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Dogon OT

Dogon 1

The Dogon of West Africa live in one of the bleakest, most isolated places on earth, yet they have intrigued anthropologists and photojournalists the world over. Like the ancient Anasazi people of the Western United States, the Dogon are cliff dwellers. The majority live south of the Sahara beneath the imposing cliffs of the Bandiagara escarpment, which towers 2,000 feet above the Gondo plains. Over 700 villages with nearly 500 inhabitants each, dot the base of the 125-mile long escarpment near the southeastern border of Mali. As subsistence grain farmers, the Dogon struggle daily to make a living on millet and sorghum in the harsh semi-arid environment known as the Sahel.

Dogon 2

Though 45 percent claim adherence to the dominant religion in the north, most still hold to traditional beliefs as well. Nevertheless, the Dogon are one of five major ethnic groups in Mali who have responded positively to the Gospel. In 1997, the Dogon church dedicated the New Testament in their language and the first printing sold out. Today 20 percent have become Christians and the church is growing fast.

To encourage further growth of the church and help it stand against the dominant religion, there is a great need for trained Dogon pastors. Since they do not have the entire Bible in Dogon, it is difficult for many rural pastors to receive seminary training because they must learn another language to read the Scriptures. However, if the whole Bible becomes available in Dogon, a seminary has agreed to provide Bible training directly in their language. This is the great dream of the Dogon church – that both pastors and lay people become well equipped to share the Gospel and grow in the truth of God’s Word.

News from the Field
  • Feb13

    Daily Prayer: the Dogon-speaking people of Mali

    600,000 people of West Africa who live beneath massive 2,000-foot high cliffs just south of the Sahara. The Dogon are Cliff Dwellers. Over 700 villages with nearly 500 inhabitants each, dot the base of the 125-mile long escarpment near the southeastern border of Mali. Though 45 percent claim adherence to the dominant religion in the north, most still hold to traditional beliefs as well. Nevertheless, the Dogon are one of five major ethnic groups in Mali who have responded positively to the Gospel.

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  • Sep17

    Seed Company Prayer for Monday

    Pray with us for the Dogon people of West Africa.

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