People
Who they are
The Mum, also called Bamum, Bamun or Bamoun, live in western Cameroon, mainly around Foumban. The Bamum kingdom was founded in Foumban around 1390 by a conqueror named Nchare.
One distinctive feature of the people’s identity is the script that King Ibrahim Njoya developed for the Bamum language in the late nineteenth century. It is very different from the Latin and Arabic scripts and remains a symbol of the people’s history. There is also a hand-drawn map of the kingdom attributed to King Njoya.
Where they live
1
Country
720K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Cameroon Partially reached
|
100%
|
702.000 |
How they live
Farming and local trade support many families in villages and towns. They grow maize, millet, cassava and sweet potatoes. Some artisans make textiles, wood carvings, leather goods and pottery. Some Mum work in towns and cities, in government and in business. Family networks and traditions continue to shape community life.
What they believe
The vast majority of the Mum are Muslim. Respect for deceased relatives was part of the Bamum worldview, and elements of this tradition continue alongside Islamic practice. A smaller part of the population identifies as Christian. King Njoya knew Arabic because of his Islamic faith and his contact with Hausa traders.
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.
Bamun
Complete Bible
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Done
- Whole Bible Current stage
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)8.5%
Evangelicals2.4%
Needs
There is a need for deeper discipleship, especially among those who are Christian or Muslim in name only. Mum Christians need leaders from their own people who will teach the gospel in Bamun. The complete Bible in Bamun has been available since 1988, and the challenge is for it to reach families and churches.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for Mum families who make their living from farming and trade.
Pray for the study of the Bible in Bamun in families and churches.
Pray for Mum Christians who share their faith in a Muslim-majority society.
Pray for the training of Mum leaders who will teach the gospel in their own language.
Pray for Mum churches in the villages and towns around Foumban.
Pray for Mum
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar