People
Who they are
The Warji live in northern Nigeria, mainly in the Warji and Ganjuwa districts of Bauchi State, where they have lived for many generations. They are also called Warjawa, and their language, Warji, is also known as Sirzakwai. It is a Chadic language written in the Latin alphabet. They also speak Hausa as a second language, and in many communities Hausa is replacing Warji. The Warji who moved to Kano adopted the religion, language and dress of the Hausa.
Where they live
1
Country
158K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Nigeria Partially reached
|
100%
|
155.000 |
How they live
Farming is the main source of livelihood: they grow sorghum, rice, millet, sweet potatoes, okra and peppers. Most families raise sheep, goats, horses and some cattle, which are often tended by Fulani herders. Some also hunt, fish, make palm-leaf mats, work with dyes or earn a living through trade. Villages are divided into sections, each made up of extended families and led by the oldest man in the family.
What they believe
Officially, the Warji are Muslims, but many live in fear of the spirits of the dead and the forces of nature. They practice witchcraft and exorcism and make blood sacrifices when faced with serious illness or tragedy. There are also enough Christians among them that the Warji are not considered an unreached people group. Their religious future remains open: they may move closer to Islam or to Christianity.
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.
Warji
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)20%
Evangelicals10%
Needs
Warji Christians need discipleship to understand the reasons for their faith and grow in Christ. There is a lack of Warji leaders who proclaim the gospel boldly and strong churches that plant other churches. Many who identify as Muslims need to hear about Jesus instead of seeking what they lack from ancestral spirits. The region is surrounded by mountains, and the roads are poor, making it difficult to reach.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for biblical teaching and discipleship for Warji Christians.
Pray for Warji leaders who will proclaim the gospel boldly.
Pray for strong Warji churches that will plant other churches.
Pray for Muslim Warji to discover their need for Jesus.
Pray for progress in making the Scriptures available in Warji, which currently has only portions of the Bible.
Pray for Warji
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
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