People
Who they are
The Dogon Jamsay live in central Mali, in the Mopti region, around Douentza and Koro, near the border with Burkina Faso, with some Jamsay-speaking villages extending across the border. They are one of the Dogon groups. Jamsay is the Dogon language with the most speakers and is the main language in the villages on the plains. The language takes its name from a common greeting. Most Jamsay are Muslim, with minorities who follow traditional religions or Christianity.
Where they live
1
Country
328K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Mali Partially reached
|
100%
|
318.000 |
How they live
Many Jamsay villages depend on farming and raising livestock. In Petaga, beside the road, families also grow onions, peppers, and tomatoes in vegetable gardens. In Pergue, a village on a flat rock above the plains, millet, a cereal crop, is grown both on the plain and on the heights. About a quarter of the villagers belong to a caste of dyers who dye cloth with indigo, a blue dye.
What they believe
Islam is the religion of most Jamsay, and there are also followers of traditional religions and Christians. Youdiou, a Jamsay-speaking village, has a Protestant church. In Aouguine, Muslims, Christians, and followers of the traditional religion live in the same community. There, the crocodile and another animal are symbols of the village, and a sacrifice is made to the village symbol every year.
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.
Jamsay Dogon
Portions translated
- Translation started Done
- Portions Current stage
- 3 New Testament Still ahead
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)11%
Evangelicals3%
Needs
Jamsay Christians are a minority among a predominantly Muslim people, and little Scripture is available in their language: only portions of the Bible exist in Jamsay. They need Christian workers who speak Jamsay and teach the gospel with love and good works, as well as teaching in the language families use at home.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for Jamsay Christians, who are a minority among their neighbors in Youdiou and other villages.
Pray for Christian workers who will learn Jamsay and serve the villages with love and good works.
Pray for more Scriptures in Jamsay and for people to study them in homes and communities.
Pray for families who depend on millet farming and raising livestock on the plains of Mali.
Pray for respectful relations among Muslims, Christians, and followers of traditional beliefs in Aouguine.
Pray for Dogon Jamsay
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar