People
Who they are
The Mbelime, also called Bebelibe, live in northwestern Benin, in the communes of Cobly and Boukoumbé in the Atakora department, and there are smaller communities in Togo. They speak Mbelime. Many members of this people group also live in cities in Benin and in Ghana, Togo and Nigeria.
Where they live
2
Countries
100K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Benin Partially reached
|
96.7%
|
94.000 |
Togo Partially reached
|
3.3%
|
3.200 |
How they live
The Bebelibe live mainly by farming and raising livestock. Corn replaced millet as their staple food several decades ago, and many families also grow cotton for income.
What they believe
Most of the people follow traditional religions. Many recognize Uwienu as the Creator God, but believe they cannot approach him directly and turn to intermediaries.
There are many churches in Cobly, established by missions and denominations that arrived at different times. Each translated words such as spirit, faith and baptism in its own way, often imprecisely. The community would therefore benefit from a shared Bible translation that uses clear terms.
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.
Mbelime
Portions translated
- Translation started Done
- Portions Current stage
- 3 New Testament Still ahead
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)15%
Evangelicals5%
Needs
Bebelibe churches need clear, consistent terms for key biblical concepts. Since January 2020, a team of translators has been working with a committee made up of several churches, and translated books have already been recorded in audio form. Some people who read French, the language used in school, have also learned to read and write in Mbelime, and books of stories, riddles and proverbs are being prepared to encourage reading.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for Bebelibe families who grow corn and cotton and raise livestock in northwestern Benin.
Pray for the Mbelime translators and the committee of churches working together on the Bible translation.
Pray for Bebelibe Christians to clearly understand words such as spirit, faith and baptism.
Pray for the churches in Cobly to teach the Scriptures in unity.
Pray for those who read and write in Mbelime, and for the audio recordings reaching mobile phones.
Pray for families who follow traditional religions to come to know Jesus.
Pray for Mbelime
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar