Ntomba, Ntomba-Bolia in Congo, Democratic Republic of

Introduction / History

Ntomba-Bolia is a Bantu ethnic group living around Lake Tumba, Lake Mai-Ndombe and some rivers in the Mai-Ndombe and Equateur provinces of the DRC. They are part of the larger Mongo cultural and linguistic cluster. The Ntomba and Bolia (Lia) languages are so closely related that many linguists treat them as dialects of a single language, and are also related to Lomongo, the major Mongo language of the region. Traditionally, the social structure included caste-like distinctions between occupational groups.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Ntomba-Bolias make a living by fishing and farming. Crops include cassava, bananas, and kola nuts. They live in mixed communities together with Batwa (pygmy) hunter-gatherers in an area of dense equatorial forest and river-based transportation. Men make palm wine, while women prepare corn wine. Both sexes can prepare food, except for chikwangue, a fermented manioc paste that is only made by women, and only women can pound cassava leaves. Girls learn to cook for the family from an early age. The machete is the most common tool, and it is used by everyone for a wide variety of tasks. Children learn to use it from an early age. Men often care for children in the village while the women go to the plantations.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all now claim Christian faith—Roman Catholic, Protestant and Pentecostal, the latter being the fastest growing. Lingala or Bolis/Ntomba language is used in worship, depending on the village. As in other areas of the DRC, a blending of Christian and traditional beliefs is common.The Ntomba-Bolia people believe that a turtle named Iyanzanguba represents Mother Earth, who gives birth to all living creatures and carries them on her back to protect them. The ancestors who have died have become one with the forest, but they continue to teach the living. They believe they can communicate with animals and birds. One of their customs in honoring a woman when she gives birth for the first time. God is called Nzambe. He is understood as the supreme creator, the source of life, above all other spirits. Traditionally, he was seen as distant and unconnected to daily life, but Christians have adopted the word and infused it with new meaning.

What Are Their Needs?

A common problem is seasonal flooding that damages homes, crops and roads. Many villages are also isolated, reachable only by canoe, and there is very poor infrastructure, which makes access to schools, clinics and markets difficult and greatly increases economic instability. Even though the war is far away in the east of the country, everyone is affected by long-standing instability and weak state protection and services in remote areas. There is sometimes tension with the Batwa over lands and use of resources.

Although Christianity is dominant, there is a serious lack of trained pastors, especially in remote villages and an unhealthy dependence on outside sources for resources and leadership. In the most isolated areas, churches may be the only functioning institution, placing great pressures on them.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to raise up Ntomba-Bolia Christians to help their community deal with water issues so they can prevent the devastating effects of floods.
Pray that more Bible-trained pastors will be raised up, and that those that are there will mentor others effectively.
Pray the believers will find effective ways to support their families.
Pray that Christians will know Jesus truly and deeply, not just at the surface cultural level.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring a fiery revival to Ntomba-Bolia churches and families, drawing them into a deep relationship with the only Savior.

References

Text Source:   Joshua Project