Sarwa in Chad

Sarwa
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Map Source:  Joshua Project / Global Mapping International
People Name: Sarwa
Country: Chad
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 6,300
World Population: 6,300
Primary Language: Sarua
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.40 %
Evangelicals: 0.30 %
Scripture: Unspecified
Ministry Resources: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: No
People Cluster: Chadic
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Sharwa is more of a language than an ethnic group. Although people still use the Sharwa language in their homes, they are more likely to use Fulfulde (Fulani) with outsiders.

Where Are they Located?

The people who speak the Sharwa language are known as the "Sarwwa" in the village of Djeki and the "Majieke" in the village of Duva in Cameroon. Sharwa speaking people live in Chad as well as Cameroon.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Sharwa speakers live in a very hot and dry climate. Plants do not find it easy to take root and grow in such a hostile environment. Christianity has also struggled to take root among the Sharwa speakers as well. Living in an isolated area near the town of Bourrah which is situated near the Nigerian border, this strongly Muslim group has been resistant to influences from the the outside.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like most tribal peoples of this region, the Sharwa speakers are Muslim, which means that they agree to the tenets of Islam. However, for their practical daily needs they look to the spirit world.

What Are Their Needs?

A few Sharwa speaking children attend a small school in Djeki, but in Duva and other villages there are no schools. The gospel has not reached the people who speak Sharwa, and they have almost no gospel materials in their language.

Prayer Points

Pray that they would have access to a clear and consistent oral presentation of the gospel, probably through the Fulfulde language.
Pray that a radio program or an evangelist will reach them.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead the Sharwa speakers to Jesus.
Pray for a disciple making movement among them that will transform their communities into the likeness of Jesus.

Text Source:   Keith Carey