Gayil in Ethiopia

Introduction / History

The Galila people of southwest Ethiopia are considered to speak Gayil, a dialect of a language called Aari. The Galila call themselves Gayil whereas outsiders call them Galila.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Subsistence farming is their way of life where they raise crops of wheat, barley, teff (an Ethiopian grain used to make their staple bread, injera), kora rima (an expensive Ethiopian spice often exported outside the country), corn, and false bananas. They also raise livestock, such as cows and sheep. They cannot grow other fruit due to the high altitude and often cold weather.

In the highlands of Galila, there are thatched round huts for sleeping and cooking. There are springs for a water source, but they are not managed and are contaminated by animals and people before becoming drinking water. The Gayil desire outside help with needs such as working with their language and community development which includes water management and sustainable crops to create a more balanced diet.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In 1960 Christianity was introduced to Gayil and they are largely Christianized. They can be Christ’s ambassadors to those who are not as fortunate.

What Are Their Needs?

The Gayil language does not have a complete Bible in their own language and cannot understand the Aari New Testament scriptures. There is a genuine need and desire for the Bible among the Gayil people.

Prayer Points

Pray for an accurate and complete Bible translation for the Gayil people.
Pray for oral gospel materials to be widely available to the Gayil people.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to purify their churches and thrust many out to those without a gospel witness in southern Ethiopia.
Pray for discipleship and accountability to become central in their churches.

Text Source:   Joshua Project