Vai in Liberia

The Vai live in northwestern Liberia and eastern Sierra Leone, West Africa. Those living along the coast are surrounded by sandbars and swamps; while those living farther inland dwell in thick, forested areas. They are one of more than twenty different tribes in Liberia. Most of the Vai are farmers, growing rice and vegetables for one or two years before the farmer must move to a new plot. The only trees not cut down are the palm trees, which provide nuts and shade for the farmers. Women and children participate in farming by chasing away the birds and weeding the plot. The Vai are also known as tailors and craftsmen. However, modernization is changing their way of life.

Ministry Obstacles

Islam's belief that Jesus is a prophet second to Mohammed, makes it difficult to present Jesus as Son of God and God incarnate. 

Outreach Ideas

However, their Islam is quite animistic and that should open them to Jesus and his gospel of power. Hence, confrontation of spirits (power encounter) should find a positive reception.

Scripture Focus

"Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God."  Daniel 3:28

Scripture Prayer

Pray that leaders of this people group will be as amazed at the works of God as this Babylonian king. Pray that they will worship God alone.

Prayer Focus

Pray that presenting Jesus as a person of power against spirits would open the door for the gospel and open them to missionary presence. Pray for mission agencies to adopt the Vai for planting strong churches that will plant even more churches.