WOYO

Over 400 years ago the Woyo was part of the Kongo kingdom. However, the colonial period saw the demise of this kingdom. Today the Woyo can be found in Cabinda and in and around Moanda in the Bass-Zaire province of Zaire. An agricultural society, the Woyo cultivates crops such as rice and bananas. Although they think of themselves as a people with exceptional wisdom other people groups tend to see them as hypocrites. Children born to a household belongs to the mother's family. Each village has its own village chief. These chiefs are accountable to the administration office in Kinshasa.

To mourn the death of somebody singing will continue throughout the night. Burial will then take place the following morning. Food and clothes are often left at the grave by the deceased's family. It is believed that one goes to the village of the ancestors, located in the underworld, after death. Through dreams these ancestral spirits maintain contact with their family members.

God is seen as being Almighty; however, He is distant and can not be contacted. Ancestral spirits are the mediators between God and humans; therefore prayers are offered to the ancestors. The Woyo also believe in both good and evil spirits, affecting one's daily life. Witchcraft is also quite extensively practised."

• 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? 20% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 5 persons (total believers - 20 000)(20%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Churches to population: 1 church for every 100 000 persons (total churches - 1)

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

No. However, they do understand Kikongo.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

No.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Literature: Only available in Kikongo
Radio: Yes
Recordings: No
Films: Only available in Kikongo

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

Yes, it seems that the Woyo are opening up.

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

Yes, more church planters needed."