Lozi in Botswana
Photo Source:
David, Lozi pastor
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| People Name: | Lozi |
| Country: | Botswana |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 19,000 |
| World Population: | 1,615,000 |
| Primary Language: | Lozi |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 95.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 3.50 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Bantu, Sotho-Tswana |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Lozis are a cluster of tribes. They have their own language, Lozi, a Bantu language. Lozi emerged from a mixture of two languages: Luyana and Kololo. They live in five southern African countries including Botswana.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most in Botswana are subsistence farmers who are at the mercy of natural forces. They also make ceramic goods without handles. They are skilled blacksmiths who forge hoes, shovels, daggers, and fishing supplies.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Traditionally, Lozis believed in Nyambe, a god of creation. He created Kamunu and his wife, but eventually their ways offended Nyambe. Kamunu and Nyambe were separated. Kamunu tried to return to Nyambe by building a wooden platform, but it collapsed. Kamunu then gave up attempts to follow Nyambe.
This is only part of the Lozi creation myth, but it is a natural bridge to belief in a God of Creation, sin, and a desire to return to God. They are a Christianized people, though only one in ten is Evangelical.
What Are Their Needs?
Lozi families and churches in Botswana need revival fire. Most are Christian in name only.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move Lozis from marginal Christianity to living Christianity.
Pray for Lozi husbands to be faithful to their wives and love them like Christ loves the Church.
Pray that soon Lozi evangelists will take Christ to the least-reached villages of southern Africa.