Balengue in Equatorial Guinea

Introduction / History

Balengue means wanderer or vagabond in reference to their past. They are in the process of assimilating with other tribes, so their population is low.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their homes are made with natural materials like wood and leaves for roofing. They have no windows but only a front and back door. They don t have rooms except for a kitchen in some homes. Homes usually have a patio.

The Balengue have fishing zones to prevent encroaching on one another s fishing rights. In the forests, they find honey and wild fruits. Hunting usually involves the use of traps. Balengues also do simple farming to grow cassavas, their staple food.

Balengues believe the forest is a living entity. The eldest men are called morungues, and they are expected to have important answers for the secrets of the forests. He must know how to use herbs for medicinal and spiritual purposes. These elderly men are also charged with resolving conflicts. They punish infractions such as theft or adultery. The Balengue have fewer women than men. Women have low status in Balengue society.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they are almost entirely Christians, and have Evangelicals among them, the Balengues have a pantheistic worldview. As mentioned before, they believe the forest is a living entity. Death brings important ceremonies because they believe the soul is eternal.

What Are Their Needs?

Balengues need a greater dedication to serving Jesus Christ. They can become Christ s ambassadors to less reached communities in West Africa.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to send revival to Balengue Christians, giving them dedication to Jesus Christ and his kingdom.
Pray that soon Balengue disciples will make more disciples.
Pray for their families to be blessed in every way and that they will give thanks to the living God.

Text Source:   Joshua Project