People
Who they are
The Marenje live in western Zambezia Province, Mozambique, mainly in Milange District, near Malawi. Marenje is the name of both the people and their language. Most make their living from farming, and many take produce by bicycle to Malawi, where prices are better. During the war in the 1980s, Marenje families took refuge in Malawi, where many heard the gospel for the first time.
Where they live
1
Country
836K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Mozambique Partially reached
|
100%
|
813.000 |
How they live
Many families grow crops and sell their produce locally. In November 2025, a Marenje community in Milange received agricultural training. During a follow-up visit in February 2026, crops were growing and the practices taught had already been adopted. The hope is to produce more than the family needs and sell the surplus.
What they believe
Most Marenje are Catholic, owing to a Catholic mission established in the 1940s. There are also many small churches and people who follow traditional religions. Because of their time in Malawi, churches use Bibles in Chichewa (also called Nyanja) or Portuguese, and someone has to interpret aloud into Marenje so that the congregation can understand.
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.
Marenje
Portions translated
- Translation started Done
- Portions Current stage
- 3 New Testament Still ahead
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Not available
Jesus Film Not available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)85%
Evangelicals4%
Needs
The churches are small and lack spiritual depth because many people cannot read and there are few mature pastors. Local church leaders have requested a Bible translation into Marenje.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for the livelihoods of Marenje families who farm the land and sell their produce.
Pray for the work of translating and teaching the Scriptures in Marenje.
Pray for opportunities to learn to read in Marenje communities.
Pray for the training of pastors and other leaders of small Marenje churches.
Pray for revival in Marenje families and churches.
Pray for Marenje
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar