People
Who they are
The Fut, also called Bafut, live in northwestern Cameroon, in Mezam Division, about 20 kilometers from Bamenda. The people are organized around the fon, the traditional chief, and his palace in the center of Bafut, where those who call themselves “true Bafut” live. Bafut is the main language of the region, which lies in the Grassfields, the savanna zone of western Cameroon. The Bafut dance takes place every December: Bafut people living elsewhere return to the village to take part, and ancestors are consulted during the event.
Where they live
1
Country
155K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Cameroon Partially reached
|
100%
|
151.000 |
How they live
Agriculture is the main activity, and most people make their living from it. They grow corn, beans, yams, cassava, peanuts, coffee and cocoa, and some families raise goats, pigs and chickens. Most farmworkers are women, and Bafut is one of the regions that supply food to the city of Bamenda. Many young people aged 15 to 35 leave for other cities or abroad in search of work or education, but continue to identify as Bafut through groups called Bafut Manjong.
What they believe
Most Fut identify as Christian. Christianity reached Bafut early, so most churches are Presbyterian, while Catholics, Baptists and Pentecostals also have churches. Almost every community has at least one. At the same time, the people still worship their ancestors: the palace sets the times for this worship at sacred places, such as waterfalls, crossroads and the forest, where the dead are believed to live.
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.
Bafut
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)74%
Evangelicals6%
Needs
Christianity and ancestor worship coexist among the same people, and the palace keeps the traditional remedies and means used to ward off evil spirits. Churches need to teach the Bible clearly to families. The municipal plan also identifies recurring problems: limited access to good schooling, safe drinking water and healthcare, poor roads for taking harvests to market, and low farming incomes.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for Fut churches to teach the Bible clearly to families who still worship their ancestors.
Pray for Fut Christians to follow Jesus with confidence amid the palace rituals.
Pray for the New Testament in Bafut to be used in churches and homes.
Pray for young Fut who leave Bafut in search of work and education to find Christian communities wherever they go.
Pray for good schooling, safe drinking water and healthcare for Fut families.
Pray for Fut
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar