The Alagwa of Tanzania
Population: 40,000
Location and Background: The Alagwa live in in a geographically remote area at 4,000-6,000’ elevation in the hills and mountains of central Tanzania. They live in 15 villages, and although the Bubu river runs through the lower lands, the higher regions suffer from lack of water and they often must walk miles to find water to meet the needs of their families.
History: The Alagwa are a Cushitic group, who migrated south from the horn of Africa. They believe they are descended from Habesh, who was the 10th generation from Noah’s son Ham, and are still living with the curse put on their ancestor.
Culture: The Alagwa are subsistence farmers, growing maize and millet. They also keep cows, goats and sheep. They are very community oriented, living in houses made of burned brick with roofs of thatched grass. The Alagwa speak both Alagwaisa and Kiswahili.
Religion: A tribal legend says that once when some Alagwa visited Mecca they were rejected by the Muslims for having ‘no religion’—only animistic beliefs. They later embraced Islam, so that now well over 90% are Muslims. However, they seamlessly blend their traditional beliefs with their Islamic ones. Allah, Mungu and Lala’a are all used to refer to God. So although they are called Muslims, their beliefs and practices are strongly steeped in their traditional ways of life.
Latest Prayer Updates:
Increasing hardness
We grieve the increasing hardness of several backslidden disciples. Pray for a softening of their hearts, a desire to listen to the Word and an openness to be prayed for. I am truly frightened by the hardening I see in one in particular, a real rejection of, and trampling upon, the grace she once knew and the Savior whose sweetness she once tasted. I believe that though it may seem to us hopeless and far too late, the One who is the Resurrection and the Life may yet have the last word. Pray for us as well to be strengthened and persevere sharing that Christ alone is who we need.
Stand firm
Pray for the believers to grow in discipleship and courage to stand firm in the faith when faced with challenges. May they stay on the narrow path and refuse temptations to take the easy way.
