Gwama in Ethiopia
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
Joshua Project / Global Mapping International
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| People Name: | Gwama |
| Country: | Ethiopia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 12,000 |
| World Population: | 12,000 |
| Primary Language: | Gwama |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Nilotic |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Gwama is also called Kwama. It is the name of a language spoken by a people group of the same name. They probably migrated from Chad around 590 BCE and settled in their current homeland in South Sudan and Ethiopia.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Gwama are a mostly rural people living in the highlands on both sides of the border between Sudan and Ethiopia. Their staple food is sorghum which they boil and use as porridge. Some of the sorghum is fermented and used as a thick beer which they drink through straws. They supplement their diet by fishing and hunting.
They have several clans. They are expected to marry outside their own clan.
Literacy rates are low, although many have expressed interest for learning to read in their mother tongues, as well as learning other languages for wider communication. It seems that there are two Gwama languages, both still used as first languages for all speakers in their respective groups. There is probably a need for a Bible translation. Many men have some proficiency in a second language, but the women are more likely not to and materials are needed and desired in their mother tongues. There is a new cultural center and efforts to preserve their language.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most are Muslim, but there are also followers of the traditional religion and these two may also be integrated in some ways. They have their own rainmakers and ritual specialists.
What Are Their Needs?
Gwama villages usually have no electricity. Medical care is poor, and access to medicine is limited. Their water supply comes from rivers and springs. Sometimes this water carries germs and disease-causing bacteria.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to give the Gwama people an abundant harvest this year as a testimony of his power and lovingkindness.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Gwama families into the loving arms of Jesus.
Pray for Holy Spirit sent workers to go to the Gwama people in Ethiopia.
Pray for a movement to Christ to that will lead them to disciple their own families and friends.