The Toposa of South Sudan
Pray for the Toposa of South Sudan. They are one of the largest groups in South Sudan, but are being marginalised by the government. They live in a dry rugged land and raise cattle. They are often in conflict with other groups and raid cattle from across the Kenyan and Ugandan borders. They are traditionally animists, praying and making sacrifices through a medium.
Population: 700,000-1 million
Location and Background: One of the largest tribal groups in S. Sudan, the Toposa live in organized villages in an arid, rugged, hilly land with vegetation of shrubs and grass, and seasonal streams.
History: The Toposa are part of the Ateker cluster, believing they moved away from the Losolia Mountains in Uganda due to drought. They believe that when the first people (Murle and Didinga) arrived they cheated the Toposa by taking the gazelle meat and leaving only soup for the Toposa. This precipitated the split. Successive governments in Khartoum and Juba have marginalized the Toposa. At some point they were armed by the north to fight the SPLA but later changed sides. They have regular disputes with other groups in their area, and also raid tribes in Kenya and Uganda.
Culture: A patrilineal society, cultural norms and values are passed to children early. Culture is transmitted orally through songs, dance, music, poems and folklore. Much has to do with the accumulation and keeping of large herds of cattle. The boys are put in age-sets and taught to herd. The girls look after the home, and care for the elderly and smaller siblings. Men wear a draped cloth, and women wear leather skirts embellished with colored beads. Both men and women scar their bodies. The young men are proud of the beauty of their hair. They abhor the practice of circumcision. Interestingly, they do not count people or animals. They share certain totems and body marks, and they come together for social occasions such as dances, marriages, funerals and cattle raids. Decisions are made by the men as a community. Respect for elders is mandatory.
Religion: The Toposa believe in the existence of a supreme being and the spirits of departed ones. They pray and make sacrifices, using a medium. Chiefs, sub-chiefs, medicine men, and witchdoctors all wield administrative and spiritual power. They believe chiefs are nearer to God by virtue of their wisdom.
Learn more about the Toposa at Joshua Project or about South Sudan at their official website.
Latest Prayer Updates:
SLM gathering- travel dangers
Pray for SLM annual strategic meeting to held on 19-24th Jan 2025 in Northern Kenyan for our teams from Darfur Refugees, TNJ, Torit, Central Equitoria, Ethiopia, Eastern Congo, Uganda and Kenya and urban missions; about 50 leaders are gathering. Pray as we evaluate 2024 and plan for 2025. Our goal is still to see 700 churches planted.
News Flash: Our team is traveling from various locations to attend the gathering in Northern Kenya. We ask for your urgent prayers, especially for the Sudanese team traveling from Juba, led by Majir. There has been unrest and incidents of revenge in their area since yesterday, creating significant challenges. Please pray for:
• Protection over all team members as they journey.
• Peace and safety in Juba and all along the travel routes.
• God’s presence and guidance during this time of uncertainty.
Pray for the Toposa Church
We are witnessing great things among the disciple leaders as they walk in obedience to the Lord. Recently, the Toposa Apostolic team planted 14 new churches in closed areas. God is moving powerfully through this team as they share the Jesus Film, strengthen existing churches, baptize new believers, and encourage the body of Christ to live in obedience. Please pray for them.
