Shona in Malawi
Photo Source:
Steve Evans - Flickr
Creative Commons
|
Send Joshua Project a map of this people group.
|
| People Name: | Shona |
| Country: | Malawi |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 105,000 |
| World Population: | 1,434,000 |
| Primary Language: | Shona |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 75.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 5.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Bantu, Shona |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
|
Introduction / History
The ancestors of the Shonas arrived in southern Africa nearly 2,000 years ago. Though they are in seven countries, including Malawi, they have their largest population in Zimbabwe where they are in the majority. They have their own language, Shona.
Many Shonas began working in mines during the colonial era. Those who had established land were moved away to make way for white farmers during that time.
What Are Their Lives Like?
In Malawi, the Shona diet is healthy. They eat a porridge made from corn, sorghum, and millet. They eat it with green vegetables, grown in kitchen gardens or collected from the wild. They eat a lot of onions and tomatoes mixed with peanut sauce. In general, only those in urban areas eat bread. Seasonal foods include milk, termites, and caterpillars. Shonas often eat out, purchasing soft drinks and food from stalls. They eat roasted or stewed meat during festivals.
Their staple crops include corn, millet, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. They earn money by making handmade goods. Women weave and produce pottery while the men forge metal products through their blacksmith skills.
Conflicts are dealt with through government-controlled courts instead of at the local level. Conflicts between various Shona chieftains is rare in today’s world.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Traditionally, Shonas believed in the existence of various kinds of spirits. The most important ones were the ancestral spirits, but there were also evil spirits, and wandering spirits. A spirit can possess someone to make themselves known. After causing illness or nightmares, the victim will need to see a witchdoctor for help.
Though they still maintain these traditional practices, most Shonas are Christian. They have a complete Bible and all kinds of Christian materials. God can them to reach gospel-starved people with the gospel.
What Are Their Needs?
Shonas need to take Christ to those who don’t have access to his blessings.
Prayer Points
Pray for Shona Christian believers to be called and prepared to take the gospel to other parts of Africa.
Pray for Shona Christians to be generous in sending God’s anointed to those who need the gospel.
Pray for Shona disciples to make more disciples throughout Africa.