The Fulani were some of the earliest converts to Islam in sub-Saharan Africa, and spread the religion across the region. It is difficult for a Fulani to leave Islam, since to be Fulani is to be Muslim.  

Jonathan* grew up in this culture, following Islam, but also having to deal with negative stereotypes which surround the Fulani, and the ensuing persecution. 

When he was a teenager, he heard about Jesus – someone who came to save even the outcasts and those looked down on in society. 

A few years later, he attended a Disciple Making Movements school, where he was taught church planting skills. He now lives out his faith by working with OM’s Microbusiness ministry in West Africa, where he leads a team which works among the Fulani, refugees and two other ethnic groups. 

Meeting in the marketplace 

The microbusiness ministry helps those who want to start their own businesses, but who lack the expertise to know how to do that. Jonathan and his team provide training and advice, as well as small loans to help start the businesses, and are available for ongoing advice and support once they are established. 

Jonathan also runs a business which helps support the ministry and people in the local community. “I sell the miscellaneous, that is to say general food, at the table at the market,” he explained. “The company has developed more in the agriculture of peanuts and sorghum. We sell a little at the market and the rest at home. People from the community, especially old people, come to buy in bulk and go and sell, then bring back money. I collect the money, then I go and buy more peanuts and sorghum and they come to take more and so on. 

“Also, those who do not have enough come and request the goods from us and pay one week later. We were also able to help certain people, especially women and young people to gain a little knowledge about making the most of the resources they have.” 

Spreading the Word 

Running a business brings Jonathan into contact with many people. At the market, he has the opportunity to spend time with them, listening to their difficulties and praying for them, as well as sharing the gospel of salvation with them. 

As a result of these conversations, Jonathan has started six Bible study groups and has been involved in establishing eight house churches. Most exciting, he and his team have sent four believers to continue the work in other parts of the country, and the team has opened a headquarters for discipleship training, literacy, and translation of Bible stories which can be used in Bible study groups and house churches. 

* name changed