The San of Namibia

Praise the Lord! On a recent survey in Namibia, we found two alive San churches, men and women praising the Lord in their beautiful clicking language! Praise the Lord that the gospel is spreading amongst the San. We hear stories from Botswana, that San are gathering to pray. The Lord is majestic in holiness, awesome in glory and working wonders!
Pray many more San would believe Jesus, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26

Population: 90,000

Location and Background: The term San is commonly used by scholars to refer to a diverse group of migratory hunter-gathers living in southern Africa who share historical and linguistic connections. This same group of people was formerly referred to as “Bushmen,” but this term has since been abandoned because of its negative connotations.

History: It is believed that San have lived in the area of the Kalahari   desert for thousands of years and may be the first humans to have occupied this region. San rock paintings are among the oldest forms of art found on the African continent. There are numerous subgroups of San who live in small groups among their sedentary Bantu neighbors. They speak numerous dialects of a group of languages (Khoisan) known for the characteristic “clicks” that can be heard in their pronunciation.

Culture: San are generally defined as a hunter-gathers. As such, they live in small family groups and move about the land in search of food sources as well as water. In recent years, many San have begun to settle into larger groups around water sources, and many have also settled into the communities of their neighbors. In a hunting and gathering society, the women are usually responsible for procuring most of the food, collecting nuts and berries and digging for roots. The San have vast knowledge of flora and fauna and have a reputation as skilled trackers and hunters. Surviving for thousands of years in the Kalahari, San peoples have had to develop a keen awareness of their surroundings and have learned to benefit from a seemingly harsh and dry environment.

Religion: The San religions generally observe the supremacy of one powerful god, while at the same time recognizing the presence of lesser gods, and respecting the spirits of the dead. Among some San it is believed that tilling the soil is contrary to the world order established by the god. Some groups also revere the moon. San peoples have extensive oral traditions, and many of their tales incorporate stories about the gods that serve to educate listeners about what is considered moral San behavior. Of prime importance in all San groups is a ritual dance that serves to heal the community, harnessing a power which causes a trance and can be used to heal both physical and psychological illnesses.

Learn more about the San at http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_bushmen.html

Latest Prayer Updates:

San moving forward

Through an intense push by the Dutch Reformed Church, many Ju//aonsi pastors and elders are getting trained and supported to reach the extensive network of remote villages in north eastern Namibia.
Also the Kwhe and !Kung have seen a growth in the church recently. Please keep praying for these small (<50,000) people clusters, spread out over large expanses, to become rooted in Scripture and intentionally sharing their faith.

“Explorers arrive in Namibia!”

Praise the Lord that a group of African missionaries from Zambia were able to participate in an exploration of ministries in Namibia. This is an encouraging answer to prayers for more harvesters, so please pray that these faithful men would be led by the Holy Spirit to work amongst the San, both to evangelize and to nurture the growth of San believers there. Also continue to pray for the translation work, that many more Bible stories would be effectively translated, distributed and shared across San land.

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