Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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People Name: | Balanta, Ganja |
Country: | Senegal |
10/40 Window: | Yes |
Population: | 133,000 |
World Population: | 135,100 |
Primary Language: | Balanta-Ganja |
Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
Christian Adherents: | 5.00 % |
Evangelicals: | 0.60 % |
Scripture: | Portions |
Online Audio NT: | No |
Jesus Film: | Yes |
Audio Recordings: | Yes |
People Cluster: | Atlantic |
Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
Progress Level: |
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The Balanta Ganja though mainly in Guinea Bissau are also in Senegal. Balanta means those who resist. They came to live in Southern Senegal in the 1800s. The Balanta speak in Balanta and Kriol.
The Balanta play a type of lute called a Kusunde. Fishing, cultivating and herding cattle is the work they do. They grow crops such as rice and nuts with cashew nuts being their specialty.
The Balanta have a council of elders who make big decisions. A person has to take part in an initiation ceremony to become an elder.
They follow Islam and animism. They believe Allah is far away, so they need help from local spirits.
Like most rural peoples of West Africa, the Balanta need a steady supply of drinkable water. They also need adequate medical care.
Pray that the council of elders come to Jesus Christ and disciple others in his ways.
Pray that God will give Balanta elders dreams and visions leading them to salvation.
Pray for the Lord to give the Balanta people an abundant harvest as proof of his power and goodness.