People
Who they are
The Nguu live in eastern and northeastern Tanzania, mainly in Tanga Region (Handeni and Kilindi districts) and in parts of Morogoro Region. They are also known as the Ngulu or Nguru. They speak Ngulu, a Bantu language of the east coast of Africa, used daily by all generations.
According to the Nguu themselves, their name comes from a word meaning mountain or hill. Earlier research says they are divided into more than fifty clans, and that descent was traced through the mother’s line.
Where they live
1
Country
446K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Tanzania Partially reached
|
100%
|
434.000 |
How they live
Most Nguu rely on subsistence farming, growing crops to feed their own families. Their crops include maize, pearl millet, sorghum, cassava, rice, beans and peanuts.
Earlier research reports that each clan was associated with one or more areas, but people from several clans lived in the same place. Families had two important ties: the mother’s clan and the father’s clan.
What they believe
Most Nguu are Muslims, and there are also Christians and a small proportion who follow traditional religions. Many combine traditional beliefs with Christian or Islamic practices. Islam and Christianity have influenced their lives for generations.
In traditional beliefs, ceremonies were performed to uphold the customs of the elders. According to earlier research, those who failed to observe them could be punished by the spirits of the dead.
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.
Ngulu
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
There are few schools in rural areas, and many young people need to go to town for secondary school and technical training. Access to health care is uneven, particularly for mothers and children, disease prevention and emergencies.
Nguu churches also need trained local leaders who can teach the faith to believers and share it with their neighbors.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for schools and health care for Nguu families in rural areas.
Pray for the New Testament in Ngulu to be read and heard in the communities of Tanga and Morogoro.
Pray for Nguu Christians to grow in their knowledge of Jesus and in living out their faith.
Pray for the training of Nguu leaders who will care for the churches and take the gospel to their neighbors.
Pray for Nguu Muslims who want to know Jesus.
Pray for Nguu
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
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