Introduction / History

The Anyang people live in the rain forest of southwestern Cameroon near the Nigerian border. The language of the Anyang is called Denya.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They generally live in mud brick houses with thatch roofs and their ethnic foods include Eru, a green vegetable that grows wild in the rain forest, and mango seeds, from which they make a marketable soup. They regularly do business with groups around them such as the Ejagham and Kenyam. Some conduct business in Nigeria.

Because of the heavy rains the roads cannot be used by motorized traffic. It is not uncommon for the Anyang to walk everywhere, even hours, to their destination! They also walk to their fields, as most Anyang are farmers. They make sturdy wooden baskets to wear on their backs to carry the fruits or vegetables they harvest from their fields or from the vast tropical forest that surrounds their land.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Anyang come from a history of traditional animistic beliefs but have recently been exposed to the truth of God's word through evangelism and Bible translation. Most are now Christians, and there is a strong evangelical presence among them.

What Are Their Needs?

The Anyang people have many needs. Their neighbors generally look down upon them. They have few means of income and the younger generations are losing satisfaction with living the agricultural lifestyle. Most children do not continue their education after the sixth grade due to economic hardship and therefore lose the means to better their lifestyle. The Anyang need educational programs, economic resources and momentum, Bible teaching and discipleship to develop Anyang Christian leaders, and a new hope for the future.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord to provide for their educational and spiritual needs.
Pray for receptiveness to the scriptures that have already been translated. So far, they have the New Testament.
Pray for pastors and disciplers to spread the ways of Jesus Christ to every family.
Pray for the Christians to remain strong.
Pray for wisdom for Christians in relating to traditional leaders and communities so as not to offend.

Scripture Prayers for the Denya, Anyang in Cameroon.

References

Anonymous