Banda, Nafana of Cote d'Ivoire
The Banda or Nafana are mostly subsistence farmers, raising yams and corn for food and cashews for a cash crop. Their language (Nafaanra) is a tonal language, with a basic word order of subject-object-verb. A hospitable people, they have avoided serious conflict with other more aggressive groups.
Ministry Obstacles
Christian believers in this tribe have suffered some persecution, but sometimes persecution can result in believers being purified in their faith.
Outreach Ideas
The New Testament is available in the language of this tribe, and there are other resources available as well. Pray that workers will be found to carry these resources to the people.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There are a number of followers of Christ in this tribe. Pray they will understand and believe the Gospel of grace, and not mix it with legalistic requirements found in their earlier religions.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray this tribe will continue to live in peace with neighboring tribes, and will have good crops to feed and care for their people.
Scripture Focus
'Again he says, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people." And again, "Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, And let all the peoples praise Him." Romans 15:10-11