Bekworra, Yakoro in Nigeria

People Name:	Bekworra, Yakoro
Country:	Nigeria
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	208,000
World Population:	208,000
Primary Language:	Bekwarra
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	30.00 %
Evangelicals:	12.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Benue
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Bekwarra people are farmers, who grow various kinds of yams, bananas, maize, cocoa, rubber trees and coconut palms. Their Cross River State in southeastern Nigeria was created in 1967, and it shares its eastern border with Cameroon.

Although there are more than 648 primary schools and 145 upper grade schools in the state, literacy among the Bekwarra is low. Another challenge is these villagers have very limited access to adequate health care facilities.

The Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Assemblies of God and other Protestant groups have a long history in the Bekwarra community. However, many church-goers still practice African traditional religion, which reveres ancestors and offers sacrifices to spirits. Many people here are nominal Christians, because they don't understand what the Bible really teaches.

What Are Their Beliefs?

While the New Testament was translated in 1983, it is not used well. Work is underway to translate the whole Bible. Having the whole Bible will provide them with a foundation for the teachings of Christ, the cultural examples used and many of the unexplained and little understood references and activities in the New Testament—such as references to "the Law", "the priests", "the prophets". Villagers and translators alike are excited that within the communities, literacy efforts have already begun. The team anticipates expansion of this program, in cooperation with government educational authorities.