The Bagirmi Fulani are a semi-nomadic people, mixing farming with shepherding. Although some Fulani tribes travel seasonally with their flocks, the Bagirmi have a permanent home they live in for half of the year. They only travel during the dry season, when grazing lands and water are scarce. Many of the men have multiple wives. Since cattle are a symbol of wealth among the Fulani, brides are sometimes chosen because of the amount of cattle their families own. The Fulani were one of the first people groups in Africa to be converted to Islam. Yet they still hold to many old Fulani traditions. The Bagirmi believe that family, cattle, strong morals, beauty, poetry, singing and dancing are some of the most important things in life.
Ministry Obstacles: The Fulani continue to be strongly committed to their current religion and worldview. Change is very difficult.
Scripture Focus: "By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas;"
- Psalm 65:5
Prayer Focus:
Thank the Lord that He is the hope of all the earth and the hope of all nations!
Pray for sufficient rain to support the Fulani livestock and for good yields for their crops.
Reaching the Fulani may take a combination of contact inside and outside of their communities. Pray that outreach would take place within the context of the market as well.
Pray for the handful of Christian believers among the Bagmiri Fulani to depend fully on the finished work of Christ.