More than 73,000 Comorians live on the island of Madagascar. An additional 110,000 Comorians live scattered throughout the neighboring Comoros Islands.

The island, officially knows as the "Democratic Republic of Madagascar," was a territory of France until 1958. In 1975, the takeover of a Marxist regime resulted in riots among the Comorians in the city of Mahajanga. This takeover ended in the massacre of 1,400 Comorians, with several thousand others fleeing to the nearby Comoros Islands.

What are their lives like?
Most of the islanders work as farmers, fishermen, or in industry. Some farmers breed cattle, along with a few sheep, goats, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Their basic diet consists of rice, crustaceans, fresh fish, potatoes, and yams. Other crops that are grown are corn, sugar cane, apples, and citrus fruits.

Although young people wear Western style clothing, traditional clothing is still common among the adults. While in town, a Comorian man will typically wear a white cotton garment and a knee-length shirt, sometimes with a white jacket and white skull cap. Out of town, a long cloth sarong (colorful skirt) is worn. Most women wear long, colorful cotton dresses with bright shawls as face coverings. Others prefer wearing black robes that cover their heads.

Children are expected to help with family duties such as farming, fishing, and caring for the animals. For recreation they enjoy dancing, singing, and playing instruments, especially horns and drums.

About 22% of the Comorians live in cities, where the best housing is found. City homes typically have three stories and are very steeply angled. Similar to the Indonesian styles, these homes are built with the kitchens on top, the living quarters in the middle, and storage on the first level.

What are their beliefs?
The Comorians of Madagascar are 95% Shafiite Muslims. Surprisingly, however, mosque attendance is very low. Mixed with their Islamic practices, there is a strong involvement in occultism and spirit possession. Local Megalasy folk religions have also had a strong influence on the people.

Traditionally, the Comorians have been very resistant to any kind of religious change; however, they are gradually becoming more indifferent.

What are their needs?
The physical needs of the Comorians are numerous. Major problems in Madagascar include poverty, inadequate housing, disease, and poor roads. Educational levels are low and very few children attend school. There is a shortage of hospitals and doctors, and many suffer from illnesses and malnutrition. Moral decline has led to a large number of sexually active teenagers, resulting in the transmitting of venereal diseases. Such problems contribute to a high death rate.

The spiritual needs of the Comorians are even greater. Though there is freedom of religion in Madagascar, evangelism is not well received by the Shafiite Muslims. Their commitment to Islam, coupled with their involvement in occult practices, has made them difficult to reach. Liberal Christianity in mission schools and seminaries has also undermined mission zeal towards the Comorians.

There are presently two mission agencies working among the Comorians. Unfortunately, their progress has been very slow. The scriptures as well as Christian radio broadcasts are already available in their native language; however, there are only 15 known Comorian believers.

Prayer Points

• Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to Madagascar and share Christ with the Comorians.
• Pray for the quick production of the Jesus film in Swahili, with an abundant response when it is shown.
• Ask God to strengthen, encourage, and protect the 15 known Comorian Christians.
• Pray that God will give the missions agencies creative methods of reaching the people of Madagascar.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to create a hunger for the Truth within the hearts of the Comorians.
• Pray for God to send Christian teachers and medical teams to work among the Comorians.
• Pray that a strong local church will be raise up among the Comorians of Madagascar.

THE PEOPLE

• People name: Ngazija Comorian
• Country: Madagascar
• Their language: Ngazija
• Population: (1990) 62,900
  (1995) 73,800
  (2000) 86,300
• Largest religion: Muslims (Shafiites) 95%
  Bahais 4.9%
• Christians: <1%
• Church members: 15
• Scriptures in their own language: Bible
• Jesus Film in their own language: None
• Christian broadcasts in their own language: Available
• Mission agencies working among this people: 2
• Persons who have heard the Gospel: 19,900 (27%) Those evangelized by local Christians: 2,200 (3%)
  Those evangelized from the outside: 17,700 (24%)
• Persons who have never heard the Gospel: 53,900 (73%)

• Country: Madagascar
• Population: (1990) 12,571,000
  (1995) 14,763,300
  (2000) 17,259,100
• Major peoples in size order: Merina (Hova, Imerina) 16.3%
  Betsileo 11.3%
  Betsimisaraka 7.6%
  Merina (Vakinankarata) 7.6%
• Major religions: Christian 53.1%
  Ethnic Religionist 44.3%
  Muslim 2.3%
• Number of denominations: 24