Mondari, Chir in South Sudan
Photo Source:
Rod Waddington - Flickr
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
Joshua Project / Global Mapping International
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| People Name: | Mondari, Chir |
| Country: | South Sudan |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 64,000 |
| World Population: | 64,000 |
| Primary Language: | Mandari |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 75.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 9.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Nilotic |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Mondari are a small Nilotic tribe of cattle herders and agriculturalists native to South Sudan. The traditional Mundari tribal lands are located roughly 75 kilometers north of Juba, the capital of South Sudan. They are centered around the town of Terekeka in the state of Central Equatoria. They are bordered to the north by the Bor Dinka at Pariak and to the south by the Bari of Juba at the Ku'da River. Their lands are bounded on the east by the White Nile and extend west to Lake Madi in Western Equatoria state, an area roughly 100 by 75 kilometers in size.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Mondari, like other Nilotic tribes, are very cattle-oriented: cattle serve as food, a form of currency, and a mark of status. Marriages are arranged by the prospective groom offering cattle to the bride's family, and husbands may take as many wives as they can support. The Mundari engage in perennial cattle raiding wars with the Bor Dinka during the dry season. The Mundari also cultivate sorghum and catch fish using nets and spears. In common with other nilotic tribes in South Sudan, the Mundari practice ritual scarification as a rite of passage into adulthood for young men. The typical Mundari scar pattern consists of two sets of three parallel lines, each on either side of the forehead, extending in a downward slope and unconnected in the middle.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Mondari follow a mixture of Christian and animistic beliefs, with symbols playing an important role in their cosmology.
What Are Their Needs?
Most Mondaris identify as Christian, but they need a strong desire for Jesus that will change their families, communities, and South Sudan itself.
Prayer Points
Pray for their medical and educational needs to be met in abundance.Pray for the Holy Spirit to send a powerful revival to Mondari homes and churches.Pray for Mondari Christians to be filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit.Pray for Mondari Christians to excel in love, joy, and peace as they take Christ to others.Pray for them to have patience and kindness as they minister the gospel.