Introduction / History

The Dzuun, an ethnic group of several thousand speakers, are one of many people groups inhabiting Burkina Faso's southwest region. The Dzuun are concentrated in about 10 villages, so their territory is small.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Economically, the Dzuun are well off compared with other ethnic groups. They live in Burkina Faso's fruit-basket. Besides subsistence farming of millet, sorghum, maize, peanuts, and sweet potatoes, the Dzuun earn cash by selling cash crops such as oranges, mandarins, mangoes, yams, and okra. They desire educational advancement, although less than half of the boys and only one-quarter of the girls who are of school age are currently enrolled. It appears the Dzuun are taking a greater interest in learning to read in their mother tongue. Literacy centers for Jula are also available.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Dzuun experienced a mass conversion to Islam in the 20th century. While all profess to be Muslim, many still secretly practice aspects of the traditional religion. The Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission (AIMM) began a church-planting ministry among the Dzuun. In their approach to evangelism, they have sought to earn favor with village elders, as the opinions of the older people carry much weight in traditional African culture. The missionaries do this through playing translated Scripture stories first to the older generation. Besides the efforts of those from AIMM, another church group has recently evangelized among the group. Another development in presenting the gospel is a Dzuun man's writing three Christian songs, based on the Psalms. In church planting, it is always encouraging to have church music that arises from the local culture. By using their own melodies and instruments, people are much more likely to embrace the gospel message. Scripture translation is in progress. They have portions, but not a complete Bible.

What Are Their Needs?

The Dzuun people need the chance to embrace Jesus Christ, King of kings.

Prayer Points

Pray for Dzuun elders to open the gates of their community to the gospel.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to direct and protect workers among the Dzuun people.
Pray for spiritual hunger among this Muslim tribe in Burkina Faso.
Pray this will be the time of great harvest among the Dzuun people.

Scripture Prayers for the Dzuun, Samogo in Burkina Faso.