Barriers and Bridges for the Gospel among Yalunka Folk Muslims in West Africa

The purpose of this research project is to study how barriers and bridges influence the  reception of the Christian message by the Yalunka people in West Africa. The objective is for mission leaders to be able to determine the most effective methods and Scripture tools to use for a contextualized approach that will be most likely to attract Muslims in this region to respond to the gospel. The central research issue is to evaluate bridges and barriers for the gospel among the folk Muslim Yalunka.

This research utilizes a survey questionnaire given to Yalunka Muslims and Christians as well as missionaries. The results of the questionnaires were further validated by interviewing Yalunka Muslim background believers to determine the factors that either helped or hindered their decision to follow Christ. Ten findings emerge as the most prominent factors influencing receptivity among the Yalunka.

The research provided a theoretical model applying the concept of barriers and bridges to the gospel in a way that draws conclusions about the factors that contribute to receptivity. The study shows how a certain approach to Bible Translation is needed to address the findings effectively. The barriers and bridges that emerge from the research as most prominent may be integrated into a holistic strategy that maximizes the effect of the most important bridges while minimizing the impact of the strongest barriers.

Pruett, Gregory John. 2014. “Barriers and Bridges for the Gospel among Yalunka Folk Muslims in West Africa.” Pasadena, California: Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Intercultural Studies.