Suri, Tirmaga-Chai in Ethiopia
Photo Source:
Rod Waddington - Flickr
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Suri, Tirmaga-Chai |
| Country: | Ethiopia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 54,000 |
| World Population: | 54,000 |
| Primary Language: | Suri, Tirmaga-Chai |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 4.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 2.40 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Nilotic |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Surma, or Suri people, live in the remote southwest corner of Ethiopia. They have subgroups based on language. One of these languages is Tirmaga-Chai Suri.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Tirmaga-Chai Suri have a basic subsistence and barter economy. Their wealth is based on their cattle, and the main food source is the produce from their own crops. There is very little outside trade. The Tirmaga-Chai Suri are a highly monolingual and homogenous society, living beyond most of the influences of the modern world and its technology. Their tenuous relationship with neighboring ethnic groups often erupts in fighting and loss of life.
Women are noted for the large clay lip plates worn in the lower lip. Girls often wear large earplugs, their hair shaved in patterns, and there is decorative body painting. Women wear a leather garment fastened at one shoulder, which encircles the waist like a skirt. Children typically wear no clothing.
What Are Their Beliefs?
About two-thirds of Riang Lai families today observe the animistic rituals of their forefathers. A significant number of people adhere to Buddhism and Christianity, but they often use their beliefs as a veneer over their true inward adherence to spirit worship. For centuries the Riang Lai have been served by shamans, whose job is to mediate between people and the spirit world. To receive directions, the shamans often go into a trance to interact with various spiritual guides.
What Are Their Needs?
The gospel arrived among the Riang Lai people in the early 20th century, with 11 Riang Lai people saying they were Christians at the time of the 1931 census. A remnant of Riang Lai believers remains today, but a lack of Christian resources in their langua
Prayer Points
Pray for a complete harvest among every Suri people.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in their villages and homes, leading them to the cross.
Pray that soon Suri disciples will make more disciples.