The Maxi Gbe people, also known as Mahi, are part of the Guinean people cluster within the Sub-Saharan African affinity bloc. They speak Maxi Gbe, a language belonging to the Gbe group of the Niger-Congo language family. This language is spoken across Benin and Togo. It is a stable indigenous language used as a first language by all members of the ethnic community, though it is not taught in schools.
The Maxi Gbe people live in rural and semi-urban areas, primarily in the Collines and Donga departments of Benin. Their livelihoods are based on subsistence farming, local trade, and craftsmanship. Community life is deeply communal, with extended families playing a central role in social organization. Cultural expressions such as proverbs, legends, and traditional festivals are vital to their identity.
The Maxi Gbe people predominantly practice animism, believing that natural entities—such as animals, plants, and inanimate objects—possess spiritual essence. About two-thirds adhere to ethnic religion and the remaining third are Christian.Christianity is present but often syncretized with traditional beliefs. There is little history of church planting, and the community is considered engaged yet unreached, meaning they have some exposure to the gospel but lack a strong evangelical presence.
The Maxi Gbe people need a complete Bible translation. Only portions of Scripture are available as of 2017, and a complete New Testament or full Bible is not yet available.They need access to evangelistic media tools. The JESUS Film and radio broadcasts are not available in their language, limiting outreach efforts. Discipleship and church planting initiatives are needed. There is no active church planting movement among the Maxi Gbe, and a lack of trained leaders hinders spiritual growth.Literacy and education programs are essential. The Maxi Gbe language is not taught in schools, and literacy efforts are needed to support Bible engagement and community development.Cultural contextualization of the gospel is necessary. Many Maxi Gbe Christians blend traditional beliefs with biblical teachings, and clear discipleship is needed to foster spiritual maturity.
Pray for the completion and distribution of the whole Bible in Maxi Gbe, and for hearts to be open to God’s word.Pray for hundreds of Maxi Gbe to be called, prepared, and sent to Muslims.Ask God to raise up indigenous leaders and missionaries who will plant churches and disciple believers all over West Africa.Intercede for the development of evangelistic media in Maxi Gbe, including audio Bibles and the JESUS Film.Pray for unity among believers and for the gospel to transform families and communities with lasting impact.
Scripture Prayers for the Gbe, Maxi in Togo.
AI generated by CopilotMaxiGbe Hwenusu AssociationEthnologue – Maxi Gbe Language
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
