Toposa in Ethiopia
Photo Source:
Michael French
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Map Source:
People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Toposa |
| Country: | Ethiopia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 21,000 |
| World Population: | 363,200 |
| Primary Language: | Toposa |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Nilotic |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Toposa are known as fierce warriors and cattle thieves.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Toposo were armed with AK47s during the civil war by armies from the North and the South. Today they use these AK47's to steal cattle. Most Toposa shun schools and train their children to tend cattle/goats and to work in the gardens. Wives are unable to halt sexual practices of their husbands which lead to rampant AIDS and venereal disease. Alcoholism undermines family prosperity. Men value large herds of cattle and multiple wives. Each new wife requires a dowry to be paid. The "dowry" is the primary motivation for the theft of cattle from neighboring tribes.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Toposa are resistant to the gospel, preferring to depend on spirit doctors to cure diseases and infertility. They are at the mercy of spirits that come to steal and destroy.
What Are Their Needs?
The Toposa people need the chance to find the only Savior, the one who offers life to the full.
Prayer Points
Pray that God would send believers from neighboring tribes that speak similar languages to share God's story and disciple new believers. Pray for godly servants who are large animal veterinarians, community health educators, and teachers to help the Toposa in ways that are meaningful to them. Pray the Toposa will stop stealing cattle and choose to be at peace with their neighbors.