Introduction / History

The ancestors of the Chewa Nyanjas migrated from central Africa to their present locations hundreds of years ago. The Chewa Nyanjas are the dominant people in Malawi. They speak the Chichewa language and live in eight countries, mostly in southern Africa. A small number are in the United States. They have two large clans: Phiri and Banda.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Nyanjas and other Africans in the U.S. are well-educated, and they have high incomes. Socially, they often blend with other African groups or African-Americans. Commonly, they have cultural events where they can enjoy their food, music, and dance in a foreign land.

Chewa Nyanja children and grandparents have a sense of equality. Children respect, but don’t fear their grandparents. Commonly, Chewa Nyanja children are raised by their grandmother.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they have a Christian majority, there is a sizable Muslim minority among the Chewa Nyanjas. Whether Christian or Muslim, traditional beliefs involve a God of creation and the veneration of ancestral spirits. These traditional beliefs have been a segue into these two monotheistic religions.

What Are Their Needs?

They suffer from diseases such as malaria and AIDS. There is a high rate of infant mortality, and the life expectancy is only 46.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Chewa Nyanja families, drawing them closer to Jesus Christ.
Pray for them to stop sexual practices that increase the likelihood of AIDS.
Pray for a record-high harvest as a testimony of God’s power and love.
Pray for them to be blessed spiritually and materially as they follow the Lord closely.

Scripture Prayers for the Nyanja in United States.

References

https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/chewa
https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/chewa.html