Kyanga in Nigeria

Kyanga in Nigeria

There are four subgroups of Kyanga, the people who can be identified by their different facial scars. Many of them are bilingual. They speak their own language, Kyanga, along with the dominant Hausa language. Animism is the belief that everyday inanimate objects, places and animals contain a distinct spiritual essence or form. In the last 70 years Islam has become the main religious affiliation of the Kyanga people, though animism lies beneath the surface of their form of Islam.

Ministry Obstacles

Northwestern Nigeria is heavily populated by Islamists, so reaching the Kyanga people can be difficult because of heavy resistance by Muslims who falsely believe that embracing Christ means rejecting their own people.

Outreach Ideas

Because of the prevalent Muslim environment, medical care centers could be a good way to build bridges of love. Followers of Christ with medical skills can offer their services to Kyanga people.

Scripture Focus

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him."  Lamentations 3:21-24

Scripture Prayer

Pray that soon members of today’s people group will embrace the love and compassion of the Lord. Pray that they become part of His portion.

Prayer Focus

Pray that the few believers would be spiritually comforted in a dark and lonely world. Pray that their spirits would be lit afire for the gospel and they would be willing to lose their lives for the sake of Christ. Pray that the Lord would send workers into the harvest field to help build his Church and begin a church planting movement among the Kyanga people. Pray that the Lord would convict the souls of the Kyanga Imams (elders/teachers) so that they embrace the Savior and encourage others to do the same.