People Group Profiles

“All nations will come and worship before you."

- Revelations 15:4

Mandinka of United States

People Group Info

Total Population: 2,600

ROP3 Code: 106233
IMB Affinity Group: Sub-Saharan African Peoples
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan African
People Cluster: Malinke
Language: Mandinka - (mnk)
Religion: Islam
Country of Origin: Gambia

Photo courtesy of Joshua Project. By MNK Ministry

Majority Located Where

  New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY - 5,000

Click here to recommend other locations where this People Group resides.

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Brief Profile

The Mandinka are a West African people originating from Gambia and Mali. Their traditional homeland is an oral society where life is done through stories, songs and proverbs.

The Mandinka language is in the Mande branch of the Niger-Congo language family and is spoken in Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina-Faso, Sierra Leone, Cote d'Ivoire, the Senegambia region, and parts of Nigeria.

They adhere to Islam and often can recite chapters of the Qur'an in Arabic. Some Mandinka syncretize Islam and traditional African religions. They believe spirits can be controlled mainly through the power of a marabout, who knows the protective formulas. In most cases, no important decision is made without first consulting a marabout. Marabouts, who have Islamic training, write Qur'anic verses on slips of paper and sew them into leather pouches (talisman); these are worn as protective amulets.

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Prayer Points

  • Pray Christians will intentionally engage and plant churches among the Mandinka people.
  • Pray God will reveal Jesus as the true and living messenger of God's free grace via dreams and other means.

Learning Resources

Learn more about "Any-3"
Any–3 provides biblical principles and practical steps that have equipped hundreds of Christians to witness confidently and effectively. Over the past decade, thousands of Muslims have been engaged with the gospel.

Learn more about "Learning Paths"
Online Courses for embracing, encountering and engaging diaspora people. Work at your own pace. Begin anytime and complete the course according to your schedule. Interactive, Hands-On Application.

Learn more about "Reaching the Nations"
This book delineates five disciplines Christians should develop in order to effectively reach the nations. More specifically, it will guide Christians to develop an engagement strategy in their locale.

Loving Muslims Small Group Study
This Loving Muslims booklet is a two-week group study that takes a deeper look at Christ’s command to "love our neighbor."

World Religions - Beliefs Overview
An overview of major world religions and cults - their beliefs and practices.

Overview of Islam
Overview of Islam and its sub-groupings. Developed by the North American Mission Board, SBC. Includes generalized witnessing tips.

Other Resources

Prayer Guide for Unreached Peoples
A 30 day guide to pray for unreached people groups.

Prayer Guide using the GOSPELS acronym
A prayer guide that utilizes the acronym GOSPELS to pray for workers among diaspora.

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Country City Metro Area Name State / Prov. Baseline Population
United StatesBronxNew York-Newark-Jersey CityNY5,000
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