By Susan Akyeampong and Jon Banke
The Fulani number around 45 million people, spread across 24 countries from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east. They are the world’s largest nomadic group and one of the largest ethnic groups in the world.
Sometime called Fulbe or Peuhl, they are traditionally cattle herders and traders and are in desperate need of the gospel. This is made more challenging by their reputation, sometimes deserved, for violence. Add to this their nomadic culture and pastoralist lifestyle and the odds are stacked against them hearing the good news of Jesus.
Their strong Muslim identity, coupled with a fearful reputation, has made mission work among them complicated. Sincere and mature believers from other people groups in the region have often sought in vain to engage Fulani, assuming that the Fulani are not that different from themselves. This is uniquely not the case.
There is a Fulani church and, very approximately, about 50,000 Christians among them. But, by any measure, the gospel has yet to reach the vast majority of them.
At SIM, we believe God longs for every Fulani community to know Christ. We exist to take the gospel to communities where it is least known. The gospel is good news for every culture, every language, every heart, including the Fulani. God is powerfully at work among Fulani communities, drawing people to Himself.
This October, we’re sharing stories of what God is doing among the Fulani through SIM mission workers; stories of courageous believers, challenges, answered prayers and God’s unmistakable presence. As you read and share, pray that more Fulani will meet Jesus the Good Shepherd who knows them by name and calls them into His flock.
Read and share stories about God's work among the Fulani
How the gospel started moving among the Fulani
What began with famine and a few men hearing the good news in the city has grown into a flourishing Fulani church. Today, more than 200 households are livi...
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Reaching the Fulani people
We need to understand that working with the Fulani is a long-term commitment, which includes the commitment to understand who the Fulani are.
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Gospel spreads from one Fulani man to a whole Fulani village
Obed, a Fulani man deeply committed to Islam, embarked on a journey to deepen his faith. After months of searching, he encountered a village chief who chal...
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Who are the Fulani? Q&A with Jon Banke, SIM’s Fulani expert
Explore Fulani culture through Jon’s insights on their nomadic lifestyle, values, and the challenges and joys of gospel ministry among this distinct peop...
Find out morePlease pray
- That God would open doors for the Fulani, scattered across 24 countries, to hear and receive the good news of Jesus despite cultural and geographical barriers.
- Lift up Fulani believers and mission workers who face fear, hostility, and hardship as they live out and share their faith.
- That the small Fulani church of around 50,000 Christians would grow in strength, unity, and boldness, reaching many more with the hope of Christ.
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