Introduction / History

The Kalemse, also known as the Samo, are principally found in Burkina Faso's northwest region, though there are some Kalemse villages in Mali.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The region they live in is one of the country's driest, with less than 700 mm or 28 inches of rainfall per year. This amount is barely adequate for raising the group's staple crop, millet. To make matters worse, rainy seasons since the 1970s have been less and less reliable, resulting in very poor harvests in certain years. As much as their means allow, the Kalemse raise livestock to help meet their needs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though there are Christians among the Kalemse, most remain with their traditional religions. They look to the spirit world for answers to their many problems.

What Are Their Needs?

In other respects as well, life is difficult for the Kalemse. In the area of health care, they face many challenges - the lack of clinics in the region, malnutrition, impure water, and tropical diseases. In education, too, work is still to be done. There are only three primary schools serving the area, all having started in 1983. Very few Kalemse are able to attend junior school and high school.

Prayer Items

Pray for wells, schools and medical clinics for the Kalemse people.
Pray for adequate staffing of the few medical clinics and schools in Burkina Faso.
Pray for them to have the gift of faith that Jesus Christ is the one who can help them with their practical needs.
Pray that soon Kalemse disciples will be making more disciples in Burkina Faso.

Scripture Prayers for the Samo, Kalemse in Burkina Faso.

References

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