People
Who they are
The Gidar, also called Guidar, live in northern Cameroon, in the Guider area, and also in Chad, near Léré.
The Guma festival, organized by a Gidar cultural association, was first held in 2017. The second was scheduled for December 2021 in Guider, with Gidar from Chad announced as participants. The festival brings the clans together and is named after the large drum played at the twins festival and major annual celebrations.
Where they live
2
Countries
231K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Cameroon Partially reached
|
79.6%
|
179.000 |
Chad Significantly reached
|
20.4%
|
46.000 |
How they live
In the tradition recorded in a 1973 study, every Gidar person receives two names: at birth, a name indicating their birth order and, three or four months later, a freely chosen personal nickname. Festivals also bring families together: the Guma festival invites Gidar from Cameroon and Chad, as well as those living in other countries, to gather for dancing.
What they believe
The Gidar include Muslims, Christians and followers of traditional religions; in Cameroon, most are Muslim. There is a Catholic community in northern Cameroon. A study published in 2020 examined Gidar birth ceremonies, which express solidarity among relatives, respect for life and references to God as the creator and giver of life, and discussed their value for this Catholic community.
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.
Gidar
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Not available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)26.4%
Evangelicals9.1%
Needs
In a 2021 interview about the Guma festival, the risk of the Gidar language disappearing was identified as a threat to the culture, as was the abandonment of crafts such as weaving and blacksmithing. For Gidar Christians, it is important that the faith be taught in the people’s language and with respect for customs associated with birth.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for the Gidar language to be passed on to new generations.
Pray for the study of Scripture in Gidar among families in Cameroon and Chad.
Pray for Gidar Christians to grow in faith in Jesus alongside their families.
Pray for Gidar churches to teach the Bible with respect for the people's customs.
Pray for Gidar
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar