The Fulani
In 1994, the Board of World Mission committed itself to a new outreach among the Fulani, a nomadic Muslim people group. The new field would be delineated by people, rather than geography. The Fulani are the largest nomadic people group in the world, with 18 million spread over 19 countries in West and Central Africa. They are strongly Muslim, resistant to the Gospel, and influence others to follow Islam. Their nomadic ways could make them a powerful force for spreading the Gospel throughout Africa. In some areas they are becoming semi-nomadic, and moving to cities and towns where they can often be reached more easily by the Gospel. The Board of World Mission also decided that this outreach would be done in partnership with other mission organizations. Other missions are established in the countries where the Fulani are located and have experience in contacting and evangelizing the Fulani. Those partnerships are already at work, with the Johnsons working with SIM missions.