West Africa Outreach/NYC

VOLUNTEER GUIDE2008

Chris & Nichole ClaymanHarlem, NYC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3What We Are Doing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Why We Are Doing It. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3How We Are Doing It. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4How Volunteers Can Play a Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4What Will All of This Look Like . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5How To Start a Conversation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Islam and Culture in West Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11West African Religion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Cultural Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Some Do’s and Don’ts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

People Group Profiles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 The Bambara. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

The Fulani. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15The Hausa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16The Jula/Dioula. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17The Mandinka. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18The Maninka/Malinke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19The Soninke. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20The Wolof. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Logistics, Expectations, and Practical Tips For Your Trip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21The most important thing for you to do is have a great relationship with God . . . 21Pray without ceasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Learn that being present with someone is doing something. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22What airport is best to fly into?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Sample Trip Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Our Expectations for Your Volunteer Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Further Resources for Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

2

Introduction

We are excited about your participation in God’s work in New York City among West Africans. In search of an economically better life, many West Africans dream of leaving the familiarity of their native tropics and desert to live in the cold confines of New York City. About one-third of all West African immigrants who come to America end up living in New York City. While it is hard to know exactly how many West Africans live in this big city, estimates hover around 150,000 people. Census information shows that the African population in New York City doubled between the years 1990 and 2000, and the African population is expected to double in this decade as well. Missions research estimates that there are around 1,600 ethnic groups in West Africa. About one-half of these are considered unreached (less than 2% evangelical Christian). If one truly believes that God desires all nations (ethne) to be saved, then one should be burdened by the myriad of nations in West Africa that do not know Him. Many people from these nations have been moving their residence to New York City. The close proximity of these ethnic groups living together in New York City provides a unique opportunity to engage many different unreached peoples with the Gospel. Most of the unreached people groups from West Africa have a Muslim background. We have identified eight of these groups that have a very large presence in New York City. As a result, we are going to be focusing our efforts to reach these people. They are the Mandinka, Maninka/Malinke, Bambara, Jula/Dioula, Wolof, Soninke/Maraka/Serecole, Fulani, and Hausa.

Research shows that the West African population is spread throughout the five boroughs of New York City. However, within these boroughs, there are certain neighborhoods where Africans tend to create their own concentrated communities. For instance, north of Central Park in Harlem, there is such a large concentration of Senegalese, Malians, and Guineans, that the Africans have started calling it, “Little Africa.” It is close to this area that my family has chosen to live. The communities concentrated with West Africans throughout the rest of New York City will also be strategic sites for placement of personnel, distribution of resources, and the planting of churches.

What We are Doing

We desire to start dozens of churches among the different people groups of West Africa. These churches will function in a way that no special seminary training is necessary to lead them. In this way, a model is established that is easily reproducible. These churches will be started as a way of “making disciples” of people from a Muslim background.

Why We are Doing It

Jesus exhorted his disciples to, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”

3

(Matt 28:19-20). The word that Jesus used for nations is ethne, which could more accurately be translated, “ethnic groups.” We are here in New York because of this command. We desire to make disciples of the Wolof, the Bambara, the Soninke, and on and on.

How We are Doing It

It is only by God’s power and grace that a West African Muslim would repent of their sins and place faith in God’s power to save through Jesus Christ. A Muslim becoming a follower of Christ is like an American giving up their citizenship to become a citizen of a place like Iran or North Korea. It is a completely foreign, risky, and almost unheard of idea. Islam is the social, cultural, political, economical, familial, and religious identity of almost every Muslim West African. Thankfully, God still works miracles, and there are West Africans from Muslim backgrounds that now have a living hope in Jesus Christ!

One of the keys for a Muslim-background person to have this living hope is the opportunity to hear the Word of God. “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?” (Rom 10:14). As a result, we desire that all West Africans in New York have the opportunity to hear God’s Word. This can be done in various ways. First, volunteers from churches outside New York and local churches in the New York area can participate in distributing God’s Word to West Africans in their language. We have gone to great lengths to try to obtain whatever resources we can in the major West African languages represented in New York. As many West Africans are not used to reading their own language, we have not only obtained written Bibles, but also materials that tell God’s story on CD and video. We are actively seeking opportunities to share God’s Word with West Africans through telling His Story. Also, through simply being present in Africans’ lives and praying for them as life is lived, they begin to see the power of the true and living God. Other opportunities such as teaching English, citizenship classes, computer classes, and other community service projects are ways that we can show God’s love in practical ways and earn us the right to be heard. Urban Impact, an organization with Larry Holcomb as director, have done a great job with this in working among the Fulani in Brooklyn.

How Volunteers Can Play a Part

There are several ways that volunteers can play a part of the work “on-site.” One of the biggest needs, but little understood by churches, is the practice of prayerwalking. Prayerwalking is the simple practice of praying for the people and places of one’s environs while walking through the area and praying “on-site with insight.” For more information on prayerwalking, including descriptions, answers to questions, and great books for purchase, visit: http://www.waymakers.org/index.php?p=prayerwalking&pp=whatis. Prayerwalking allows us to keep the focus on joining God where He is working and where He leads. Quite often we have our own plans and simply pray that God blesses our own plans. Prayerwalking, as the quintessential role we pray in New York, allows the focus to be on what God desires. With that said, we know that God desires His Word to be heard and for us to do good in the name of Jesus to all people. As a result, volunteers can be involved in the crucial role of giving God’s Word to people in their own language. More often than not, you will be the only one who has ever

4

directly given a West African Muslim the opportunity to hear the Word of God. Let that sink in a moment….

A friend of mine at school was from northern India, in a place dominated by Muslims and Sikhs. He told me one day how he became a Christian. If I recall the story correctly, his grandfather lived in a smaller town or village. One day a missionary came to pass out Bibles. My friend’s grandfather took the Bible from the missionary. After all, who could pass up a free book? The grandfather placed the Book on his shelf at home and never looked at it. However, after many years passed, my friend’s father saw the Book on the shelf and began reading. He was fascinated with the Story of God and wondered why he had never heard this Truth before. Through this Book, my friend’s father became a follower of Jesus, and eventually started pastoring a large church and leading a seminary for pastors and missionaries. My friend felt led to follow in his dad’s footsteps. All because someone went and passed out a book to a relatively unresponsive man….

There will also be opportunities, as relationships are developed with the African community, to do some sort of community service or cultural exchange project. This could be anything from teaching English, painting walls of an African association center, or cooking steaks with former cow herders from Africa!

What Will All of This Look Like

Every day is a new day, but the following is a simple description of the process volunteers might go through as they pray, walk, talk, distribute, develop, and tell.

1) Put on some West African clothes – It is amazing how much more receptive West Africans can be to your presence if you simply wear African clothing (volunteers should expect to buy at least one African outfit to wear if they do not already have one).

2) Begin prayerwalking in selected, concentrated West African neighborhoods (primarily in Harlem and South Bronx – they are really not as scary as people make them out to be!).

3) Greet Africans as you walk around. Stay and talk to those who are receptive to your presence. Greet, talk, listen, and “be” with people (this could last two minutes, or this could last the whole day).

4) Pray with people as God leads. Muslim West Africans are very receptive to people praying for them. Do not hesitate to pray in Jesus’ name for them. Through the power of prayer, many Muslims have, and will, see the power of God in Jesus Christ.

5) Give them a gift in their own language. Africans love to receive gifts, and gift-exchange is actually an African invitation into relationship. Use this great cultural trait to give them the Story of God in audio, dramatic, or written form (we have obtained these items in the major West African languages).

5

6) Give them the Claymans’ contact information (or, if you are from a local NYC church, provide your own contact information). This way, those who have more inquiries about what they have seen, heard, or read, will immediately know where to turn.

It is possible that we will have a permanent station set up for some volunteers. This would probably be a table set up on one of the main West African streets. The process for these volunteers would be very similar.

1) Wear the African clothes2) Pray for people as they walk by3) Greet and talk to Africans as they walk by4) Pray with Africans as the Spirit leads5) Give gifts to West Africans in their own language (Bible stories on CD, etc…)6) Give contact information so they can inquire more after seeing, hearing, or reading.

There are often opportunities that arise in conversations with Africans that lend themselves to telling stories from God’s Word. For instance, a discussion about how difficult it is to learn other languages can lend itself quite nicely to telling the Story of Babel….which lends itself quite nicely to explaining that we can’t follow our own way to heaven, but must come to God in the way that He has chosen and ordained (not through following our culture, what our fathers did, etc.). Or, if an old man tells you that he could never study God’s Word now because he is too old, you could tell the story of the different workers in the field that worked different amounts of hours, but received the same wages. Look for opportunities as you go to tell Stories of Truth. Recently, I was able to tell the Story of Babel in this way, and soon found myself surrounded by six Muslim men who were earnestly listening. After the story was finished, I was then able to give them a written copy of the story in their language, contained within the entire book of Genesis!

Be prepared to tell stories from God’s Word and seek for opportunities to do this. When we think of evangelism in American churches, we typically think of those very few, called-out individuals who love to confront people door-to-door through a planned presentation of the Gospel message. Thank God for those people, but there are relatively few who are gifted in this manner. All of us, however, are called to “make disciples,” so how do we go about this? For most people around the world, especially those who have not ever heard the Christian message or met a Christian, becoming a follower of Christ is a long process. The process might look something like this:

A man sees a Christian for the first time and wonders why they would choose to be different than everyone else. He thinks that that man is weird and feels pity for him. However, an event happens in the man’s life and makes him feel distant from God. At the same time, however, a similar event happens in the Christian’s life and the man notices that the Christian seems close to God. He begins talking more often to the Christian out of curiosity. At one point, he asks the Christian why he seems to be at peace with God. The Christian tells him “the reason for the hope that he has.” At which point, the man quickly dismisses himself from the

6

Christian’s presence, disturbed and somewhat angered at what the Christian has said. However, he can’t get the words of the Christian out of his mind. He thinks about it over and over. The Christian notices that the man is thinking and searching and asks the man if he would like to hear the Story of God. The man begins hearing the stories regularly from the Christian and slowly begins to adopt a Christian view of God, humanity, and the world. Several months later, when the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is told, the man is ready to accept the message as truth, but wants to think about the consequences first. After several more months, the man decides to follow Christ.

People are on a spiritual journey, and we do not know at which point we have entered into another person’s life along their journey. We do not have to see our role as getting a person from point A to point Z in one glorious swoop. You might be the person who personally takes them to B, and then need to back off and pray them to C, at which point another person comes and takes them further. With that said, we must pray for discernment to know where people are at around us, so that we might play our part in God drawing people closer to Himself.

So, in sharing your faith with West Africans, be prepared to do a variety of things. From simply being with people, to telling a 3-minute testimony, to praying with people, to telling stories from the Bible, and to actually communicating what Christ has done on the cross. Through it all, however, know that you are part of a process and dialogue. In that sense, do not see your role in coming to New York as one in which you will go up, “get a bunch of people saved,” and then return home. If that is your view of what you are going to do in New York, then you will most likely feel like a failure after leaving here. Success is defined in terms of being obedient to God and allowing Him to use you how He desires to use you. That is a much greater success story than going back to your church with “something to show.” In sharing your faith, naturally let Christ in you determine your steps, actions, thoughts, and words.

How to Start a Conversation

I have heard that there is a surprisingly best-selling book called, of all things, “How to Read a Book.” “How to Start a Conversation” has that same tone to it. Is that not really obvious? “Silly, you just open your mouth and speak….!”. Nevertheless, that very practice of opening up one’s mouth and speaking words to someone who comes from a completely different culture and background can be quite intimidating. As a result, this section seeks to provide guidance in the art of starting conversations with West African Muslims, many of whom are scared to death of talking with strange Americans due to their shaky immigration status.

Conversation Tip #1 – Greet in Their Native Language. Greetings are a big deal with West Africans. Upon seeing each other, even if the sky was falling, they would make sure that they asked how each other was doing, as well as how their family and friends were doing. As greetings are very important, it would be good for you to at least memorize one word or phrase in each language that is typically used for greeting. When you approach a West African to talk to them, your West African clothes will make them a little more receptive to you, but they will still be a little apprehensive. When you greet them in their native tongue, they will not only shed their apprehensiveness, but will often be elated that you speak their language (even if you don’t!).

7

Taking time to learn even one phrase in their language will mean more than you can imagine to them.

Language Typical Greeting How to say thank youEnglish How are you doing? Thank youFrench Bonjour (bohn-zhoor) – Good

morning/afternoonCa va? (sah-vah)

Merci (mehrsee)

Bambara (understood by Maninka/Mandinka/Jula)

I ni ce (ee-nee-chay)I ka kene? (ee-kah-kaynay) – You are well?Tooro te (toe-roe-teh) – No problems

I ni ce (ee nee chay)

Soninke/Maraka/Serecole Ankoubare (ahn-koo-bahr-ee) Mandiemou (mahn-jahm?)-response

Hausa Enna Kuana (ehnah-kwahnah) –Good morningEnna Yene (ehnah-yehneh) – Good afternoon/eveningLaheya Lau – (lah-hee-yah-low) – response after greeting

Wolof Nanga Def (nahnkah-dehf) – How are you?Maangi fi rekk (mahng-fuh-rehk) –Response- I am fine

Jere jef (jehreh-jehf)

Fulani/Pulaar/Futa/Fulbe Dyaaraamaa (jah-rah-mah) Dyaaraamaa (jah-rah-mah)

Conversation Tip #2 – Become Familiar with the Major Ethnic Groups We Will be Reaching Out to, as Well as the Major Countries that They Come From. Most of the time in starting a conversation with West Africans, you will ask where they are from. At which point, they will often reply that they are from Africa or West Africa. After that, you should say, “I know that, but which country?” They will usually say Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire (or Ivory Coast), Gambia, Burkina Faso, or Niger. At least be familiar with where these places are on a map. If you know something about that country, express that to them and talk about it. For example, if they are from Gambia, and you remember that Gambia has a coastline, you might say, “Oh, you are from Gambia, I am sure it is beautiful being by the ocean.” You will be amazed at how far that little statement can go in that person opening up to you to talk.

8

Conversation Tip #3 – Emphasize Your Interest in their Country/People, as well as a Common Denominator Between the Two of You. In starting a conversation with a West African, you want to bridge the gap between the two of you by finding a common link. This could be a variety of things. When meeting a Malian, even though you haven’t been to Mali, you might say something like, “Oh, really? You’re from Mali?!?!? My friend Chris used to live in Mali! He really loved his time there and has lots of Malian friends.” This provides a common denominator between the two of you, allowing ease and flow of conversation afterwards. I have done a lot of interviewing recently with people and countries that I am not that familiar with. Russians have been particularly suspicious and unfriendly (Africans are a lot more friendly and easy to talk to. No worries!). One Russian I went up to said, “I don’t speak English.” I could tell he was pretty suspicious of me. However, I said, “Really! No….you speak great English. I can tell you are a very smart man. Where did you come from?” He said he came from Ukraine. “Really! I have a friend that lived in Ukraine….” The man who spoke no English ended up talking to me (in English) for about 45 minutes…

Conversation Tip #4 – Start Off By Getting Them to Talk About Something They are Passionate About or Love to Talk About. In New York City, this is usually three things. 1) Life in America is difficult. It is very expensive. It is hard to pay bills. You have to work all the time. There is no rest and no time for conversation. There is no sense of community, etc. 2) I miss my family. My family is in Africa. I haven’t seen my child in 5 years. I want to go back but

9

Bambara

Fulani

Fulani

Malinke

Wolof

Jula

Hausa

Jula

Mandinka

Soninke

Hausa

cannot do that at the moment. 3) My country is very good. In my country, the good things are… In my country, you can… In my country, you don’t have to…

Conversation Tip #5 – Smile, laugh, and tell jokes. West Africans have a joking culture. I win favor with a lot of people simply by smiling with them, laughing with them, and telling jokes with them. In Africa, there is a group called the Fulani that are known for herding and milking cows. That is what they do. To be Fulani is to own cows. However, Fulani in the city often do not have a place to keep cows and, consequently, do not own them. In the city, when people drink milk, they often drink a powdered milk created by Nestle called, “Nido.” I always ask Fulani in the city if they own cows. When they tell me they do not, I call them, in Bambara, a “person who owns Nido.” They think it is the funniest thing, because to be Fulani is to own cows and drink cowmilk. However, being in the city, they know that their lives have started to change and they laugh at the irony and playful jab. West Africans love to laugh and tell jokes. Take advantage of their playful and comical side!

Sample Dialogue

The following is a sample short dialogue that could take place between you and, say, a Mandinka man from the Gambia.

You: (walking into a small African food store. Browse around a bit. Then say to an African-looking man sitting down by the counter). “Hello, how are you doing?”

African: “Oh…..okay my friend.”

You: “Your store has lots of food from Africa. Where are you from?”

African: “I am from West Africa.”

You: “Oh yeah. What country?”

African: “I am from Gambia.”

You: “From Gambia? (From your studies beforehand, you remember that Gambian people often speak English). That explains why your English is very, very good! (Said with a big smile on your face. You also remember that the main ethnic group from Gambia is the Mandinka). Are you Mandinka?

African: (Shocked and pleasantly surprised that you know about the Mandinka, he smiles very big in response). “Yes!!! How do you know about Mandinka?”

You: “Oh, I am very interested in West African people, and have learned about them a little. I have heard that there are many Mandinka people in New York. No?”

African: “They are everywhere. (The African begins to exaggerate about the swarming presence of Mandinka in New York). Have you been to Africa?”

10

You: “I have not been, but would like to go. In fact, I learned a greeting the other day. Let me give it a try. (At which point, you remember the Bambara greeting you learned which is similar to Mandinka). I ni ce. I ka kene? (You butcher the greeting horribly but the man is fascinated that you have taken the time to learn a greeting and know about his people. He offers to buy you a funky African cola and you sit down for several more minutes with him talking about a myriad of different subjects…..When you feel it is time to leave (or while you are in the middle of conversation), you mention that you have actually obtained a copy of a CD in the Mandinka language that contains stories from God’s Word. The man is amazed that such a thing even exists, much less that you have one. When you offer him the CD “as a gift,” he is so happy and proud to receive such a blessing. He rattles off some blessings to you in Mandinka, you give him the Claymans’ contact information for follow-up on what he hears, and he even gives you his business card. God just used you to place His Words into a person’s life for the first time).

Islam and Culture in West Africa

West African Religion

In New York City, we will concentrate on reaching eight different ethnic groups from West Africa that are largely concentrated in the city. They are the Maninka, Bambara, Dioula, Mandinka, Wolof, Fulani, Soninke, and Hausa. In order to minister to West Africans, we must first understand the West African way of life. The West Africans that have come to NYC have brought with them their culture and religious practices. As Christians, we must learn to use these as a bridge to ministry instead of merely treating them as barriers. In every society, etiquette and social customs can be numerous and very complicated. However, we should not be found guilty of an unwillingness to learn. West Africans are very forgiving when Americans make mistakes while seeking to learn West African languages and customs. The following material will help provide insight into the West African culture and belief system as practiced in New York City.

All eight of the people groups we are focusing on are primarily Muslim. Though they are devout in fulfilling Islamic rituals and practices, most West Africans also mix these practices with traditional religious elements such as wearing amulets for protection against evil spirits and sacrificing to idols. This “mix” of Islam and African Traditional Religion is often called Folk Islam.

11

Islam is the religious faith set forth in the Qur’an, which teaches that Allah is the only God and that Mohammed is his prophet. Islam is the dominant religion in West Africa, and those who are true followers of Islam will attempt to follow the five pillars of Islam in their daily lives: 

1)      P rofession of faith (shahada) – “There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.”

2)      Prayer (salat) – Muslims must face Mecca and pray at dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall.

3)      Alms (zakat) – Muslims must give a portion of their income (2.5%) to the poor and needy.

4)      Fasting (sawm) – Ramadan is the month of the Muslim calendar when all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk. It commemorates when Mohammed had the Qur’an “revealed” to him.

5)      Pilgrimage (hadj) – It is the duty of every Muslim who is fit and can afford it to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. 

Traditional African Religions are often described as belonging to a religious belief system called, “animism.” Animism is the belief that natural objects, natural phenomena, and the universe itself possess souls or consciousness. As a result, animistic people often worship or appease spirits who live in trees, rivers, or other objects around them. Many times, they worship and venerate ancestors as well. Almost all Africans come from this background and have elements of these practices existing in their society.

Cultural Information

West Africans are very polite and friendly. This helps ensure mutual respect among friends and strangers. They often joke with other groups about family names or castes. These “joking cousin” remarks help maintain friendly ties and calm tensions between the many groups. Time is oriented more toward tradition, people and events rather than a clock. Muslims believe the “will of Allah” affects all events. Activities may not occur at scheduled times and, therefore, it is important to be patient and flexible. 

West Africans have a different concept of space than Americans. As a result, you may initially feel uncomfortable due to the close proximity in which they speak to you.

Modesty is always highly valued. It is considered immodest for women to expose their legs, especially their thighs. Women wear long wraparound skirts, blouses, and sandals. Men wear trousers (not shorts), and a shirt. Some men may wear a long flowing robe over the pants and shirt. We never want to offend anyone with our dress, even though some West Africans have adopted Western clothing. It is not appropriate for women to wear pants in public, and it is best

12

to wear sleeves. Dress should always be neat as well as modest. When West Africans go to visit in someone’s home, they typically wear their best clothes.

Special treatment is given to elders to show honor and respect. Examples of this include serving food to elders first and always offering them the best seats. Younger people rarely look an elder in the eye during conversation.

Greetings are very important to the people of West Africa. When they meet you they will always extend their right hand to shake, and will shake hands when parting even if it is only five minutes after arrival. The right hand is very important and should be used to give/receive, shake hands, eat, and even to wave or point. The left hand is seen as dirty and could be very insulting to someone if you used it for the aforementioned purposes. (The left hand is designated for use by West Africans as “toilet paper,” which is why it is considered a dirty hand. If you are left-handed…..you are simply in for a difficult time. Ministry with West Africans will help you develop that right-hand of yours!).

Family members eat from communal bowls in Africa, although many have adopted Western styles of eating in New York. If using the common bowl, the male head of the family determines which groups eat from which bowl. Each person eats from the portion directly in front of them. As a guest, you will often be given the best of whatever the host has to offer, including meat. It is acceptable to taste and eat just a little. Always express appreciation for the meal. It is also culturally acceptable to say that you are full and cannot eat more.

The value system of any people or culture lies deep within every member of that society and is taught over years of being a part of it.  These values determine how decisions are made and who makes them. The values also influence and dictate the actions and thoughts of the society. Some of the strongest African values are honoring of family, maintaining customs, religion, and culture of the ancestors, communal living, group conformity, sharing of money and resources, and hospitality.

Some do's and don'ts:

Greet everyone in the group, not just the person you know or need to talk to.

When greeting, ask how the person you are greeting is doing, then ask how his/her family is doing. Questions about family are almost always included in greetings. Mention any family members you may know by name.

After a visit to someone's home, announce that you are preparing to leave well before you intend to leave. Be prepared to sit around talking a bit more before you actually get up to

13

leave. Then be prepared to talk a bit more while standing around before you leave. Your host will probably walk you out into the street where you will talk a bit more before saying goodbye.

It is usually polite to accompany your guests all the way out into the street before saying a final goodbye. You might even walk part of the way with them to the bus stop, or stand to wave goodbye until the taxi or car pulls away. In general, your gesture should not indicate you are in a hurry to get rid of them.

In normal, non-threatening situations, when you receive a request that you cannot satisfy, avoid a direct “no” if possible. Demonstrate that you would like to be able to help but are not in a position to do so at the time. Keep the possibility for future collaboration open.

Now, let’s look at each people group individually for better understanding.

People Group ProfilesThe Bambara, Fula/Fulbe/Futa, Hausa, Jula, Mandinka,Maninka/Malinke, Soninke, and Wolof of West Africa

People Group Primary Countries of Origin

Population %Evangelical Christian

Wolof Senegal 4,500,000 .004%Bambara Mali 4,000,000 .007%Mandinka Gambia 1,300,000 .1%

Maninka/Malinke Guinea, Mali 4,000,000 .01%Jula/Dioula Cote d’Ivoire,

Burkina Faso1,200,000 .04%

Soninke/Maraka/Serecole Mali 1,865,000 .002%Fulani/Fula/Fulbe/Fulfulde/Futa All West Africa 20,000,000 .001%

Hausa Nigeria, Niger 28,000,000 .04%

Bambara

The name Bambara means "those who refuse to be ruled".  The Bambara are among the most powerful and influential groups in Mali. They are also the largest ethnic group in the country. They speak Bamanakan (Bambara), which is related to Dioula (pronounced Jula), Maninka (Malinke), and Mandinka. Bamanakan is the most widely spoken language in Mali.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Africa, Bambara people are involved in farming, trading, and are very influential in government positions. In New York City, as with most West Africans here, they are street-vendors, hair braiders, small business owners, and/or work as taxi drivers, messengers, cooks, etc. Most Bambara men and women work 6-7 days a week, and often work much longer than 8-hour days. Some have multiple jobs in order to work the excess hours. They try to raise extra money to send back to their family back home. Some have even left behind their immediate

14

family in West Africa in order to make more money in America. Almost everyone’s goal is to raise up enough money to return to West Africa with “dignity,” having enough money to buy a house and start a nice business in their home country. However, many struggle to even pay their bills in America. As a result, many feel emotionally and physically tired in America, thinking that they will never make enough money to return to West Africa and meet all of the expectations they, and their people, have put upon them.

What are their beliefs?

Although most Bambara would claim they “bleed” Muslim, many still follow their traditional beliefs such as ancestor worship (praying to deceased ancestors for guidance). Many Bambara in New York have a stronger Muslim identity here than they did in Africa because the local mosque (masjid) becomes their religious, social, and commercial center. They believe that practicing the 5 pillars of Islam will give them a very good chance of being with Allah in paradise. However, most do not read the Qur’an, and only recite what they have been told to believe in the mosque.

What are their needs?

Educated Bambara people learned French in school, but most likely did not learn English. In coming to America, their financial needs demand that they work excessively long hours from the moment of arrival. As a result, most are not able to go to English class, and it takes a long time for them to learn the language. This, in return, prevents them from receiving better jobs.

Many Bambara feel stuck in America, and would not have come if they realized life would be so difficult. Nevertheless, they will not return to Africa unless they have succeeded here and have enough money to return with “dignity.”

Prayer Points

- Chris is functional in speaking the Bambara language. Pray for the continued development of his language skills so that he will be able to communicate clearly.

- Pray for continued opportunities for Nichole to befriend and share God’s Word with West African women.

The Fulani

The Fulani are comprised of a number of distinct sub-groups who live across a huge swath of central and western Africa, from Senegal in the west, to Sudan in the east. They are bound in the north by the Sahara Desert and live no further south than Cameroon and the Central African Republic. (The Fulani in New York are primarily from Guinea, Senegal, and Mauritania).

They are grouped and named according to their location, occupation, and dialect of their widely spoken language. Accordingly, there are five major groups of Fulani: the Futa Toro, Fulakunda, Fulfulde, Futa Jalon, and Tukolor.

15

Historically, the Fulani are a nomadic people who traveled from one region to another seeking water for their cattle herds. Today, some seven million Fulani cling to the nomadic lifestyle, while up to twenty million have settled to a semi-nomadic, village, or city way of life. The Fulani are responsible for spreading Islam throughout West Africa.

What are their lives like?

Although most Fulani are illiterate, parents often send children to a village school where they learn to pray and recite parts of the Qur’an, as the Fulani are almost entirely Muslim. Despite their lack of book knowledge, they are respected social analysts. They place high value on storytelling and proverbs, which attempt to teach valuable lessons about life. For their life in New York, see the description of the Bambara.

What are their beliefs?

The Fulani were one of the first African tribes to convert to Islam and today are more than 99% Muslim. Muslims believe that the prophet Mohammed was God's last great prophet. Not only is Islam a religion for the Fulani, but a way of life. Therefore, any deviation from Islam is condemned and attacked by the entire community.

What are their needs?

The Fulani have various portions of the Bible available in their language, and several missions agencies work among them. Despite many efforts, the overwhelming majority of the Fulani people remain Muslim, and many fail to convert to Christianity, fearing the vicious hostility of family and friends. Prayer and intercession are needed to break the Satanic power of Islam over their lives. See under description of Bambara as well.

Prayer Points

- Pray for Urban Impact, an organization in Brooklyn that is primarily reaching out to the Futa Toro, a Fulani group primarily from Senegal and Mauritania.

The Hausa

The 28 million Hausa are the largest ethnic group in Central/West Africa. They are a people whose culture is linked closely to Islam. Their history is one of immigration and conquest, having been influenced by Fulani rulers since the early nineteenth century. Because of their overall assimilative nature and heavy involvement in long distance trading for many centuries, Hausa cultural borders have been constantly expanding. They mainly live in northern Nigeria and the south part of Niger. As they are skillful traders, they often have a significant population in all major West African cities, Paris, and New York.

What are their lives like?

See Bambara description.

16

What are their beliefs?

By 1500 A.D., Islam had been introduced to the Hausa by northern traders. Many of the urban Hausa embraced it right away in hopes of enhancing their businesses. In the "holy wars" of 1804 and 1808, the Hausa were conquered by the Fulani, their strongly Islamic neighbors. At that time, many of the villagers were either forced or bribed into becoming Muslim. Today, the Hausa are an entirely Muslim people. They have greatly aided in the spreading of Islam to neighboring peoples.

What are their needs?

Since the Hausa culture is so strongly linked to Islam, the people have been extremely difficult to reach with the Gospel. They are very prejudiced against the Christians of southern Nigeria, and there is intense persecution of the Hausa who have become Christians. Most of the Hausa groups have Christian resources available to them. Unfortunately, however, very few have given their hearts to Jesus. Since Islam has been spread throughout West Africa by Hausa traders and priests, nearly everyone expects a Hausa to be Muslim. This may be one of the main reasons they stay so resistant to the Gospel. Their greatest need is salvation in Christ.

Prayer Points

- Pray for the Hausa men who have recently received DVD copies of God’s Story (a chronological way of telling the story of the Bible). Pray for them to respond in faith to what they have seen and heard.

- Pray that God will reveal Himself to them through dreams and visions.

The Jula/Dioula

Most of the Jula live along the trade routes of the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. They speak Jula, a Mande language similar to Bambara, Maninka, and Mandinka. The name jula means "itinerant trader," and the people are well respected for their trading abilities.

The Jula are the descendants of the Malinke (Manding), inheritors of the ancient Mali empire. Situated between the Arab world to the north and the black African nations to the south, the countries where the Jula live have always been the cultural crossroads of western Africa. The result is a rich cultural mix that the Jula contribute to through their religion, music, dance, and beautiful jewelry.

By the time the Mali Empire was at its peak in the 1300's, the Jula had made Mali their trade base for West Africa. Later, the Maninka rulers of Mali began spreading Islam throughout the African plains, and the Jula became strong converts. A center of Islamic learning was founded in the village of Kong, Cote d’Ivoire. Although the village was destroyed in 1897 by a Malinke invader and has not been rebuilt to its former glory, the village retains a strong influence among Jula people.

17

What are their lives like?

Many Jula have been pouring into New York City lately due to the civil war taking place in Cote d’Ivoire. Many of their family members have been affected by the war. For further information on their lives in NYC, see the Bambara description.

What are their beliefs?

The majority of Jula are Sunni Muslim. West African Islam does, however, generally retain local traditions and is more tolerant of diversity than elsewhere. Muslim scholars are held in high esteem. They are responsible for educating the people in the teachings of the Qur’an.

What are their needs?

Less than 1% of the Jula are Christians. Many are being displaced by the war in Cote d’Ivoire.

Prayer Points

- Many Jula have recently received CDs with Bible Stories in their language. Pray that they will listen and respond in faith to God’s Word

Mandinka

The Mandinka are related to the Malinke, Bambara, and Jula. They are different than the other West African groups described because they largely come from the Gambia, a country that is English-speaking rather than French-speaking.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mandinka, along with the Wolof, have typically been in New York longer than the other West African groups. Many have been here for over 20 years. As a result, they tend to be better off economically than other groups. Furthermore, Mandinka women tend to work other types of service jobs rather than the more typical job for West Africans of hairbraiding.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mandinka in New York seem to be very devout Muslims, while undoubtedly practicing elements of ancestor worship and appeasing spirits as well. They are usually very religious and faithful in practicing the pillars of Islam. As many Mandinka have been in America for a long time, some have adopted more universalist beliefs and have increasingly become secular materialists.

What are Their Needs?

18

Only 1/10 of 1% of Mandinka people are believed to be followers of Christ. They need salvation in Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

- Pray that our relationship with the Gambian Society in New York will continue to develop. The president of this organization is a friend and nominal Muslim. The other people he works with are more devout Muslims. He said that they would be open for volunteers to participate with them in activities. Pray that this would be able to take place.

Maninka/Malinke

In 1240, while Europe groped through the Dark Ages and America awaited “discovery”, Sundiata, the Lion King, ruled the vast, wealthy Mali Empire of West Africa and helped bring Islam to the Maninka people.  Today’s Maninkas, also known as Southern Malinkés and Mandingos, like the generations before them, are people of commerce.  These staunchly Muslim traders and merchants pride themselves on spreading Islam throughout their trade routes, from the heart of West Africa to the Atlantic coast. They are related to the Bambara, Dioula, and Mandinka, and primarily hail from Guinea, Mali, and Cote d’Ivoire.

What are their lives like?

See Bambara description.

What are their beliefs?

Islam was first introduced to the Mali Empire by foreign merchants from across the Sahara.  Gradually, Islam was blended with their traditional beliefs, which involved worshipping the spirits of the land.  Today, it is not uncommon for someone to first pray in the village mosque, then sacrifice a chicken to the “village spirit”.  Most of the Maninkas consult marabouts (Muslim “holy men”) for healing, protective amulets, or insights into the future.  There are very few Maninka who do not have amulets in their possessions. 

Maninkas have adapted the doctrines of Islam to their own beliefs, resulting in a wide variety of sects.  Since the Maninka people were not required by Islamic leaders to abandon their old customs and mystical beliefs, Islam was simply mixed with their traditional religions.  Divination, healing, and the casting of spells are very important parts of their religion.  In fact, the Maninka form of Islam approves and even encourages certain magical procedures – particularly those directed towards healing the sick, preventing misfortunes, and ensuring prosperity.

What are their needs?

The Maninka are like many other African groups, in that it is very difficult to “get papers” in the United States. Most of the Maninka, like the other groups we are working among, are here on expired tourist visas. Without proper documentation, it is very difficult for them to

19

find good jobs. Coupled with the incredible expenses in New York City, many Maninka are struggling to “make it” in New York. They live a difficult life.

Prayer Points

- Pray for some Maninka friends that are interested in God’s Word and have actually started hearing His Word. Pray that they would respond in faith to the message of salvation.

Soninke

The Soninke are well known as devout Muslims and great businessmen. Although they come primarily from isolated parts of Mali, they have managed to create a strong trading network throughout West Africa, France, and the United States.

What are their lives like?

See Bambara description.

What are their beliefs?

See Bambara description.

What are their needs?

Some of the largest dearth of Christian resources among major West African ethnic groups exists in the Soninke language. There is only a few Bible portions available and very little recorded material. Only a few Soninke believers are known to exist.

Prayer Points

- Pray that the Bible will be completely translated in the Soninke language

Wolof

The Wolof are a large ethnic group from Senegal known for their commercial abilities. They are devout Muslims, but mix Islam with animistic practices. They have a strong religious and commercial network associated with the Islamic brotherhood called the “Mourides.”

What are their lives like?

The Wolof are one of the most established West African groups in New York. As a result, many have built up income and influence within New York. Many of them are street vendors throughout Manhattan. While they are more established, they still have the same difficulties other West African groups have.

20

What are their beliefs?

See Bambara description.

What are their needs?

There are reportedly less than 200 Wolof believers around the world. There are many Christian resources available in the Wolof language, including the New Testament, but very few Wolof have responded positively to the message of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

- The Wolof are probably the largest and most influential West African Muslim ethnic group in New York City. Pray for their people to respond in faith to the Biblical stories they hear from the many CDs and DVDs we are giving to them in their language.

Logistics, Expectations, and Practical Tips For Your Trip

The most important thing for you to do is have a great relationship with God

Recently, I was reminded of this incredible lesson by a friend who returned from a volunteer trip overseas. He talked about how unprepared he was for the journey. Even though he had raised all the prayer support, read all the right books, and talked to all the right people about going over, he stated that his problem was that he was not prepared spiritually. He was not in fellowship with Christ the way he should have been, and once he arrived in a pioneer mission situation, this became immediately apparent. Remember, developing the life and relationship you have with God is the most important thing you can do! Everything takes a back seat to that, or better yet, is found in that. When you are living your life in conversation with God and following His commands, you are doing everything you are supposed to do! What better thing is there to say and know about “your accomplishments” on a volunteer trip than, “I met with God?!?”

Pray without ceasing

Prayer is one of those things talked so highly of in the Bible that it is incomprehensible to us. Somehow, someway, somewhere, our prayers accomplish much and are being answered. Paul said, “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests,” and Jesus said, “You have not because you ask not.” Although we might not understand it, prayer is vital to who God wants to make you and what He wants to do through you.

While you are in New York, look around you. How many times have you been prayed for by name, and how many of the people around you have? Pray for these people. Pray as you walk past them, as you buy water from them, and as you smell them. Pray as you walk, as you ride the subway, and as you dodge the mysterious slime falling from the 4 th floor window. Pray

21

the compassion and mercy of God upon these people. You live in the reality of possibly being the only person who has ever personally prayed for that person you walk by.

As you live life among these people, pray. Pray for people of peace to be found. Pray for ethnic groups to become receptive to the Word. Pray for the sick. Pray for the widows. Pray God’s blessing upon the city. Pray for the gatekeepers of communities to welcome in the presence of Christ’s church. Pray for opportunities in homes and on the street to story God’s Word with the people. Pray that the Word of God would pierce far into soul and spirit. Pray on all occasions with all sorts of requests. Pray, pray, pray, and may you be a person that converses with God! It is the prayers of God’s people, and the answering of God Almighty, that helps usher light into communities of darkness.

Learn that being present with someone is doing something

We come from a very active culture and nation. If we are not “doing” something, we feel uncomfortable and unproductive. Of course, along these same lines, we measure our worth by what we can show, accomplish, and obtain. An African finds their worth in spending time with people, having lots of friends and family, and not bringing shame upon themselves or anyone else. As it is simultaneously important that you think along African lines while not discarding your point of view, it is probably best that you understand and embrace the fact that, especially in the African culture, being present with someone IS doing something.

If you must think along the lines of accomplishing a goal and doing what it takes to accomplish a task, then know that you will have to spend countless hours sitting with people, and seemingly doing absolutely nothing, before you accomplish much at all. When you take the time to participate in the custom of sitting and being present with people, you begin entering into community and earning the right to be heard. It takes time to earn respect and trust from people that are visited by strange Americans. If you consider the way these people have been treated by the white, Western world in the past, it is astonishing that they even want to talk with us! Honor and respect the fact that they want to sit with you a long time before they want to hear you.

One Westerner reported that he went to see an African friend whose father had died. When he showed up at the friend’s house, they quickly greeted and sat down. Not a word was spoken until an hour had passed. At that moment, the African man turned to the Westerner and said, “I have seen you now. You can go.” The Westerner then walked away, convinced more than ever that presence was everything to his African friend.

Another reason that practicing presence with people is so important is that light exposes darkness. God’s Word talks about His children being light to the world and that darkness does not recognize itself for what it is until it is exposed to the light. You are that light. Let it shine, baby! In ways that we cannot comprehend or understand, the mere presence of Christ in you will help people realize the darkness that engulfs them. When you cannot understand a lick of language or comprehend anything anyone is saying to you except for the unsettling hunch that they are talking about how funny your head looks, dwell in the knowledge that light exposes darkness! By simply being present with someone, God is accomplishing much through you.

22

What airport is best to fly into?

The best airport to fly into is LaGuardia, although JFK is also good. LaGuardia is the closest, so it is cheaper and quicker to go to Harlem from there than any other airport.

Directions from LaGuardia to Harlem:

Taxi: Taxi is definitely the easiest way to go. Go stand in the yellow taxi line right outside baggage claim. Multiple people can share one taxi for the same price. Depending on where you are staying in the Harlem area, the total price for the ride will be $25-$40. It is around $30 to our apartment. Be aware that you need to add about $10 to the metered price to cover tips and tolls. (Ride should take 15-20 minutes to your destination).

Bus: For the cheaper and more adventurous route….At the airport, follow signs for ground transportation. Right outside the entrance door should be a bus stop. You are going to take the M60 bus. You will need to buy a Metrocard at a LaGuardia news stand or have exact change in coins ($2). Both of which you will insert as you get on the bus. Make sure you get a transfer pass after you insert coins if you are using exact change. (You do not need to get a transfer pass if you use a MetroCard). If you buy a MetroCard, go ahead and buy a weeklong unlimited pass ($24) or 6 rides for $10. This is, by far, the cheapest option. However, if you have large luggage it is not recommended. Depending on where you are staying, you will probably get off somewhere on 125 th in Harlem and transfer to another bus or subway. See the following links for subway and bus maps. (Ride should take 35-50 minutes to your destination).

http://mta.info/nyct/maps/manbus.pdf http://mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm

Directions from JFK to Harlem:

Taxi: Taxi is definitely the easiest way to go. Go stand in the yellow taxi line right outside baggage claim. Multiple people can share one taxi for the same price. I believe there is a fixed rate from JFK to Harlem at $45. Add $10 for tips and tolls.

Subway: Take the airtrain at JFK to the connecting A subway line at Howard Beach. If you stay at one of our recommended places, you should not have to transfer off that line. You can buy your airtrain ticket and Metrocard at a kiosk. The airtrain ticket is $5 and the Metrocard ticket is $2 one way. When you buy a MetroCard, go ahead and buy a weeklong unlimited pass ($24) or 6 rides for $10. This ride is very long to Harlem. At least 1 ½ hours.http://mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm

Accommodations

This is what we recommend:

23

1) International Youth Hostel - 891 Amsterdam Av at West 103rd; Tel. 1-212-932-2300Fax. 1-212-932-2574; Reservation@hinewyork.org; http://www.hihostels.com ; Not too far from us. Should be around $30-$40/night per person. Dorm room setting w/ men and women separate, or rent room with 4-6 beds or so.

2) Hephzibah House – 51 W 75th St., hhouse.org. This is a guest house only for Christians on volunteer trips. It has been around since 1893 and is at a great location in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I believe there are 2 beds to a room and a shared restroom for the five rooms on a floor. It is about $50/night and we have heard great things from people who have stayed there.

3) Or…..be adventurous, and scout out something new for us. Here is one hostel guide for NYC. http://www.jimsdeli.com/new-york-city-hostel/default.htm

Sample Trip Cost

$300 – roundtrip airfare from Deepsouth, Alabama$25 – 7-day unlimited subway and bus pass (Transportation Tip: Check out hopstop.com

for the best public transport routes/directions/maps from address to address)$20 – shared taxi to/from LaGuardia (if sharing with 2 other people)$20/day – food$20 – West African outfit for wear in NYC$35/night – Housing in a nice hostel on the Upper West Side of Manhattan

Our Expectations for Your Volunteer Team

1) We expect volunteer teams to pray together beforehand regularly in order to prepare and gain a passion for what God desires to do in New York City.

2) The teams need to be united. If there is division and animosity between team members, these things need to be dealt with before coming. Many volunteer trips become dysfunctional because of team discord and division. Before you come, and while you are here, practice the Biblical principle of reconciliation and unity.

3) We expect volunteers to individually read through this entire manual and participate in preparatory volunteer group meetings. This is not a vacation to simply show up to. Teams must be physically, spiritually, and mentally prepared. To put this in perspective, look at the chart that lists the population and percentage of evangelical Christians among these different ethnic groups. We need to prepare, be self-controlled, and alert.

Further Resources for Preparation

Books: Prayerwalking: Praying On Site With Insight; by Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick (Great book to learn how to “prayerwalk”).

Muslims, Magic, and the Kingdom of God: Church Planting Among Folk Muslims; by Rick Love (Insightful book on how to approach evangelism and start churches among Folk Muslims).

24

African Friends and Money Matters; by David Maranz (Best book I am aware of on major cultural issues Westerners deal with in regards to relationships with Africans).

Church Planting Movements, by David Garrison (This book is filled with stories and principles that generally describe how we are seeking to start churches among West Africans in New York City).

Websites:http://www.gowestafrica.org/peoplegroups/allpeoplegroups.php – More information on specific West African people groups; The specific people group pages often have links to more detailed people group websites.

http://www.joshuaproject.net - Good database on people groups around the world

https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html - CIA World Factbook - Comprehensive information about West African countries

www.google.com - Do a search on google for any of the West African ethnic groups and you can find lots of information; Specifically, try things like: West Africans New York City; or, Wolof New York City. You should find some interesting things.

www.Chronologicalbiblestorying.com - This website provides information about Chronological Bible Storying, which is one of the primary ways we tell Muslims about their need of Jesus Christ.

25