Bube, Fernandian in Equatorial Guinea

Introduction / History

The Bube people represent seven percent of the population of Equatorial Guinea in West Africa. Their traditional homeland is the island of Bioko including Malabo, the capital city. Bioko is a big, beautiful, tropical, volcanic island off the coast of Nigeria and Cameroon. They used to be a kingdom but had no king for many years.

Bubes speak one of the coastal Bantu languages which they desire to develop. Most of them know some Spanish from school days and some Krio, which is the trade language on Bioko island.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Bube men are good sailors, strong swimmers and skilled fishermen.

There are primary schools in every village, but they often lack teachers. Almost all Bube children go to school. Teaching is done in Spanish by teachers who are originally Fang speakers. A bilingual literacy program (Bubi Spanish) might have very positive results in their educational advancement and progress in Spanish. This could result in a better self-image and more self-respect among the Bubi people, and help them to stand against alcoholism, drugs and teenage pregnancies. Three mother tongue translators have completed the Bubi New Testament but not the entire Bible into the Bube language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They have been colonized by the Spanish and have as one of the results become Roman Catholics. Their religious practices include many elements of traditional African animism.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bube people need a greater spiritual hunger that will lead them to put all their trust in Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for a Holy Spirit-led revival in Bube churches, giving them the desire to put their faith in Jesus Christ, and none other.
Pray that soon Bube disciples will make more disciples.
Pray for the Lord to bless the Bube community spiritually and materially in such a way they will give him praise and devotion.

Text Source:   Joshua Project