We are excited to be a part of what God is doing to reach the nations for His glory in the twenty first century!  After seeking the Lord’s will for our church concerning adopting a people group in West Africa, God led us to what started our relationship with the Fulakunda Fulani in April of 2009. It was at that time when leadership of our church visited West Africa on a “vision trip,” in effort to determine God’s will and exactly what village He was leading our church to adopt.  By the end of our next trip in September of 2009, God had revealed clearly the village and area of in which He was calling our church to engage. So, at that point we said, “yes” to the Lord and began being an engaging church with the Fulakunda people group.

As an engaging church, we are committed to sending at least four teams a year to the village God has called us to. Through prayer and the Lord’s direction we believe God has been and will be doing greater things within the Fula.

About the People
Fulakunda Fulani
Location: Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Guinea
Also Known As: Fula, Fulani, Fufulde
Status: Engaged by IMB
Population: 2,000,000
Primary Religion: Islam
Number of Christians: less than 0.1%
Language: Pulaar
99% Muslim, the Fulakunda have embraced Islam over the last 70 years.
They are a sub-grouping of the Fulani, a large people group spread across West Africa. 
 Missionaries are beginning to see a growing responsiveness among the Fulakunda.

Though 99% of the Fulakunda claim to be Muslim, much of their beliefs and lifestyle still have roots in animistic traditions and beliefs. This is evident as health and daily problems drive them to the local “marabout” (witchdoctor) for amulets (which are charms). These are designed to help with whatever problem they may be facing.

Historically the Fulakunda were predominantly nomadic herdsmen of cattle, sheep, and goats. The movements were based upon the availability of food supplies for their herds. Though the cattle were rarely eaten and remained a symbol of wealth, the sheep and goats were used for trade in the villages to obtain rice, millet, corn, clothing, and other goods.  Although they continue to raise sheep, goats and cattle, they have begun to settle into a more agrarian lifestyle, growing millet, corn, peanuts and manioc.

Goals:
Our goal by the year (2014), is to see multiple (reproducible) churches planted among the Fulani people of West Africa for the glory of Christ.
How do we go about reaching such a lofty goal?
First, we pray.
Second, we sow seed.
Third, we harvest.
Fourth, we disciple new believers and give them vision for the lost around them.
Fifth, we hope to see a church started by the Fulani believers for those who live in their community which will in turn go through the same process and steps so that they may also be a church that brings glory to God by listening to His call to reach the lost of our world.

Results so far:
We have been six trips and have seen multiple decisions made for Christ and have seen two of those whom have chosen to follow Christ baptized. We have shared the Gospel and prayed (seeing a blind man healed) with literally hundreds of people who have never heard the truth that Jesus is the way.  

If your church is interested in partnering with us to reach the Fulakunda people or if you would like more information about how you can get involved contact Jared Russell at 870.273.3950  or jrussell@firstbaptistmanila.org 
Click HERE to get started on the necessary steps for W. Africa involvement.

Language Study

Language study Video