Aten, Ganawuri in Nigeria
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Map Source:
Anonymous
|
| People Name: | Aten, Ganawuri |
| Country: | Nigeria |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 72,000 |
| World Population: | 72,000 |
| Primary Language: | Iten |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 90.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 18.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Benue |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Present-day Nigeria has been the site of numerous kingdoms and tribal states spanning over a millennium. The modern state has its origins in British colonization during the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Nigeria is often referred to as the "Giant of Africa", due to its large population and economy. Iten is just one of Nigeria's 520 living languages.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Iten churches in Nigeria have been using a foreign-language Bible since they first heard about Christ in the 1920s. Churches are crowded for worship, and most of the Iten people love Jesus. But they have never heard Him speak to them in their own language.
Despite their love for Jesus, without the Word in the language they understand most clearly, Iten Christians still easily fall prey to practices encouraged by African traditional religion. The faith of many Iten believers evidences a mixture of Christian ideals combined with traditional practices. Church leaders eagerly anticipate a richer, more enthusiastic relationship with Christ among their congregants once they understand His Word for themselves.