ENDO

"The Endo people are an agricultural group living in the Kerio valley of Kenya. Many of their houses are on the face of the escarpment above the valley floor. The area is fed by three small rivers from the mountains. Water is distributed by an intricate series of irrigation furrows, which is thought to be over 400 years old. These are cleared and maintained by the people throughout the year. Farming includes a wide variety of crops: millet, cow peas, corn, bananas, mangos and papaya. In addition, families keep sheep, goats and some cattle, although theft and raiding by other tribes in the valley keep those herds small.

When a man marries he will petition his clan elders to be assigned several plots of land, one is a homestead on the escarpment of perhaps 100 feet by 100 feet, the others are farming plots of 2-5 acres down in the valley Marriage still follows an unusual ritual. Some are still arranged but more and more modern young people find one another. In either case the young man wears a special pair of leggings with many bells and dances vigorously outside the hut of the maiden, who expresses complete surprise at the visit and feigns distaste for the young man involved. If she seriously does not wish to marry her suitor she may beg her father to not send her away. Inasmuch as the father has probably already negotiated and received the ""bride price"", which has increased his wealth substantially, these pleas are not often taken seriously.

Children are considered an asset on the farm and any teaching of family planning is strongly resisted. It is estimated that 12-14 pregnancies may be required to achieve 4-7living adolescent children. The Endo are a people in crisis and desperately need a strong Christian faith and support. About 15 percent today are nominally Christian, fighting an uphill battle against the forces of civilization."

• 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?

Ratio of pastors/evangelists to population: 1 pastor or evangelist for every 4 500 persons (total pastors or evangelists - 11)

Ratio of missionaries to population: 1 missionary for every 10 000 persons (total missionaries - 5)

Who is Jesus Christ to them?

15% Believe Jesus is the Son of God and are nominally Christians
5% Believe in the Son of God and have accepted Him as their Saviour
?% Believe Jesus is a Prophet, Teacher, a Good Man, but not God's Son
?% Believe Jesus is a myth
?% Have never heard His name

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Only a small percentage of the Endo have responded to the Gospel. Though 15% have claimed to be Christian only 5% are active, whereas 85% claim traditional religion but an overwhelming 90% are active.

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

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

Total number of communities (cities, towns, villages): 1 church for every ? community (communities without church - ???)

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

No, there is no translation of Scripture into the Endo language. A translation project by BTL is in progress.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRlPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Recordings: Yes
Literature: No
Films: No
Radio: No
Video: No
Audio-Visual: No

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

The Endo are somewhat receptive to change that will lead to improvement and better living standards. However, the Endo are indifferent to Christianity and a majority practise their traditional religion. Therefore, Christianity should be presented to them in their cultural context.

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

Assistance from missionaries has not been determined since it is unknown whether any and if so how many are already working among the Endo. Also, local Christians may be sufficient in evangelism."