Introduction / History

Kirdi (meaning "pagan") is a broad, collective name for a number of people groups living in northern Cameroon, southeastern Nigeria, and southwestern Chad. At one time, all of these groups were completely involved with traditional religion. Today, some have become Muslim and wear traditional Islamic dress. Each tribe speaks its own dialect of Biu-Mandara, a Chadic language. They share many cultural traits. One of the Kirdi groups is the North Mofu in Cameroon.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the North Mofu are farmers who raise crops on hillside terraces. Peanuts, maize, and millet are among the main crops. Melons, pumpkins, and beans are also raised. Millet and other cereals are usually grown on the mountains or hill slopes, while other crops are raised in gardens near the houses. Cotton, indigo (used for dyeing), and plants that are used for hunting, religious medicines, and other purposes are also grown.

A North Mofu man's work includes crafting leather, making baskets, spinning, weaving, and building. Women make clay objects, train the small children, prepare meals, and do other household activities. A woman may also raise her own crops on a small plot of land. The profits earned from selling these crops belong to the woman. Children take care of the small animals and help their older siblings or parents do other household chores.

Traditionally, North Mofu houses were grouped into small village settlements by clan or lineage. The villages were clustered around mountain peaks that could not easily be accessed by outsiders. They were protected by mud-brick barriers that had been overgrown by thorn bushes. Today, their villages are composed of several round buildings made of mud-brick and thatched roofs. The buildings are connected to one another by woven straw fences or hedges. The buildings are positioned so that there is an open area in the center. Each home has a kitchen, an attic, and a room for the husband; the wife lives in a separate hut. Separate rooms are added to the house when the children reach puberty. Young males are given their own square huts, where they live until they are married.

Although polygamy is permitted among the North Mofus, most men usually have only one wife. Marriages are almost always arranged by the parents; children do not choose their own mates. When an agreement is made, a bride-price is paid to the bride's parents and a new homestead is begun.

North Mofu culture contains various arts, such as vocal and instrumental music. Some tribes, such as the Fali, are highly skilled musicians and singers. Their main musical instruments include whistles, flutes, horns, harps, and drums. These instruments are played during festivals and at special ceremonies.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Each clan has its own "therapist-diviner" or medicine man. He benefits the community by supplying various medicines. He also serves as a mediator between the people and the spirits and performs minor surgical operations. The medicine man is paid with modest gifts from the villagers.

The North Mofu do not pray to this god, but rather to their ancestors, whom they believe will intercede on their behalf. Beliefs about this creator god might be a bridge to biblical truth.

Most North Mofus believe in a single god who is the creator of all things and who keeps his creation in order. They believe that this god only intervenes with his creation when order has been disturbed. They do not pray to this god, but rather to their ancestors, who they believe will intercede on their behalf.

The North Mofus believe that the Earth is the "mother goddess" who has birthed all other "supernatural" beings, including thunder and lightning, black snakes, crocodiles, and certain inanimate objects.

What Are Their Needs?

Although the North Mofus have shown some interest in Christian teachings, few have accepted Jesus as their Savior. Most of the North Mofus have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel.

Additional laborers and evangelistic materials are needed. The North Mofus must be told that the creator is not an impersonal god, but rather a loving Savior who cares for them.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send forth laborers who will share the good news with the North Mofu and disciple them in Christ s ways.
Pray that the Lord will increase their hunger for the word of God and open their eyes to the truth.
Pray that strong local churches will be planted among each of the North Mofu tribe.

Scripture Prayers for the Mofu, North in Cameroon.

References

https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/mofu.html