Bungu in Tanzania

Introduction / History

The Bungu are a Bantu speaking group of people living among the hills, plains, and ridge-like escarpments to the southeast of Lake Rukwa in the Great Rift Valley. Their villages are surrounded by vast expanses of deciduous forest.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The people live in mud brick homes with thatched roofs. Some farm and others fish. The main cash crop is cotton. In the more mountainous villages, they also grow and cure tobacco. For food, they plant rice, corn, millet and cassava. Many of them also raise goats, cows, pigs, and chickens. The Lake upon which the fishermen depend is reported to be increasing in size, yet becoming more shallow, due to erosion. As a result, the fish are also becoming more scarce. Such work also has its hazards, as the number of crocodiles has been increasing.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tay have their own animistic religion called Then. Ancestor worship (praying to deceased ancestors for protection and guidance) is commonly practiced. Their homes usually have a central altar dedicated to ancestor worship. Most Tay villages had temples where they worship a multitude of gods associated with earth, water and fire. They also worship guardian spirits. Such practices probably came from Taoism and Chinese folk religion.

What Are Their Needs?

Their primary need is to focus their faith on Jesus Christ.

There are very few Tay Christ followers who can disciple others. It's possible that the related Nung people might fill in the gap.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to bless Bungu church fellowships and families with a deep, unwavering faith that Jesus Christ can and will bring them peace and truth.
Pray that soon Bungu disciples will make more disciples.
Pray for a complete and accurate Bible translation in the Bungu language.

Text Source:   Joshua Project