MANGBETU
This is a large people group numbering close to 650,000 who live in a jungle area of northeast Zaire. They are agricultural people with a long history in the same area. While the majority are engaged in agricultural pursuits, many still follow the life of the ancient hunter/gatherers. They trade peanuts, rice etc. for iron materials, hoes, machete's, clothing and cloth.
Unlike other groups, the bride price does not finish with the wedding. The attitude is more that she is a family asset which is ""rented"" to the husband. Every child she produces is reason to demand additional payment to her male siblings, father and uncles. In the unfortunate event of her death, for any cause, the husband is considered to have failed to protect this family asset. Male members of her family descend in mass on the funeral, and may beat the poor husband unconscious, even to death. They demand and take as much of his property, including ""her"" children, as they can, often demanding tribute from his family and friends as well. In spite of all of this cost, polygamy is permitted and practiced. Ironically, every husband hopes for enough female children to be able to recoup his expenses. Too many sons can lead to bankruptcy even though they are much needed. A wife is expected to produce as many children as possible for the householder, often giving birth to as many as a dozen children who are all considered assets.
Progress continues on the Bible translation into Mangbetu. Also a literacy program is currently in progress. This kind of support for the existing Church as well as training for the native leaders seems the best hope for Christian progress among these people."
- 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?
Ratio of pastors/evangelists to population: 1 pastor or evangelist for every 3 250 persons
(total pastors and evangelists—200)
Ratio of missionaries to population: 1 missionary for every 65,000 persons
(total missionaries 10)
Who is Jesus Christ to them?
80% Believe Jesus is the Son of God and are nominally Christians
15% Believe in the Son of God and have accepted Him as their Saviour
1 % Believe Jesus is a Prophet, Teacher, Good Man, but not God's Son
0% Believe Jesus is a myth
2% Have never heard His name
2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?
Yes, they are very open to the gospel though the majority still do not attend Church.
3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?
Ratio of churches to population: 1 church for every 3 250 persons
(total churches 200)
Total number of Communities (Cities, towns, villages): 1 church for every 1 000 communities
(communities without church 450)
4. DO THEY HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?
They have the Christmas story, the narrative life of Christ and the passion of Christ written in their mother tongue. Translation of the Bible into Mangbetu is underway.
5. ANY HINDRANCE TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?
Literacy Rate: I0-15%
The Literacy rate is only 10-15% in Bangala and French. Progress in spreading the Gospel is slow because groups and villages are remote and inaccessible. There are very few publishers in Zaire so much time is taken in sending material elsewhere for printing.
6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Evangelism in the form of Church meetings from village to village is effective because any kind of entertainment will draw a crowd.
7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?
Yes, they are receptive to preaching even in the trade language, Bangala, though it has a poor range of vocabulary for expressing religious concepts and many people, especially the women, do not understand it properly. They are even more responsive to preaching in their mother tongue. - However, many who respond still practice traditional religion.
8. IS OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE REQUIRED FROM MISSIONARIES?
Assistance required for translation, literacy, medical care, education, community development."
