Luchazi in Namibia
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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| People Name: | Luchazi |
| Country: | Namibia |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 1,800 |
| World Population: | 825,800 |
| Primary Language: | Luchazi |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 90.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 35.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Bantu, Central-South |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Luchazis are a Bantu people who live mainly in Angola, but also in Zambia and Namibia. All were in Angola until some left for Namibia to escape the clutches of Portuguese colonizers. Others fled to Namibia during the Angolan Civil War.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Those in Namibia have refugee status. They cannot participate in Namibian politics. Their political influence is not much better in Angola, except for those who have an education, who are able to participate in the formal economy. Most remain subsistence farmers who grow cassava, yams, and peanuts. They also hunt and fish.
When a youth finds a girl who interests him, he talks to his parents. His mother then talks with the girl’s mother to arrange the bride-price, assuming she will marry him. Women without children and who have not been married before fetch a larger bride price than those who have children and a marital history.
Both parents discipling children, but the father has the greater responsibility. Cerebral malaria has left many without the ability to take care of themselves, so there is a cultural pattern for determining who cares for stricken family members.
The principle of good behavior holds their society together. A good person respects others, is willing to resolve problems, and doesn't cause confusion or problems. Children must learn proper respect before reaching young adulthood or they can be put to death.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Ancestral spirits are the most important spiritual force, though Kalunga (God) is very powerful, but unknowable. They worship sticks or animal heads on sticks.
They also have a strong Christian presence, with nearly half being Evangelical.
What Are Their Needs?
Luchazis are politically marginalized. Their needs are not known or heeded by governments.
Prayer Points
Pray for the lord to bring justice and mercy to the Luchazi homeland.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring a mighty revival to their churches, drawing them into a close, loving relationship with the Lord of lords.
Pray that soon the Luchazis will be joining a worldwide effort to take Christ to every nation and tribe.
Pray for their physical and spiritual needs to be met as a sign of God’s goodness and power.