Fa d'Ambu in Equatorial Guinea

People Name:	Fa d'Ambu
Country:	Equatorial Guinea
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	8,300
World Population:	8,900
Primary Language:	Fa d'Ambu
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	30.00 %
Evangelicals:	3.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Sub-Saharan African, other
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Rising 1,961 feet above the South Atlantic Ocean, off Equatorial Guinea's coast, an extinct volcano named Annobón is home to farmers, fishermen and commercial loggers. Their language is Fa d 'Ambu. Their island spans 6.75 square miles. Most people in the region practice animism, though about 30 percent claim they are Christian.

The islanders come from mixed Portuguese, Spanish and Angolan descent. Portuguese people initially populated Annobón villages with slaves from Angola and neighboring islands. While Spain has had a greater political influence on the country for centuries, the stronger cultural influence is from Portugal.

A placid lake fills the central crater of their volcanic homeland, surrounded by rich woodlands and luxuriant vegetation. Annobón means "good year" and is named for the time Portuguese sailors discovered it in 1472. The Portuguese later gave it to Spain in exchange for Uruguay in 1778. This explains Spanish as the official language.

Annobón's people strongly connect with the sea. So much so, that many women give birth in the ocean. Most of their protein is seafood. An annual whale migration to Annobón waters instigates their traditional whale hunt. Men harpoon the mammals from canoes, then "ski" their crafts behind the giants, connected to the harpoons by heavy, homemade ropes.

Most Fa d 'Ambu speakers practice some form of traditional religion. For the 30 percent who are Christian, their churches use a different major language translation. So without Scriptures in the heart language they understand best, many believers don't grow spiritually. They continue to mix traditional practices with their Christian faith — and some cults are growing on this island. Local pastors eagerly request Scriptures to strengthen their congregations in Bible truths.