People
Who they are
The Guere live in western Ivory Coast, near the border with Liberia, in areas such as Guiglo, Duékoué, Bangolo and Taï in Montagnes District, and around Lake Buyo. They are part of the Wè peoples, who speak Kru languages. They speak Southern Wè, with Guere as their main dialect. Families live in the homes of close relatives, and elders have a say in decisions.
Masks play an important role in Wè culture. Those who wear them cover their bodies with shirts, cloth capes and an ankle-length skirt made of raffia fiber. Dances take place after the rice harvest, from November to February, and also at funerals.
Where they live
1
Country
564K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Côte d’Ivoire Partially reached
|
100%
|
551.000 |
How they live
Farming supports most Guere families. They grow rice, cassava, plantains and maize for food, and sell coffee and cocoa for income. Once solely subsistence farmers, they now rely heavily on coffee and cocoa for income. Mask dances after the rice harvest seek prosperity and a good harvest for the following year. Village life includes celebrations with music and dancing.
What they believe
Most Guere follow traditional religion. There are also Muslims and Christians, and the Christian faith is sometimes blended with older customs. Many ask ancestral spirits for help, make offerings and consult spiritual specialists. There are churches among the Guere, but the gospel has yet to reach most families, and biblical teaching needs to address these practices with patience and respect.
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.
We Southern
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)15%
Evangelicals4%
Needs
Following the crisis of 2010 and 2011, Guere families had to flee their villages. Some returned to find their land sold without their permission, sometimes by people from neighboring communities. Rural areas lack good health services, schools, roads and clean water. In the churches, the Guere need biblical teaching in their own language, leadership training and support for discipleship.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for Guere families affected by displacement and the loss of land to find the means to support themselves and receive justice.
Pray for peace between the Guere and the other communities who live and farm in western Ivory Coast.
Pray for the New Testament in Southern Wè to be used and for clear biblical teaching within families.
Pray for Guere Christians to live out their faith in Jesus without mixing it with fear of spirits.
Pray for Guere church leaders to be trained to teach the Bible and promote reconciliation.
Pray for Guere
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar