Lefa in Cameroon

Introduction / History

Lefa is spoken in twenty-six villages of the Deuk Subdivision in the Mbam-and-Inoubou Division of Central Province. The Lefa-speaking area, about 1,550 square kilometers, is located north of Bafia and the Mbam River. This area is quite isolated, surrounded by rivers, many small tributaries, forest and mountains. All travel in and out of the area must come up from the south and pass by way of a singular ferry across the Mbam, there are no bridges.

French is the language of wider communication. The youth of the three major Fa' villages speak French more than their own language, reliance upon the mother tongue is stronger in the more remote villages.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Lefa, as well as the other peoples in their area, are subsistence farmers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There is a strong Christian presence among the Lefas.

What Are Their Needs?

The Lefa people need increased healthcare, more schools, improved roads, bridges across the Mbam River, and electricity. A Catholic sister runs a mission in Deuk that provides health care for the Lefa people, but much more care is still needed. In some Lefa villages only 35% of the children have the opportunity to attend primary school, two villages have no school. The Lefa people need more schools and electricity.

Those Lefa people who have contact with Rikpa people seem to understand their speech well, although some reject the Rikpa scriptures because they say it is not their own language. Others might be willing to use the Rikpa New Testament if they possessed a copy. There are a few Presbyterian and Catholic congregations in the area.

Prayer Points

Pray for church growth, both in maturity of faith and in numbers of Christians.
Ask God to free the Lefa people from traditional religion and draw them to Christ.
Pray that epilepsy will become less prevalent in their area.
Pray for improvements in the Lefa standard of living.

Text Source:   Joshua Project