EFE

The Efe is a pygmy group living near the mountain slopes in the tropical forest of northeastern Zaire. They are hunters but also lives on agricultural produce. While the men are the hunters, the woman and children do the gathering.

Even though the Efe is a monogamous family clan society, promiscuity prevails until marriage. They follow an egalitarian system of authority with social pressure being a vehicle of punishment. Male circumcision rites and Eba, the coming of age for woman, are two important celebrations of the Efe. Body painting also plays an important role in the tribe.

After 70 years of Christian witnessing to this tribe they are still resistant to the Gospel. Their religion is tribal. This group is being looked down on by their neighbours."

• 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?

Missionaries to population: 1 missionary for every 3 333 persons. (total missionaries - 6)

Number of mission agencies targeting this people group: 3
Who is Jesus Christ to them: 0.5% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 200 persons. (total believers - 100)(0.5%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Churches to population: 1 church for every ? people

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

Translation is currently in progress

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Literacy Rate: 0% Resistant toward Christianity

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Recordings: Gospel Light recordings
Literature: None
Films: None
Radio: None
Video: None

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

No, still resistant after 70 years of Christian witnessing

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

Yes, if the 100 Christians could be trained to reach out to their own people it will be a great advantage."