People
Who they are
The Southern Samo, also called the Sanan or Toma, live in northwestern Burkina Faso, mainly in the Boucle du Mouhoun region, in the provinces of Nayala and Sourou, and also in cities such as Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso. They speak San, which has four dialects with limited mutual intelligibility, including Toma. For this reason, many also speak Jula, the trade language of the west of the country, and many churches use Jula to bring together speakers of different dialects.
The people place a high value on education, and adults want to learn to read.
Where they live
1
Country
184K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Burkina Faso Partially reached
|
100%
|
180.000 |
How they live
The region is dry and receives little rain. Young people struggle to get ahead in their working lives and often turn to subsistence farming to support their families. In the villages, chiefs settle minor disputes, while larger conflicts are handled by government authorities.
What they believe
Followers of traditional religion make up the largest group among the Southern Samo. There are also Muslims and a Christian community that includes evangelicals. In February 2016, Christians gathered in Toma, in Nayala province, celebrated the presentation of the complete Bible in San with prayers, singing and dancing, and were encouraged to use it to strengthen their faith and improve their reading.
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.
Southern Samo
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)30%
Evangelicals9.5%
Needs
Many adults want to learn to read but lack the time and money to attend classes. Samo Christians want Christian workers who will live among them, teach them to read and teach the Scriptures in the language of the people. Reading skills and faith grow together in Christian communities, and the Bible in San makes this possible.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for Southern Samo adults to have the time and resources to attend reading classes.
Pray for Christian workers who will live among the Southern Samo and teach the Scriptures in the language of the people.
Pray for the Bible in San to be used in families and churches, as encouraged at the celebration in Toma in 2016.
Pray for work for young Southern Samo people who support their families through farming.
Pray that everyone will understand the teaching in churches that use Jula to bring together speakers of different dialects.
Pray for Southern Samo
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar