The Meetto are part of the larger Macua (Makua) ethnic group of about five million. The larger Makua language has Scripture, but Meetto speakers don’t understand it well. They need their own translation.

Most Meetto people live in the northeast area of Mozambique. Some have migrated further north, creating pockets of Meetto communities in southern Tanzania. Usually, Meetto families cultivate small gardens or farms to grow what they need. Their area is wide, flat and sparsely populated. Not many Meetto speakers have the opportunity for formal education.

Only about 1 percent, or fewer than 10,000 Meetto speakers, actually attends churches though about 25 percent of the population claims to be Christians. Under the surface of their formal affiliation, locals still follow traditional religious practices, including witchcraft. They live in constant fear of unknown evil spirits in nature, offended ancestors and living relatives or neighbors who have manipulated the spirit world to do them harm. For every mishap, fatality or even natural disaster, someone must be blamed and made to pay. Jealousy runs rampant, squelching any entrepreneurial intent that could help pull someone from the iron grip of poverty.

Because of the undertow of jealousy and retribution woven throughout the Meetto culture, maintaining equality is highly valued. Therefore, pastors tend to use the national language, Portuguese, in an effort to promote peace. This practice precludes understanding for the Meetto speakers, whose general lack of formal schooling leaves them with minimal skills in Portuguese. The Meetto people need to understand how much God loves them, both collectively and individually. Scripture will offer them hope for the future and freedom from the paralyzing fear that characterizes their society.