Since the mid-1400's, the Songhai People have been known as great and fearless warriors. During the medieval period, they used their extensive organizational skills to conquer enemies and develop the largest and most powerful West African kingdom in that time.
Today, the largest majority of the three to five million Songhai live along the Niger River from Niamey, Niger to Timbuktu, Mali, spilling over into Burkina Faso. During the dry season, many men migrate into the larger West African cities in search of work, returning to the farm with the rains. They subsist as millet and sorghum farmers at the edge of the great Sahara Desert, surviving in one of the harshest climates in the world. They also fish, cultivate gardens, and raise small livestock. Being descendants of magic kings, sorcerers, and great leaders, they are a proud people. Patience, hard work, hospitality, courage, and the ability to listen are character traits that are highly valued by the Songhai.
Though the majority professes to follow Islam, animistic beliefs and practices are also followed. They respect the power of ancestors and fear the spirit world. Religion, culture, and social customs have united to produce a strong barrier against Christianity. The Songhai People live in the Last Frontieras one of the 2,161 people groups of the world who have the least access to the Gospel; there are very few Christians among the Songhai.
Joining other Great Commission Christians, Southern Baptist Missionaries began work among the Songhai in January 2000. Our goal is to seek the Songhai for our Savior and tell them about Jesus. Ministry focus is church planting and discipleship through the use of the "Jesus" film, Chronological Bible Storying, literacy training, Theological education, and human needs projects.
You will see re-occurring illustrations on this site. The drawing of the stalk of millet is joined with a traditional, very long-handled hoe; it is representative of their subsistence farming of millet. The drawing of the canoe and fishing net represents their life along the river. Together they spiritually represent "The Bread of Life" fishing for men-- a Church Planting Movement (CPM) among the Songhai.
This site is designed to help you pray effectively and specifically for the Songhai people and ministry to them. We would welcome your questions, comments, or suggestions; Send us an email.
"Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."