Introduction / History

The Bahavu are located in the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the region between River Ulindi and the Lake Kivu region (Peuple Havu, 2020). Idjwi island, a beautiful island in the middle of Lake Kivu, is known as the main place the Bahavu live. Another considerable number Bahavu live in cities and provinces near Lake Kivu, especially in the territory of Kalehe in the Sud-Kivu province. Several other Bahavu live in the Congolese diaspora around the world.

Where Are they Located?

Because of the fact that they are located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Bahavu have been strongly influenced by Catholicism. There are, however, several Protestant denominations present on Idjwi island where a good number of the Bahavu life. Despite these influences, there are still Bahavu who practice ancestral worship and some forms of animism. The beliefs of the Bahavu will hopefully be transformed with the introduction of the Bible in the Havu language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Because of the fact that they are located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Bahavu have been strongly influenced by Catholicism. There are, however, several Protestant denominations present on Idjwi island where a good number of the Bahavu life. Despite these influences, there are still Bahavu who practice ancestral worship and some forms of animism. The beliefs of the Bahavu will hopefully be transformed with the introduction of the Bible in the Havu language.

What Are Their Needs?

Although socio-economic needs abound amongst the Bahavu, the greatest need remains the knowledge of Christ and access to the Word of God in a language that each Muhavu understands. As of 2023, there already exists a translation of the Book of Luke (Peuple Havu, 2020), but it still needs broader publication, greater distribution, adoption, and utilization by the Havu speakers.

Beyond that, there are serious needs in medical, educational, and infrastructure areas.

Prayer Items

Please pray that the entirety of the Word of God would be fully translated in the Havu language and that the Bahavu would adopt the translated Word and engage with it in faith.

Scripture Prayers for the Havu in Congo, Democratic Republic of.

References

Peuple Havu. (2020, June 12). Havu. https://www.kihavu.com/fr/lire/peuple-havu