The Lughulu people live on ancestral land in and around the inland city of Morogoro. In the urban area, Lughulu people find jobs on sisal or sugar plantations, in tobacco processing plants or in a local plastics factory. A trade school teaches mechanics, carpentry, electrical wiring and hotel management. Nursing schools offer opportunities for work in local hospitals as well as village clinics. In addition, the Lughulu people usually grow vegetables or raise cash crops. Many Lughulu children can attend primary schools. The school year follows the agricultural seasons, making it possible for children to be available when their parents need their help.

Although about 50 percent of the Lughulu people claim Christianity, most still fear witchcraft and engage in many kinds of animistic rituals along with their non-believing neighbors. If drought persists, locals will beat someone, accusing that person of witchcraft. A human is generally blamed and made to pay, even for natural phenomena. Witchcraft makes people afraid of curses. One pastor had five good milk cows, but someone poisoned them all, explaining that they must have been cursed to milk so well.

The majority of Lughulu speakers – including the Christians – still live in fear of spirits rather than experiencing the redemption and freedom they could know in Christ. Non-Christians can’t see much victory or joy in the lives of believers. The Scriptures in their mother tongue will offer believers tools for deliverance from the bondage of fear. It will also support personal spiritual growth and provide a solid foundation from which to reach out to others.