"It's doomed to disappear!" People are saying this about the Bandial language. Various organizations are fighting to keep tribal languages alive, believing valuable cultures will disappear with the languages. French is Senegal's official language, although people in this West African country speak 35 other languages.

Bandial children often start school with no knowledge of French, and many find learning so difficult they stop trying. Some parents are trying to switch over to French, so that their children will have a better chance in school. Yet, school officials say children who read in their own language show amazing progress. This "coin" has two sides.

This situation may open the door to the gospel, since Christian literacy programs use the Bible to help people learn to read in the French language. Most of the minor language groups do not have a Bible translated into their mother tongue. Fortunately, Wycliffe is translating for five minor languages, including Bandial.

Bandial people used to farm and were satisfied to speak Bandial. Now large numbers have moved to cities where they are learning new languages and new ways of living. More than nine of every ten Bandial people follow Islam. Perhaps these changing times will cause Bandial Muslims to consider Christ.

* Scripture Prayers for the Bandial in Senegal.

* Pray that God will send followers of Christ to share the gospel in a way the Bandial people understand.
* Ask the Holy Spirit to soften hearts and prepare them to receive seeds of gospel truth.