Mursi in Ethiopia

Introduction / History

The Mursis live in the Lower Omo Valley of southwestern Ethiopia. They believe their ancestors came to the region through a series of migrations intended to find an ideal place for their cattle.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Almost all Mursis live a settled life. They have much free time, which they devote to music, gossip and chatting. They pass on their culture and philosophy through historical and moral stories. The men have regular duels involving wooden poles. It’s a form of martial arts. At age 15 their girls are given wooden lip plates that they wear all their lives.

Improved roads have enabled the Mursis to interact with tourists, who pay them for items they sell and for musical and dance performances. The money is used to purchase coffee, spices, and clothes.

The men tend to the cattle while the women take care of household duties.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mursis are primarily traditional religionists, but they also have a gospel witness among them.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mursis need protection. Their land is good, and others want to use it without offering compensation.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to protect the Mursi people from outsiders who want to use them.
Pray for the Lord to bless them physically and spiritually.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in power in Mursi churches, giving them the anointing to reach others for this incomplete harvest.
Pray for Mursi disciples to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project