The Overlooked Fulani Women
Strong winds are blowing across the plains and jungles of West Africa, the noise around the Fulani is enormous, the wind carrying both the sand and fresh air. The Fulani women, however, looked somehow left out of the noise. Fulani women can’t be detached from the Fulani story; they are the storytellers, the healers, the tireless guardians of their families and traditions. Yet, beneath their strong spirit lies a well of unspoken burdens and tears that only the Gospel can wipe off.
It is pleasing to know that many Fulani women are coming to Christ, however, many are cut off from the grace Christ brought.
Identifying Stumbling Blocks
What are the stumbling blocks hindering Fulani women from coming to Christ beyond what we are experiencing presently?
Fear of their husband: These people groups subscribe more to Islamic culture where women are often carelessly handled and used as baby-supplying machines that are expected to give birth to as many as possible children till delivery becomes life-threatening to her. The upbringing of these children coupled with most of their material needs remains the burden of the mother. Most of them whose husbands are practicing Islam even though they might have at one time or the other come in contact with the Gospel and introduction of the person of Jesus Christ. Sometimes this happens when they are sick and go in search of healing in churches or under pastors, or whenever they had complications in child delivery and had to patronize Christian-owned or Christian mission hospitals. Even though they do have an interest in following Jesus especially when they consider the Truth and Peace that lies in His way and the love that abounds in the company of Jesus’s people, the fear of not wanting to cross their husband who won’t think twice before handling them and beating them up like a baby and making them a public disgrace in their respective community. Of course, this woman may have about one or two other women sharing the same husband with her, her husband may even threaten to abandon her food if she attempts to convert to Christianity which sincerely used to be a very horrible experience, especially in such a communal set up as that of the Fulani people group.
Dedication to Idol and Idolatry
Another blockage is a dedication to Idol and Idolatry: In one particular engagement I was opportune to have with one elderly Fulani woman. She narrated some sorrowful experiences and evils that have befallen her in life, including the death of several young children, grandchildren, and adults, and the ones that are currently challenging his son which made him pack out of the community where he built a big and conducive house with his three wives to rent another apartment to manage in in the town with his household, as the case he launched into was a murder case. I asked her if she knew who Jesus was, and she answered yes that she had heard about Him and they knew He was fond of doing good and powerful. I asked why she had refused to follow Him and she said it is because of what they have on their head, that even though they knew about Him they can’t just go with Him. This is the case for most young and old Fulani women. Most have been dedicated to idols that have long been dictating their course of living. The fear of the aftermath effect if they attempt to turn back and say no to that path and Yes to Jesus is one of the key factors that held them locked up against the Gospel of Christ Jesus. They would rather keep doing chop-and-run games of seeking to enjoy Jesus’s healing power in their sick and depressed state, and then running back into their folk Islam lifestyle after wellness through Jesus’s power.
The Communal Nature of Their Settlement
The way they live together with family, extended, and relatives often make it uneasy for individuals to live true and plain lives of their own. They often go hiding to take satisfactory steps even to the point of consuming nutritious meals because of fear of being outstanding as they believe it could evoke witches and wizards’ attack.
Wrong Perception of Christianity
Wrong perception of Christianity and what it stands for: Because of their low level of exposure and innovation they hardly have broad access to information. So, anyone they receive first even though it’s unreal or obsolete, they do stick to it seriously. What they often see in movies, in cities and sometimes in the Western world such as women and young ladies dressing half naked, gender equality bodies etc, have been attributed to Christianity in their own World view making it appear most times to men as a path that would further corrupt their women and young ones rather than doing them good.
Fear of Human Agents
Fear of the human agent acting as the principalities and gatekeepers of the respective community is also one core factor militating against the decision of the Fulani women for Jesus, especially after being confronted with the Gospel.
Overcoming Barriers with SGO Missions
Reaching the Fulani women with the Gospel presents unique challenges rooted in cultural, religious, and societal factors. At SGO Missions, we are dedicated to addressing these barriers with compassion, understanding, and strategic outreach. By fostering trust and providing support, we aim to empower Fulani women to embrace the Gospel and experience the transformative power of Christ. Join us in our mission to break down these obstacles and bring hope to the Fulani communities across West Africa.Together, we can make a difference. Discover how you can get involved with SGO Missions and support our efforts to spread the Gospel to those who need it most.