Mende, Boumpe in Sierra Leone

Introduction / History

Along with the Tembe, the Mende are the largest people group in Sierra Leone. They also live in neighboring Guinea and Liberia. Some have migrated either to the Unites States or Canada.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mende live in villages and small towns headed by a subchief. They are farmers who grow rice, yams and cassava. Cash crops include ginger, peanuts, cocoa and palm oil. The head of a Mende kin group assigns each household their agricultural assignment. Women weed and men cut down trees and clear fields.
The Mende value a woman’s hair. She is expected to grow thick, beautiful hair. They also practice female genital mutilation.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though most Mende people are Muslims, there is a Christian minority among them wherever they live. They call upon diviners to make things right when there is serious sickness or natural disasters. Mende people believe in the power of witches.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mende people need to understand that works-righteousness never works and that they desperately need a sin-free savior. As it stands, they waver in a state of spiritual confusion. They also need to understand that Jesus Christ can provide for their nee

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to woo Mende people into a vibrant, unshakable faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Christ followers among the Mende to disciple others who will disciple others.
Pray for the Lord’s powerful transformation of Mende families as a testimony to others of his goodness and love.

Text Source:   Joshua Project