The Narim, also known as Lariminit, Larim, Boya, or Longarim, are a Surmic ethnic group residing in Eastern Equatoria State of South Sudan, specifically in northern Budi County across approximately ten villages. Their language, Laarim (also called Narim), belongs to the Surmic branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family and is closely related to the languages of neighboring groups such as the Didinga, Tenet, and Murle.Historically, the Narim trace their origins to Ethiopia, with oral traditions suggesting a migration that led to the separation of various ethnic groups due to a legendary dispute over gazelle soup. They have lived in the Boya Hills region since at least the 18th century and have maintained strong cultural ties with the Didinga and Tenet while resisting assimilation by dominant neighboring groups like the Lotuko and Toposa.
The Narim live in rugged, hilly terrain between the Kidepo Valley and the Thangata River Valley. Their environment is characterized by rich savannah, high grasslands, and seasonal streams. They are agro-pastoralists, relying heavily on livestock herding, hunting, and fishing, while also cultivating crops such as sorghum, maize, and beans.Socially, the Narim are organized into exogamous lineages with strong community solidarity. Their customs include elaborate rituals for birth, naming, marriage, and death. Valor and courage are highly esteemed, and traditional music, dance, and oral storytelling play a central role in cultural expression.
The majority of Narim people practice ethnic religions, with approximately 80% adhering to traditional spiritual beliefs. These include ancestral reverence, nature worship, and ritual ceremonies tied to agricultural and social cycles. Christianity has made limited inroads, with about 20% identifying as Christian and only 2.2% considered evangelical believers.There is little history of sustained Christian engagement, and syncretism between traditional beliefs and Christianity is common. Access to Scripture and discipleship resources in the Laarim language is minimal, and most communities lack churches or trained Christian leaders.
The Narim people face several pressing needs, including the absence of a complete Bible translation in the Laarim language, which limits access to Scripture and spiritual growth; the lack of Christian media such as the Jesus Film, gospel recordings, and radio broadcasts in Laarim; a shortage of trained Christian leaders, leaving many believers without foundational teaching and spiritual support; insufficient education and healthcare infrastructure, with many communities lacking schools, clinics, and clean water, contributing to poverty and preventable diseases; and the risk to their language and traditions due to limited documentation and external pressures.
Please pray for the translation and distribution of the Bible in the Laarim language and ask God to raise up local evangelists and pastors who can disciple believers and plant churches. Pray also for spiritual openness among those practicing traditional religions, that the gospel may be shared with respect and understanding. Intercede for the development of Christian media resources in Laarim, including audio recordings, films, and radio, and pray for healing and hope to reach communities affected by poverty, isolation, and a lack of basic services.
Scripture Prayers for the Narim, Lariminit in South Sudan.
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| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
