People
Who they are
The Gbe Maxi, also called Mahi, live in Benin and Togo. In Benin, they are found in the department of Collines, in towns such as Savalou and Dassa, and also on the Agonlin Plateau. In Togo, they live in the Plateaux Region, north and south of Atakpamé.
A group of Mahi Christians works on literacy, Bible translation and books in the language of the people, including collections of stories, legends and proverbs. Their music is also distinctive: tchingounmin is a Mahi rhythm from the Savalou area that originated at funerals and later developed festive forms.
Where they live
2
Countries
511K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Benin Partially reached
|
87.6%
|
438.000 |
Togo Partially reached
|
12.4%
|
62.000 |
How they live
In Benin, yams hold a place of honor at the Mahi table. The most prized dish is agou: the yams are peeled, cut, boiled and then pounded in a mortar until they form an elastic dough. It is usually served with peanut sauce or crushed basil leaves, which are called kiyoyo in Mahi.
What they believe
Most Gbe Maxi follow traditional religions, and about a third are Christian. Many Christians mix their faith with traditional beliefs. In the village of Miniki, near Savalou, residents worship a palm tree with seven trunks and go to it to present their requests.
There are also Mahi Christians who translate the Bible and prepare audio recordings. An oral translation of the Gospel of Luke and part of Acts is already available in the Mahi language.
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.
Maxi Gbe
Portions translated
- Translation started Done
- Portions Current stage
- 3 New Testament Still ahead
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Not available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)34%
Evangelicals4%
Needs
The people do not yet have the New Testament or the complete Bible in their own language, only portions. Literacy work, the production of books in Mahi and oral translation of the Scriptures need people trained to translate and teach. Christians also need teaching that helps them distinguish traditional beliefs from biblical faith, and churches need well-trained leaders.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for Mahi families in Benin and Togo to have their daily food.
Pray for the translation of Scripture into Mahi to continue until the New Testament and the complete Bible are available.
Pray for literacy work and the production of books in the Mahi language.
Pray for Gbe Maxi Christians to remain firm in their faith and respectful in their relationships with those who follow traditional religion.
Pray for local churches and for leaders trained to teach the Scriptures in the language of the people.
Pray for Gbe Maxi
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar