AJURAN

"The Ajuran is a sub-clan of the Somali people group and is found in the Northeastern Province of Kenya on the border with Somalia. They are mostly pastoralists and trade amongst themselves and on the market in Nairobi. The Ajuran are a proud people, inward looking, and isolated from the other groups. They are quite happy being left alone and will not easily build new relationships. These other groups tend to think of them as cruel, harsh, and hostile. Any form of change will be resisted and they will fight to remain as they are.

The culture is intertwined with Islamic traditions. As a result the Islamic law is followed very strictly. It is not uncommon for a man to have more than one wife. Girls usually marry between ages twelve and mid-teens. Both boys and girls are circumcised.

Milk and milk products are the staple food while the consumption of meat is mainly restricted to ceremonial rites. The water flow and availability to this area is insufficient."

• Country: Kenya
• Percent Christian: 82.1%
• Percent Evangelical: 34%
• Population (Year): 30.8 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christianity
• Openness to Missionaries: Open"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus to them? 0.4% Believe in the Son of God and have a accepted Him as Saviour. 99.5% Believe Jesus is a Prophet, Teacher, a Good Man, but not God's Son

2.HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

1 believer to every 250 persons (total believers - 98)(0.4%) No, evangelism is a slow process.

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Ratio of churches to population : 1 church to every ? persons (total number of churches - ?)

4. DO THEY HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

Yes.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION? Literacy rate: ?

The exact number is not known, but it is very low due to children being withdrawn from school in order to fulfil their duties as herdsmen. The Islamic law also prohibits any distribution of Christian literature.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Recordings: Yes
Literature: Yes
Films: Yes

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND CHRISTIANITY?

No, they will fight to remain as they are. There are frequent attacks on Christians and missionaries by Muslims.

8. IS OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE REQUIRED FROM MISSIONARIES?

Yes, but the missionary has to live with them and become one of them. This is a slow process.