Mbangala in Angola

Mbangala
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People Name: Mbangala
Country: Angola
10/40 Window: No
Population: 776,000
World Population: 776,000
Primary Language: Mbangala
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents: 50.00 %
Evangelicals: 1.50 %
Scripture: New Testament
Ministry Resources: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: No
People Cluster: Bantu, Central-South
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Mbangala is the same as Imbangala. They originated in the 1500s as a warrior society and became a mercenary soldiers in the 1600s-1800s. They were noted for their cruelty and cannibalism. The Mbangala recruited by capturing boys. Around 1617 the Portuguese colonists used them as mercenaries against the Ndongo Kingdom and neighboring tribes.

In the early 20th century Mbangala became the name for a specific ethnic group that lived in the former Kasanje Kingdom.

What Are Their Lives Like?

We know little about their lives in the 21st century, but they are probably farmers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though about half of the Mbangala people are marginally Roman Catholic, their hearts are with their traditional gods. Traditional African religion is an important part of their lives.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mbangala people need to put their faith entirely in Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for Mbangala Christian believers to disciple others who will disciple many more.

Pray for a Holy Spirit-driven revival that will break the power of sin and death in Mbangala communities.

Pray for the Lord to bring about the downfall of Mbangala spirit worship.

Text Source:   Joshua Project