Kotoko, Mpade in Chad

Introduction / History

The Mpade language is one of the Kotoko languages. The Mpade refer to themselves as Kotoko. The name they give to their "language" depends upon what village they're from and what dialect they speak. A person from a Mpade village will say they speak the Mpade dialect of Kotoko. They live near the Nigerian border in southwestern Chad or near the Chari River valley. A Larger group of Mpade live in Cameroon.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mpade cultivate millet, sorghum, maize, beans and peanuts. If the rains are plentiful, the Mpade thrive. During periods of draught, the Mpade can face starvation. Some Mpade have moved to the capital city, N'Djamena, looking for a better life. Since most Mpade lack skills and literacy, they end up working menial jobs. Elders rule Mpade villages. A man may have up to four wives if he can afford them. Parents tend to have many children. Many children die before their tenth birthday due to the lack of access to modern medicine. Sons inherit their father's property. The Mpade tend to marry within their own ethnic group. Families arrange marriages with girls marrying at a young age. Most Mpade villages do not have electricity, indoor plumbing or access to clean water. There are few known Mpade believers. At the time of this writing no Christian resources exist in the Mpade language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Mpade claim to be Sunni Muslims. Their Islam is mixed with folk religion and animism. Sunni Muslims try to obey the teachings of the Koran and the prophet Muhammad. Sunnis believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam that they will attain heaven when they die. However, Allah, the supreme God of the universe, determines who enters paradise. Sunnis pray five times a day facing Mecca. They fast the month of Ramadan. They attend mosque services on Friday. If a Muslim has the means, he or she will make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Muslims are also prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, using deceit, slandering, and making idols. The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mpade have huge physical and spiritual needs. Most Mpade villages need a source of clean water. Solar panels can bring electricity to the Mpade to power cell phones and appliances. The Mpade would greatly benefit from the blessing of modern medicine. Most of all, the Mpade must hear and understand the good news about Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send workers to the Mpade to share with them the gospel of Christ. Pray that the Bible and other resources would be translated into the Mpade dialect of Kotoko. Pray that Mpade parents would be able to provide for their children. Pray that Christian workers would be able to drill wells so that the Mpade would have access to clean water. Pray that the Lord raises up churches among the Mpade Kotoko people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project