Jahanka in Guinea-Bissau

People Name:	Jahanka
Country:	Guinea-Bissau
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	11,000
World Population:	133,100
Primary Language:	Jahanka
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	1.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.30 %
Scripture:	Translation Started
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Manding
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Jahanka are a mysterious people group, including Islamic holy men. As holy men (Muslim clerics) they conduct Islamic worship rituals and provide Koranic teaching in the villages. The Jahanka are very well respected and influential throughout all of West Africa.

Where Are they Located?

They are primarily located in Senegal, Guinea and The Gambia, though a smaller number live in Guinea-Bissau.

What Are Their Lives Like?

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.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Their Muslim tradition avoids the notion of jihad (holy war) in favor of pacifism.

What Are Their Needs?

The Jahanka people need open hearts and the chance to hear that there is but one Savior, the man Jesus Christ, who cannot be replaced by rituals.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Jahanka people in Guinea-Bissau will use their talents and abilities to teach and disciple others in the ways of Jesus Christ.
Pray that the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit will come to them in such a mighty way that they will put aside anything that can get in the way of true righteousness.