People
Where the gospel has not yet reached this people
64K people from this group live in countries where they remain unreached or minimally reached:
-
Mali Minimally reached
64.000 people
Who they are
The Marka Dafing are a people of the Manding group, settled mainly in West Africa, in rural villages and trading centers. Historically known for their trade routes and strong community ties, they diligently preserve the Marka language in daily family life. Village life revolves around community cooperation and deep respect for elders, who preserve the oral history of their lineages and guide major collective decisions.
Where they live
2
Countries
288K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Burkina Faso Partially reached
|
77.3%
|
218.000 |
|
Mali Minimally reached
|
22.7%
|
64.000 |
How they live
Most families depend on subsistence farming, growing grains such as corn, sorghum, and millet, as well as tending small herds and engaging in regional trade. Weaving and working with handcrafted textiles remain important cultural hallmarks. Family and community decisions always seek consensus and collective well-being, strengthening alliances that span generations.
What they believe
Traditional beliefs play a vital role in everyday life, with veneration of ancestors and rituals dedicated to guardian spirits of the land and harvest. Animist practices coexist with customs adopted over the centuries, and the search for protection against invisible spiritual forces shapes many daily choices.
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.
Marka
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)14%
Evangelicals5.5%
Needs
Communities face challenges related to scarce rainfall and a lack of adequate medical and educational infrastructure. Spiritually, believers need consistent discipleship and encouragement to live out the gospel in practical ways, overcoming social pressures and integrating faith into everyday village life.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pelo fortalecimento dos cristãos locais para que compartilhem sua fé com ousadia e sabedoria entre parentes.
Por recursos bíblicos e discipulado contextualizado na língua marka.
Pela libertação espiritual do medo de maldições e da dependência de rituais com espíritos ancestrais.
Por melhorias no acesso à água potável e serviços de saúde nas aldeias rurais.
Pelo surgimento de igrejas saudáveis e acolhedoras que transformem suas comunidades.
Pray for Marka Dafing
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar