Mandinka

Quick facts about the Mandinka

Location: Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia
Status: Engaged by IMB
Population: 1,300,000
Primary Religion: Islam
Number of Christians: less than 50
Language: Mandinka

Mandinka see themselves as the keepers of Islam. For them to be Mandinka is to be Muslim.
Two out of ten Mandinka can read and write.
Mandinka children are given their name on the seventh day of their life. The religious teacher whispers, "God is one and Mohammad is his prophet" in the child's ear. The child is now a Muslim.
Most Mandinka follow traditional beliefs, which includes wearing charms for protection against evil spirits.

Rom. 5:1 "Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Peace is very important to the Mandinka. Now they only manage to maintain an appearance of peace. Please pray for open hearts among the Mandinka so that they can come to know the Prince of Peace.

Learn more about the Mandinka!

The Mandinka are unreached and unevangelized. Eighty percent have not heard the Good News, and no Mandinka congregations exist. They live in out-of-the-way, hard-to-get-to places.

Ninty-five percent of all Mandinkas are Muslims, believing in a mix of Islam and traditional customs. They follow the teachings of the Holy Qu'ran, a book they cannot read. They chant prayers in Arabic, a language they do not understand. They believe the Bible has been corrupted. They know of Jesus as a prophet and a teacher, not as God's Son.

Due to tremendous social and family pressures, few Mandinkas leave Islam. Those who have converted to Christianity are viewed as traitors to their families and their heritage.

The entire New Testament and two-thirds of the Old Testament are available in Roman script. The Jesus film is available in Mandinka. There are currently 10 missionaries working exclusively among the Mandinka, two of whom are International Mission Board personnel.