Maya in Nigeria

People Name:	Maya
Country:	Nigeria
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	4,900
World Population:	4,900
Primary Language:	Bali (Nigeria)
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	90.00 %
Evangelicals:	9.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Adamawa-Ubangi
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Maya people are hardworking farmers. Their crops include guinea corn, millet, maize and groundnuts. Projects for economic, medical and educational development are under way, including efforts to improve water supplies through drilling boreholes. Girls tend to drop out of school to help at home and marry very young.

A linguistic workshop culminated in a meeting in which Maya people met together to discuss the best ways to write their language. More than 150 people attended. The eagerness, zeal and testimonials at the workshop gave them a new sense of pride in their language. The Maya are enthusiastic about having the Scriptures in their mother tongue.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Since the early 1930s, the Maya have known about the Gospel. As a result, 90 percent affiliate with Christianity. Outside influences of many kinds have affected the area, and traditional religion is less visible now.

What Are Their Needs?

The Maya people manage a living from their land, but struggle with limited resources. Local churches are highly motivated to translate Scripture into the Maya language. They see its potential for unifying and bringing revival to their churches, which typically have struggled with disunity. God's Word in the heart language will also encourage believers to grow in their understanding of the Bible and to share the Good News in meaningful ways. In addition, having things written in Maya will promote development and help Maya speakers preserve their culture and language.