Makua, Makhuwa-Meetto in Mayotte

Introduction / History

The Makhuwa-Meetto speak a language that is part of the Niger-Congo language family. They live in Tanzania, Mozambique and various islands off the coast of East Africa including the Comoros and Mayotte.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Very little is known about the Makhuwa-Meetto. There is a need for further research to clearly identify these people so they can be reached with the gospel. We can assume they are farmers who participate in the typical economic life of the island. As an ethnic group they are organized into small sub-groups, but they have no central authority. Keeping with the tradition brought from the African mainland, the Makhuwa-Meetto engage in scarring of their bodies and faces in elaborate patterns.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Although some of the Makhuwa-Meetto have converted to Islam due to Arab influence, most still practice their traditional religion. In most African ethnic religions, there is a belief in a supreme being, although they don’t offer him regular worship. In many regions, there is the belief that at one time, this supreme being lived near the earth, but due to human familiarity, he withdrew himself from close involvement. He is still reverenced, however, as the one who sends rewards or punishments.

The Makhuwa-Meetto also believe in other spiritual beings that take the form of nature spirits or the spirits of dead ancestors. Powerful cults of the dead are the dominant feature of religious life, providing a basis for social life in East Africa. The dead are regarded as heads of their families. Once they have left their human bodies, they are thought to possess additional powers. These spirits receive much more formal worship and attention than the creator god. They make every effort to provide a quiet, final rest for the dead. Otherwise, the dead will return as wandering ghosts. For this reason, the Makhuwa-Meetto spend much time and resources to ensure their ancestors remain content. They conduct rituals, utter prayers and make sacrifices to ensure the good growth of crops or to ensure good health.

What Are Their Needs?

The Makhuwa-Meetto need to be set free from the fear that comes from their traditional beliefs. Only through the cross of Jesus can they experience such freedom. Intercession is the key to seeing this become a reality in their lives.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call full-time Christian workers to join the few who are already working among the Makhuwa-Meetto.
Pray for effectiveness of the JESUS Film among the Makhuwa-Meetto, with many becoming his disciples.
Pray that God will use Makhuwa-Meetto believers to disciple others who will disciple others.
Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through worship and intercession.
Ask the Lord to bring forth a vigorous movement to Christ among the Makhuwa-Meetto.

Text Source:   Joshua Project