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:
Radio Outreach
Makhuwa Nahara of Mozambique: In this week’s radio outreach, the team did not try to directly confront the Islamic teaching that the faithful (men) will one day be rewarded by 72 eternal virgins in heaven. Instead, the broadcast explained the beauty of the eternal Jerusalem. That Jesus said in heaven there is no marriage but something better. Following the program, there was a period of quiet from the Muslim listeners. Then one man phoned in and said, “I always wondered why God only gave Adam one wife!” Then different callers began to voice the same doubts they’ve harbored regarding polygamy and a virgin filled heaven. Afterward, a team member said, “Tonight we haven’t offended people, we’ve relieved them of a burden.” Pray please this week as we address another “hot topic” i.e., that in heaven, all nations, tribes and tongues will be present, that Arabic holds no special place. Pray for wisdom, clarity, and openness among listeners—that these conversations would continue to stir thoughtful questions and genuine spiritual hunger.
Staying strong
We praise God that the believers in Namiteka are staying strong. May they be more and more attracted to God every day, loving and obeying Him. Please pray that the teenagers and women would persevere in their faith in the Lord Jesus, in reading the word and prayer. May they grow in knowing the Lord and His will.
