Saramaccan in Suriname

The Saramaccan fought hard for their land rights and, in 2007, the Inter-American Court for Human Rights ruled to support land rights for them. This moment serves as an inspiration to indigenous people all over the world who fight the same fight. The Saramaccan, descended from African slaves who escaped in the 17th and 18th centuries, speak Saramaccan, a mix of West African languages, English and Portuguese. Many Saramaccan live along rivers, which they use for drinking water, fishing and transportation. Because of Suriname's civil war in the 1980s and 1990s, many Saramaccan fled to neighboring French Guyana.

Ministry Obstacles

Ancestors, forest spirits and snake gods play roles in Saramaccan culture. These gods and spirits influence decisions regarding practical things, such as how to deal with theft and where to plant a garden. This animism can keep them from believing in and serving Jesus Christ.

Outreach Ideas

Because the Saramaccan practice horticulture, Jesus ' parables of farming and sowing may speak to their hearts.

Scripture Focus

"And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him."  Hebrews 5:9

Scripture Prayer

Pray for today’s people group to obey God and that Jesus to become their source of eternal salvation.

Prayer Focus

Saramaccan believers number about four percent of population. Pray for them to spread Christ's fame throughout their community. Pray for the Saramaccan refugees in Guyana to thrive physically and spiritually. Pray that God would soften their hearts to Christ. Pray for Saramaccan believers to facilitate a movement to Christ among their people.