The Makhuwa Nahara of Mozambique
Scripture: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Pray the Nahara would hear this good news and believe.
Population: 323,000
Location: Northern coastal Mozambique
History: Arab influence a century ago
Culture: The Nahara are a subgroup of the Makhuwa, which is the largest ethnic group in Mozambique comprising 40% of the population. They are fishermen. Modern education is not valued and illiteracy is very high.
Religion: Folk Islam and ancestor worship
Latest Prayer Updates:
Translation Work in Exodus
Makhuwa Nahara of Mozambique: Our oral translation team has recently completed translating The Song of Moses as part of a larger translation project of the book of Exodus. The team is preparing for the much larger task of translating the entire New Testament orally. Two Gospels have been completed. Work of this kingdom significance rarely goes uncontested, and this season was no exception. The team pressed through a regional fuel shortage, a serious illness among one of their young children, and personal burdens carried by their leader for his son’s difficulties at college. Yet the Lord sustained them through it all. Fuel was provided, the child recovered, the son is working hard, and the translation was completed — described by the team as one of the richest and most meaningful passages they have worked on. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness! Pray for continued protection, endurance and spiritual insights for the Translators. Pray that the translated Word will be faithful and clear — carrying the full weight of its meaning. Pray that those who have never encountered the Word of God might hear it spoken in their own tongue, receive it with gladness, and be saved.
Openness and Hope
Makhuwa Nahara of Mozambique: The hardship in this community is especially visible among young people striving to make a living in small market stalls, selling basic goods to get by each day. Simple acts of connection—speaking in the local language and spending time with them—bring genuine encouragement and open doors for deeper conversations. There is a growing openness to engaging with Scripture, especially through audio resources, and many are drawn to the message of hope they are hearing. Please pray that this hunger would continue to grow, and that the truth of the gospel would take root in hearts, pointing many toward the lasting hope found in Jesus. Pray also for the ongoing work of making Scripture available in the local language, particularly through audio recordings, which has faced recent challenges. Ask for clarity, unity, and strength for the team as they continue this work, and for every obstacle to be overcome so that more people can hear and respond to God’s Word. May the hope of Christ shine brightly and reach many in this community.
