Twendi in Cameroon

Introduction / History

The Twendi people are a small ethnic group located in the southwestern region of Cameroon. Their history is deeply rooted in the forested areas of the region, where they have lived for generations. The Twendi have managed to preserve their language and cultural practices despite the influence of neighboring groups and external forces, including colonialism. They have traditionally been hunters, gatherers, and small-scale farmers, with a deep connection to the land and its resources.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Twendi community is primarily rural, with a lifestyle centered around agriculture, hunting and gathering. They cultivate crops such as plantains, yams, and cassava, which are staples in their diet. The forest plays a crucial role in their daily lives, providing food, medicine, and materials for shelter. Families in Twendi society are close-knit, often living in clusters of extended family units. Men are typically involved in hunting and farming, while women manage the household, participate in farming, and gather forest products. Traditional ceremonies, which often revolve around agricultural cycles and rites of passage, are key to maintaining social cohesion and cultural identity.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Twendi people practice a mix of animist traditions and Islam, reflecting the region's religious evolution over time. Their animist beliefs include the worship of nature spirits and ancestors, with rituals conducted to ensure harmony with the environment and spiritual world.

Officially Muslim, the Twendi people believe their eternal salvation is dependent upon their obedience to the teachings of Mohammed. They hope their good deeds will outweigh their bad deeds. They do not believe they need a sin-free savior to be in a right relationship with the Eternal God.

What Are Their Needs?

The Twendi face several challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. Their reliance on the forest for their livelihood makes them vulnerable to environmental degradation, such as deforestation and climate change, which threaten their traditional way of life. Additionally, there is a need for initiatives to preserve the Twendi language and cultural heritage, as these are increasingly under pressure from external cultural influences and modernization.

Prayer Points

Pray that the sheer wonder of knowing Jesus and the impact he has on their lives and the joy he brings spur believers to share Christ with the Twendi people.
Pray the hearts of the Twendi people would be stirred by a sovereign work of the Holy Spirit readying them for the time when they hear the gospel message being shared with them.
Pray they will experience dreams and visions of Jesus leading them into a saving relationship with him.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Jesus Christ among the Twendi people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project