People
Who they are
The Abidji live in southern Ivory Coast, in the Sikensi area, about 80 kilometers from Abidjan, near the road linking Abidjan to N’douci. Their language has two dialects: Ogbru, spoken in seven villages, including Gomon and Elibou, and Enyebe, spoken in seven others, including Sikensi and Bécédi. Dipri is the festival of traditional Abidji religions and shows that traditional rites remain alive in the community, although most of the people identify as Christians.
Where they live
1
Country
114K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Côte d’Ivoire Partially reached
|
100%
|
111.000 |
How they live
Music brings Abidji communities together. Between 2005 and 2007, a field study documented the kpakpatcha, an instrument made of bamboo sticks struck against one another. It is played mainly by women, who use it to accompany various women’s dances. In Bécédi and Elibou, researchers also saw men playing alongside them.
What they believe
Most Abidji identify as Christians, but traditional rites continue. One of these is libation: pouring a liquid onto the ground or into water as an offering to invisible forces. It features in community ceremonies, in the lives of chiefs, and in conflict resolution. The words of invocation spoken by the person leading the rite at major ceremonies are passed down from generation to generation.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Abidji
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)92%
Evangelicals6%
Needs
Most of the people identify as Christians, yet traditional rites still shape major ceremonies and conflict resolution. Local churches have the task of teaching the Bible in the language families speak and supporting those who believe in Jesus, so that their faith is lived out in decisions at home and in the community.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for the teaching of the Bible in Abidji in Ogbru-speaking and Enyebe-speaking villages.
Pray for Abidji Christians, that they will follow Jesus in family and community decisions.
Pray for the churches in Sikensi and the Abidji villages, that they will train disciples and Bible teachers.
Pray for families who take part in traditional Abidji rites, that they will understand the gospel.
Pray for Abidji
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar