Nzebi in Congo, Republic of the
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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| People Name: | Nzebi |
| Country: | Congo, Republic of the |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 28,000 |
| World Population: | 248,000 |
| Primary Language: | Njebi |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 75.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 14.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Bantu, Northwest |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The majority of the Nzebi people live in small villages and towns spread across the forested lands of southern Gabon with a small population over the border in southwestern Congo (Brazza). Many, however, are found in the major urban centers of Gabon, especially in the capital, Libreville. Others live further east in the Republic of Congo. Their language is called Njebi.
What Are Their Lives Like?
They are primarily subsistence farmers who grow manioc, plantains, corn, yams, sugarcane, taro, peppers, oranges, pineapples, and bananas. Small cash crops include coffee, peanuts, palm oil, dried fish, and yams in local markets. The Nzebi also hunt and fish. They are adequately educated with a fairly high literacy rate in French. Gabon's stability, established through good leadership and rich oil reserves, has made electricity and clean water available to many in the cities, towns, and villages. However, some towns and villages are still without one or the other of these.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Some still follow the traditional pagan religion, Mbuti, and especially in the villages the, nominal Christianity is prevalent, with syncretism between Christian practices and traditional religion.
The church was well established amongst the Nzebi beginning in the 1930s through the Christian & Missionary Alliance. A congregation meets in nearly all Nzebi villages for worship and teaching.
What Are Their Needs?
Spiritual needs include the whole Bible in the vernacular, greater use of the vernacular as opposed to French in worship and preaching, and trained pastors and lay leadership for village churches.
Prayer Points
Pray for a complete and accurate Bible in the Njebi language.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in Nzebi families and churches, giving them a greater commitment to Christ and his word.
Pray for the Lord to give them a record breaking harvest as a testimony of his power and goodness.
Pray that soon Nzebi disciples will reach and disciple those currently beyond the reach of the gospel.