SANGAGE
About 500 years ago, Nathembo men who moved south into the Sangange peninsula intermarried with the Makhuwa-Naharra. This intermarried people group came into contact with traders, including the Swahili and Koti people, and eventually they became known as the Sangage. Translated, their name means ""do not be afraid.""
The Sangage lives on the Sangange peninsula to the north of Angoche town on the coast of the Nampula province. Arabic influence can be seen in their rectangular structured huts. It can also be seen in their musical instruments, fishing methods, and sailing boats. Huts are made of clay and have grass roofs. Open fires are used to cook food on.
Sangage diet consists of vegetables and fish. Men weave mats and ropes. These woven articles and fish form the main sources of income.
Although the Sangage prefer hospitals, they still consult traditional healers called the kurandeiro. The only clinic on the peninsula is to ill stocked and manned to be of any great help.
Being an Islamic society, the month of Ramadan is celebrated."
- Country: Mauritius
- Population (Year): 1 172 000 (1995)
- Major Religion: Hindu
- Percent Christian: 32.7%
- Percent Evangelical: 6%
- Openness to missionaries: Open; however, visas are difficult to obtain"
1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?
Who is Jesus Christ to them?
0.3% Believe Jesus is the Son of God
99% Believe Jesus is a Prophet, Teacher, Good Man, but not God's Son
2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?
Believers to population: 1 believer to every 333 persons (total believers: 54)(0.3%)
3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?
There is one Roman Catholic church on the peninsula.
4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?
No
5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?
Only a handful of men can read and write Portuguese.
6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Recordings: ?
Radio: ?
Literature: ?
Video: ?
Films: ?
7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?
Yes, they were very interested in Christianity when church members from Angoche reached out to them. Unfortunately, this was abandoned due to the lack of transport.
8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?
Yes. They need to be exposed to the gospel as they show an interest in Christianity. Some requests for Bibles have also been made."
