Chara in Ethiopia

Map Source:  People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Chara
Country: Ethiopia
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 24,000
World Population: 24,000
Primary Language: Tsaara
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents: 3.00 %
Evangelicals: 1.90 %
Scripture: Portions
Ministry Resources: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Omotic
Affinity Bloc: Horn of Africa Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Chara or as also known the Tsara are part of the Gimira cluster. They live in the extreme southern and southwestern reaches of the densely forested Kaffa highlands of southwestern Ethiopia. They have their own language, Chara, which is one of the Oromic languages. They had a high population until they were decimated through war and frequent slave raids.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Chara people make their living by farming.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are predominantly adherents to ethnic religion. Along with their ethnic religion the Chara practice a syncretized form of the Orthodox form of Christianity.

What Are Their Needs?

The Chara people need to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, one that will transform their culture into what he wants them to be.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual hunger among the Chara people that will lead them to put their faith in Jesus Christ alone. Ask the Lord to strengthen the existing, indigenous Chara church to make disciples who will make other disciples. Pray for gospel resources to be easily accessible in their language.

Text Source:   Joshua Project