Wollo Amhara in Ethiopia

Before the 1700s, the Oromo were more homogenous; they had not yet split apart by dialect and religion. These subgroups are now divided by mutually intelligible dialects, religion, and by location. The Wallo are among the least known of several Oromo subgroups. In the 21st century some of the Wallo Oromos have joined other Oromo subgroups in their rebellion against the Ethiopian government. Some Oromo organizations want independence, but because of their lack of unity, this may not happen.

Ministry Obstacles

All Oromo people adhere to traditional religious practices. When faced with a serious need or crisis, the Wallo Oromo people look to traditional religion for help. They do not look to Jesus, the sovereign Lord.

Outreach Ideas

There are Oromo subgroups with Christ followers that could reach out to their Wallo cousins.

Scripture Focus

"Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms."  Psalm 68:19

Scripture Prayer

May today’s people group allow the Lord to carry them in His powerful arms.

Prayer Focus

Pray that believers from other Oromo subgroups will introduce Jesus to the Wallo people. Pray for believers who know how to help increase crop yields to go as Christ's ambassadors to the Wallo Oromo people. Pray for a peaceful solution between the Ethiopian government and the Oromo peoples. Pray that soon there will be a rapidly growing church planting movement among the Wallo Oromo people.