Jahanka in Gambia

Jahanka
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2023
GoWestAfrica  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
People Name: Jahanka
Country: Gambia
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 6,200
World Population: 130,600
Primary Language: Jahanka
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.10 %
Evangelicals: 0.05 %
Scripture: Translation Started
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Manding
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction

The Jahanka have been Islamic holy men primarily located in Senegal, Guinea and The Gambia. As holy men (Muslim clerics) they conduct Islamic worship rituals and provide Qur 'anic teaching in the villages. Often the clerics also maintain farms which are cultivated by young boys who receive education in the Qur 'an in exchange for their labor. However, when they lost their slaves in this century, they had to devote more time to farming and less time to religious studies. Their Muslim tradition avoids the notion of jihad (holy war) in favor of pacifism. The Jahanka are very well respected and influential throughout all West Africa.

Ministry Obstacles

Pride in a person's knowledge often is a stumblingblock to simple faith in the finished work of Christ.

Outreach Ideas

Gospel recordings exist in the language of the Jahanka. Pray for workers to take this resource to the people.

Pray for the Followers of Christ

There is an indication there are a few followers of Jesus among the Jahanka. Pray they will be instructed in God's Word, and will grow into mature disciples of Christ.

Pray for the Entire People Group

Pray the religious Jahanka people will increasingly be drawn to Jesus (whom Muslims call Isa al-Masih), and will have a growing desire to find out more about this man. Pray this desire will be satisfied.

Text Source:   Joshua Project