Suri, Tirmaga-Chai in Ethiopia

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?

Mission work was initiated among the Surma in the early 1970s. Due to various outside pressures, however, this Christian outreach lasted only a few years before leaving. There is a gospel witness among them, though it is weak.

What Are Their Needs?

They need a complete harvest among all Suri peoples.

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.

Text Source:   Joshua Project