Ilwana   eel-WAH-nah

Their name used to be "slave" but now they are "free men." The name Malakote, ("slave") was given to this people group by the Somalis. The Somalis introduced them to Islam and enslaved them. The people today prefer to be called Ilwana, "free men." A Christian community among the Ilwana has provided refuge to Muslim Background Believers and other Christians when fighting breaks out and persecution is intense. They live along Kenya's Tana River. Kenya is home to East Africa's most vibrant Christian communities. They can reach out to the Ilwana. The Ilwana livelihood is based on farming, fishing, and beekeeping.

Ministry Obstacles

Intense community pressure among the Ilwana keeps them loyal to Islam.

Scripture Focus

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8-9

Scripture Prayer

Pray that today’s people group will understand that God’s ways are far higher than theirs.

Prayer Focus

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give the Ilwana a deep desire for spiritual truth, that they may follow the Lamb of God, no matter what pressures they face. Pray that they may discover freedom in Christ. Pray for Christ followers to disciple Ilwana, who then in turn disciple others. Pray for a movement to Christ that will bless the Ilwana in every way.