People
Who they are
The Papel, also called Pepel, live in Guinea-Bissau, in the Biombo region and around the capital, Bissau, and also in Casamance, Senegal. They are closely related to the Manjaco and Mancanha in language and culture. The Papel language belongs to the Niger-Congo family.
A neighborhood in Bissau, Chão de Pepel, is named after them. João Bernardo Vieira, a former president of Guinea-Bissau, was Papel.
Where they live
2
Countries
213K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Guinea-Bissau Partially reached
|
95.6%
|
199.000 |
Senegal Partially reached
|
4.4%
|
9.200 |
How they live
In rural areas, the Papel are traditionally farmers and grow rice. Hunting is also part of rural life. Research conducted in Biombo between 1993 and 1998 described the Papel as a people among whom children belong to their mother’s family.
What they believe
Most Papel follow traditional religions, and there are also Muslims and a Christian minority. Many Papel families have surnames of Portuguese origin, such as Pereira, Lopes and Correia.
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.
Papel
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)14.5%
Evangelicals3.6%
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray that Papel families in Biombo, Bissau and Casamance will come to know the teaching of Jesus.
Pray for the reading and understanding of the Scriptures in the Papel language.
Pray for Papel Christians to live out their faith in everyday life.
Pray that the leaders of Papel churches will teach the Word clearly and with respect for families.
Pray for Papel
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar