in their care. Pray for the children to encounter the love of Christ not only through practical provision but through the Good News being shared with them. Pray for the families in Z, that this ministry would open doors for deeper relationships and Gospel witness. Ask for continued opportunities for churches and organizations to work together in ways that meet practical needs while pointing people to Christ. Pray that the well in this village would provide clean water—and that through this ministry, many would come to know the One who gives living water.
Reaching Remote Villages with the Good News
Bara of Madagascar: Good News is reaching places that are difficult to access in Madagascar, and it is happening through the combined efforts of many people and organizations. Our team’s Jesus Film ministry is one example. Jesus Film Project provides the film. GNPI provides projectors. Local churches help provide fuel. MVI provides motorcycles that enable ministry teams to travel into remote villages. Each partner has a different role, but the purpose is the same: to make Jesus known among people who may have little or no opportunity to hear the Gospel. What we could not accomplish alone becomes possible when God’s people partner together.
Please pray: for open doors as teams travel to remote villages and communities, for hearts to be prepared to hear and respond to the Gospel as the Jesus Film is shown. Pray for the local churches involved in this ministry, that they would be strengthened and equipped to follow up with those who respond. Ask for provision and protection for the teams, motorcycles, equipment, fuel, and other resources needed to reach difficult places. Pray for lasting fruit—that people who hear the Gospel would become disciples and that new churches would be established among communities with little or no Gospel witness. Ask that the Good News would continue to cross every barrier and reach those who have yet to hear.
