BUDZA

A Bantu people, the Budza can be found in the Equateur Province of Zaire in the Mongala, Bumba and parts of the Bongandanga zones. Being a primarily agricultural people group, crops such as maize, manioc, and bananas are grown. Goats, dogs, cats, and chickens are also kept. Trading is done with the Mobale fisherman, trading agricultural products for fish.

Fifteen spears, a shield, a hunting net, and a goat form part of the bride price which is to be paid to the bride's father. The groom's mother's brother will contribute to this bride price. After the wedding the newly married couple will go and live in a new house in the husband's village. Polygamy is the preferred norm. The first wife carries the status of chief wife. Inheritance is patrilineal: the eldest surviving brother is first in line; however, if there are no brothers the eldest son inherits from his father.

Houses are rectangular with bark walls and gable roofs thatched with grass. A double row of houses along a village street is a typical village scene. Each village has its own village chief residing over it. He is assisted by the family chiefs and a war chief in rendering justice.

Lingala is the lingua franca. Some of the younger people only speak this language and there is a high literacy rate in Lingala."

• Population (year): 41.8 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 95.9%
• Percent Evangelical: 21%
• Openness to Missionaries: Open"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them? 10% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 10 persons (total believers - 22 600)(10%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Churches to population: 1 church for every ? persons (total churches - ?)

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

The Lingala Bible was released in 1970 and work on the braille translation is in progress.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

The only hindrance would be the poor infra structure of Zaire.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

None.

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

They are still fairly resistant to Christianity.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes, a clear gospel presentation is definitely needed."