The Tsimihety of Madagascar
Scripture: “All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvellous deeds; you alone are God.” (Psalm 86:9-10)
Population: 1,963,000 (according to Joshua Project website)
Location: The Tsimihety live in the mountainous North-Central area of Madagascar.
History: There are accounts of Tsimihety which date back to the 16th century. The current people are descendants of immigrants from Betsimisaraka villages of the East coast who fled Merina oppression in the early 19th century. Tension between the two peoples continue to the present day.
Culture: Their name means “those who do not cut their hair” which was a sign of refusal to recognize the monarch. They are considered extremely egalitarian, refusing to recognize authority.
Boys and young men tend the cows, and the rest of the family farm, mostly rice.
Religion: Many Tsimihety are animists. They have a vague belief in a supreme being who presides over the spirit world, which is inhabited by the spirits of their ancestors. Veneration of ancestral spirits through rituals, offerings and adhering to a strict system of taboos are believed to lead to blessing.
Latest Prayer Updates:
Expanding
The radio station is building new facilities and the hope is its reach will extend even further with a new pylon. Pray for the building work and the technical hurdles.
The school is busy and is expanding.
The dentist is currently unable to work due to administrative issues, please pray the way will open again for her.
Light in dark places
This is a difficult time with deep divisions in the church which ripple out to the remote villages. May the truth be heard, may people’s hearts be true to the gospel and may there be protection from lies. May the work of evangelism and community health care continue to shine light into dark places.
