Ngambay in Sudan

Introduction / History

The Ngambays are also commonly called the Saras. Most live in Chad, but they also live in Sudan and Cameroon. Ngambay is also the name of their language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Ngambays are slash-and-burn farmers who grow sorghum and millet. They also fish and raise chickens for their protein. Seldom do they have cattle because sleeping sickness is common in their part of Africa. They don t produce pottery, baskets, and metal goods like their ancestors. The reason is that these goods are now mass-produced and available in the marketplaces.

On a surface level, Ngambay marriages involve a husband providing for his wife, and she, in turn, provides needed work and childbearing. On a deeper level, generosity means power in Ngambay society. Generosity empowers men and women both. Instead of a divorce, a woman starts to plant a separate garden for her own needs.

Ngambays often use curses and witchcraft to avenge someone they think wronged them. For example, they perform divination when someone dies to determine the cause of death. Once they determine who is at fault for the death through a divination ritual, the family of the deceased forms a revenge party.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A little over half of the Ngambays are Christian, but traditional religious practices have a hold on their hearts.

What Are Their Needs?

The Ngambays need a fresh work of the Holy Spirit to take them to where they need to go.

Prayer Points

Pray for a Holy Spirit revival to refresh Ngambay churches, leading them closer to the only savior.
Pray for them to crave truth and have the courage to put all their faith in the one who is the Truth.
Pray that soon they will be discipling those who want a relationship with the savior.

Text Source:   Joshua Project