The O people of East Africa
Population: 66,000
Location and Background: The O are semi-nomadic herders who live in the semi-arid bush lands of East Africa, in round, dome-shaped structures which can be dismantled in order to move with their herds. They are the most southern representatives of the once more powerful nations to the north.
History: They migrated south as cattle and camel herders, raiding more settled peoples as they went. They controlled a wide area of territory around 400 years ago, but due to health epidemics and surrounding enemies the size of the tribe was reduced. They resisted the Islam of the Arab slave traders until the 1920s, and by 1950 the whole tribe had converted. They are often in conflict with their neighbors over conflicts about access to good grazing, wells, and river waters for their herds. Recently there have been times of violent clashes, revenge raids and cattle stealing between ethnic communities.
Culture: Cattle are central in O culture, being used to pay bride price, and are slaughtered for weddings and funerals. Boys are taught to shepherd smaller animals. Girls help with household chores and younger siblings. There are special ceremonies for the birth of babies, and for funerals.
Polygamy is practiced by half of the men, marriages used to be arranged but now elopement is more common. For men, bravery is stressed and riding, spear throwing, and fighting are admirable skills.
Modern education and the practice of Islam is creating change in the culture. Traditionally the elders had authority and were respected, and decided cases when there were disputes. They led the people to repentance and forgiveness through blood sacrifice and confession. The breakdown in traditional ways, replaced by the five pillars of Islam, has left people uncertain about their forgiveness until the Day of Judgment.
Religion: The O culture is becoming more and more Islamic in nature. Traditionally they believed in a creator God associated with the sky and believed in the spirits associated with locations in nature. These beliefs are now combined with their Islamic beliefs. Blood sacrifices are decreasing and observance of the five pillars of Islam is done in order to please God and gain forgiveness.
Latest Prayer Updates:
Hunger and thirst
Praise God for more encouraging meetings with ‘Timothy’ and some of the other men – despite that the NB women continue to be hard to get together with and disciple. Pray for continued hunger and thirst for God‘s written word to be understood, and growth in their relationships with His Living Word.
Follow-ups
The disappointing news is that the big airport meeting was postponed again! Now they’re not even naming a new date. The county commissioner is due for a transfer, and we will soon be gone for a week for our annual spiritual life conference – so pray that God works out the timing to include all who are needed and again for His plans and purposes to be fulfilled.
Some good news: for the baby girl who was breech and her mom who had lost three prior breech delivery babies. Thankfully, the parents heeded our God provided wisdom to go early and stay near the county hospital where they could get a C-section if necessary. The baby was born safely, by C-section the day after they arrived there! We praise the Lord that all is well and they are so thankful, and Jesus gets all the glory for this NB family.
