The Ziguas of Tanzania speak the Zigula language. A small number live in the U.S.
An estate utilized the fertile Pangani River valley for growing sisal. The estate includes hundreds of acres and extends for about 30 miles. The sisal is farmed and harvested by hand. Estate workers are primarily Zigua and Makonde. The diminishing sisal market has created a movement of Makonde laborers from the south to the Pangani estate. The sisal is cut one blade at a time, the sharp tip sliced off, and the stalks stacked like cords of firewood. Hundreds of workers are involved, and they rely upon the estate to care for all their needs.
I inquired as to the purpose of a basketful of various types of what appeared to be musical shakers. "I use them to drive away evil spirits," he said. It was evident that not only did he serve as village chairman but also as the village witch doctor.We soon learned that the Zigua village was Islamic, but even the sheik came to the witch doctor for cures. It was clear that Islam was a pseudo religion, and animism was the primary faith. Islam appeared to be little more than taking Muslim names and wearing prayer hats.
Poverty is a key issue for the Ziguas. All the buildings are constructed from mud except for the small, relatively new, primary school. Many live by slash-and-burn agriculture.My heart went out to the Zigua. They are so poor, so deceived by the devil, and so isolated from the outside world. Truly, they are a forgotten people who need a committed messenger to live among them. May God be gracious to the Ziguas!
Pray for their medical and educational needs to be met in abundance.Pray for the Holy Spirit to send a powerful revival to Zigua homes and churches that will lead them to share Christ with Muslims.Pray for Zigua Christians to be filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit.Pray for them to have patience and kindness as they minister the gospel.
Scripture Prayers for the Zigua in Tanzania.
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| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
