Introduction / History

The ten Barombi villages are scattered across the South West Province in three different areas, with little contact between them. Barombi people rely on three languages of wider communication: Pidgin, English and Duala. Pidgin is the main trade language, and its use is increasing in some Barombi communities (such as Barombi Koto) even to the degree of replacing the mother tongue in some households. Only those who have attended school speak or understand English. Adults learned Duala as children because it was once taught in schools.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Socioeconomic conditions are difficult. Most gain a meager income from fishing and cocoa farming. Education is severely limited. There are few primary schools for Barombi children and no secondary schools. The Barombi language is unwritten, and few people are literate in any language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There are few churches among the Barombi people. The village of Barombi Mbo has only a Catholic church with about twenty regular attendees. The village of Mokono has only an Apostolic church with only children in attendance; the adults quit coming. The village of Barombi Kotto has more churches (Presbyterian, Baptist, Church of Christ, Catholic, Apostolic and Pentecostal), but even so, the majority of people follow traditional religion.

What Are Their Needs?

Bible translation could benefit the Barombi people, but it remains to be seen whether or not it is really necessary. They might be able to use Abo (Bankon) Scriptures if or when they are developed. Barombi and Abo were once a single language, but the speech of both groups has changed over time. Also, the language shift to Pidgin English is a significant factor in several Barombi communities that could make Bible translation unnecessary.

Prayer Points

Pray for a vibrant Christian presence among the Barombi people.
Pray that they will gain a deep and true understanding of God's word.
Pray for revival fire to move powerfully through all Barombi churches, leading them to love God with all their hearts and minds.
Pray for hundreds of them to put all their faith in Jesus Christ this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Barombi, Lambi in Cameroon.