Mbosi in Congo, Republic of the

Introduction / History

Mbosi people are a subsection of the Ubangi people who live in the Congo River Basin area. Families rely on subsistence farming and sell what they do not use. The Mbosi speakers are primarily an oral culture. Younger Mbosi speakers are choosing the national or another regional language. Churches have set up listening clubs focused on oral Bible stories.

The way of life of the Mbosi people is being threatened. The next generation is caught in a flood of technology and the attraction of other communities. Without young people to carry on their culture, way of life and language, the Mbosi people are tottering on the edge of extinction with no hope of recovery until now.

Heart language Scripture will not only preserve the heritage of the Mbosi people, but it will also redefine Christianity. Many believers find themselves caught in a syncretism belief system between two distinct faiths — Christianity and traditional religion.

Traditional beliefs speak the language and define the culture. Most of the people embrace its tenets. Christians struggle to understand God's Word, creating a crisis of faith and a tendency for many to fall back into the familiar embrace of traditional religion.

By focusing on passages from the Old Testament, it is hoped that the people will see the difference between syncretism and Christian faith. Pastors want to see their parishioners truly understand the Word of God and be changed by it.

Text Source:   Anonymous