Besme, Huner in Chad

Introduction / History

Besme is one of 3 languages in the Kim group. They live on both sides of the Logone River in Chad.

The Kim New Testament was published by the British & Foreign Bible Society in 1956, translated largely by Dr John Olley and Audu Kim (aka David Weko). The four gospels and other Christian literature were translated into Kabalaï at the same time in the 1940s and 1950s. From about December 1941, ACT missionaries, including Dr Olley, regularly visited the Besme area on the north side of the river, but the focus was on the Kim (from the same language group as Besme) and Kabalaï languages.

In the 1940s – 1970s, the living conditions of people from this immediate area were considered to be particularly poor even by local standards. Hygiene was particularly poor, as was physical health. In the 1940s, they were virtually naked, but clothing use increased through to the 1980s.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Besme people have better lives now than they did in the 20th century. They have clothes to protect them against the elements.

They live on what they grow in their gardens and on the fish they catch. When growing conditions are poor, they go without.

Schools provide children with the opportunity to learn to read and write, providing a foundation for escaping poverty and accessing the Scriptures.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Besme or Huner people live in the Tandjile Prefecture. They speak a language called Besme and are part of the Adamawa-Ubangi people cluster. Forty-eight percent of the population practice ethnic religions while twelve percent are Muslim. Forty percent

What Are Their Needs?

There are no ministry tools in their language.

Prayer Points

Pray for them to soon have many kinds of gospel materials.
Pray for a full gospel harvest among the Besme people in Chad.
Pray that soon Besme disciples will disciple others.

Text Source:   Joshua Project