The Banta Themne are a subgroup of the large Themne tribe which makes up nearly 1/3 of the population of Sierra Leone. The name Banta Themne in Fula and Themne means "energetic and malleable".  Their origins are unclear but most anthropologists agree that they came to Sierra Leone after the Mali invasion. Perhaps it was tribal wars that drove them there. Intermarriage and trade might also have contributed to their coming to Sierra Leone. It is even possible that the Banta people were running away to escape the pressures being put on them to become Muslim.  Whatever the reason, they chose to settle in Sierra Leone. At first this was not easy. They had to wage war against tribes in Port Loko and Kambia (Lokos and Limbas) in order to capture the land. After a fierce battle, a peace agreement was signed with the Limbas. The Banta Themne, at last, had a home.

What are their beliefs?

Witchcraft and sorcery are practiced openly among the Banta Themne. Folk Islam is also practiced with rote memorization of the Koran being required of all young men. There are no visible secret societies among the men, however the women are active in the Bondo society.  In a way, they are Islamic animists. They practice syncretism and pantheism. (Syncretism is the union of two parties against a third, the combination or reconciliation of differing beliefs in religion, philosophy, etc. or an attempt to effect such compromise. Pantheism is the doctrine or belief that god is not a personality, but that all laws, forces, manifestations, etc. of the self existing, universe are god.)   Old people resent Christianity. The young people are positively receptive and children are open. Parents and husbands treat wives and children with scorn if they accept Christianity, whether supported by them or not.   They resent Western education, ideologies, and medicine.

What are their needs?

Physical needs:

• access to adequate health care, especially after the devastation of the war

• clean water for drinking, cooking and bathing

• better nutrition

• literacy training in Themne

Spiritual needs:

• an army of prayer warriors committed to praying for a spiritual awakening

• more evangelical Christians to live and work among the Banta Themne

• translation of the Old Testament into Themne

• wisdom and boldness among the few Banta Themne believers

• growth and maturity of national churches so that home missionaries can be sent