Bankalawa in Nigeria

Bankalawa
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Map Source:  People Group location: SIL / WLMS. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Bankalawa
Country: Nigeria
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 65,000
World Population: 65,000
Primary Language: Bankal
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 4.00 %
Evangelicals: 2.00 %
Scripture: Unspecified
Ministry Resources: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Benue
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Bankalawa ancestral homeland is in Nigeria’s plateau area. The language spoken by Bankalawa people is so different between the north and the south that they don't really understand each other. These two dialects are called Bankal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Bankalawa people are industrious farmers and traders.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bankalawa have a traditional fear of spirits coupled with belief in a supreme being. Most are Muslim, but there is a Christian minority among them.

What Are Their Needs?

When "JESUS" interrupted their lives through film, the Jaar church became thirsty. Since then, an eager group of zealous church leaders has requested more Scripture in their own language.

Two booklets in a series called "The Wonderful Plan of God" is in progress. These two booklets comprise passages from Genesis and Exodus that lay a foundation for understanding the New Testament, explaining why human beings need a savior. They tell of the beginning of God's plan to reveal himself and to open a way of reconciliation.

Also in the works are portions of the New Testament, including Mark's Gospel, Acts and some of the epistles, to give the church materials they can use right away for public reading in weekly services. The plan is to make all the translated portions available in both print and audio media.

Prayer Points

Pray for good fruit and faithful disciples to come from these evangelistic efforts.
Pray for Bankalawa disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for Bankalawa family leaders to find the only savior and share his ways with their families and clan leaders.

Text Source:   Joshua Project