Maninka, Sankaran in Guinea

People Name:	Maninka, Sankaran
Country:	Guinea
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	122,000
World Population:	122,000
Primary Language:	Maninka, Sankaran
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.01 %
Evangelicals:	0.01 %
Scripture:	Portions
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Manding
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Sankaran are one of the Maninka groups in Guinea. The Maninka are an oral people (75 percent non-literate) and have proved resistant to the gospel message.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They have a system of occupational castes, the most important of which are the musicians and blacksmiths, who are set apart in society and revered. When a singer dies, it's as if a library has been burned because he carries with him the oral tradition of the people. Blacksmiths are believed to have special magical powers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

While they are an Islamic people, many practice ancestor worship. Their faith are in ancestral spirits rather than the King of kings.

What Are Their Needs?

There are a few Christian groups in Guinea. Pray that Christians from at least one of these groups will be given a heart and burden to share the story of Christ with the Sankaran Maninka.

Prayer Points

There may be a few followers of Jesus within this group. Pray their faith will be protected, and that they will somehow be instructed in their walk with Christ.
Pray for a rising literacy rate among this tribe, especially for the young people.
Pray parents will understand the importance of a good education for their children.