Vige, Viemo in Burkina Faso

People Name:	Vige, Viemo
Country:	Burkina Faso
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	16,000
World Population:	16,000
Primary Language:	Viemo
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	5.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.40 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Gur
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Vige are a relatively small group of people who speak the Viemo language. They live to the southeast of Bobo Dioulasso along the road to Diebougou in southwestern Burkina Faso.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Vige's principal source of income is their agricultural products. The climate in the region is pleasant and conducive to agriculture because of the long rainy season. They mainly grow cotton, vegetables, and millet. They also produce corn, rice, fruit and peanuts.

Ceremonies such as funerals and weddings are important parts of the Vige life. These gatherings provide opportunities to strengthen community ties. They associate the traditional Vige funeral with animistic religion and contains elements of spirit and ancestor worship.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Viemo people are mainly involved with ethnic religions. They worship the same spirits as their ancestors, hoping for blessings. There is a Viemo church, but it is not yet strong enough to produce a movement to Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

A linguistic survey done among the Vige revealed a high level of bilingualism with Jula, the regional trade language. Most Vige speak Jula almost fluently. Thus, it is uncertain whether a Bible translation in Viemo is needed. Still, the Vige have not responded well to the Jula Gospel, and this may be because they view Jula language and religion as foreign. More survey is necessary to determine the best way to reach the Vige with the Word of God.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to provide a huge harvest for the Viemo people as a testimony of his power and mercy.
Pray for workers to go to the Viemo people until they have a strong church.
Pray this will be the decade of harvest, leading to a movement to Christ.
Pray for the Viemo people to have a hunger and thirst for Christ's righteousness.