Teme in Nigeria

Introduction / History

The indigenous Teme people of Nigeria have their own language and culture. Larger groups could absorb them in the coming years. The only Christian resources available at the present time in the Teme language are gospel recordings. Linguists will need to do a survey to determine whether a script exists or that one must be created. Six percent of the Teme are evangelical Christians. We still need to pray that they grow spiritually and that strong, growing churches are established among them.

Where Are they Located?

The Teme are a people group found in Mayo Bwelwa LGA of Adamawa State, northeast Nigeria near the Cameroon border.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Though the Teme are surrounded by a number of Hausa-Fulani Muslims, the Teme are adherents of ethnic or folk religion. Illiteracy is still high and development rate is low. Most people groups in rural Nigeria like the Teme enjoy music, story telling and dance as a form of entertainment and communication. These art forms are very meaningful in rural Nigeria. Those who want to take the gospel to the Teme people would do well to use these art forms when presenting the gospel.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Teme people depend on the spirit world for their daily needs. The often use charms and amulets to help them deal with spiritual forces. The Teme believe that both good and evil spirits inhabit the objects of nature such as rivers, trees, rocks, the sky and mountains. The evil spirits must be appeased or they can bring disaster upon the people. Village shamans use magic, spells and charms to protect the Teme from spiritual forces.

What Are Their Needs?

The Teme people need abundant rain for their crops and their livestock so they can live lives free of want and poverty. They need medical care and good schools that will help the next generation to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The Teme people need the blessings of the Risen Christ, who has conquered death and will give them abundant life if they are willing to accept His guidance. They need the gift of faith in Jesus Christ, who alone is the judge of all mankind. Christ will separate the sheep from the goats on Judgment Day. The Teme need to be delivered from their fear of evil spirits.

Prayer Points

Prayfor the Lord to bless the families among the Teme people with His presence and mercy.
Pray for believers among this people group to disciple others who will disciple still others.
Pray for Bible believing fellowships and churches among the Teme people.

Text Source:   Keith Carey