GABBRA
"The Gabbra are very good looking people, the men wearing traditional shorts and a shuka (cloth) and the women wearing a wrap around and garment a head cloth. Their traditions have a close relationship to those of the Israelite people as recorded in Genesis and Exodus. Relationships and family ties are very strong. Being Gabbra is important and anyone who gives up his Gabbra customary traditions is looked down upon.
Various accounts place the Gabbra (like the Borana to whom they are related and whose language they share) primarily in Ethiopia prior to the colonial era. Before settling in Kenya, the Gabbra tended to migrate between Kenya and Ethiopia in search of pastures. They moved into Kenya as refugees fleeing from Menelik's armies in Ethiopia (1913-1923).
The Gabbra first settled just below the Ethiopian border. However, recurrent attacks from the Ethiopian soldiers and the Daasanach led to their relocation to near the Huri Hills area farther south of the border. To ease tribal clashes between the Gabbra, Turkanas and Rendilles, the British government set up administrative boundaries. The government gave them escorts by camel riding police for some time to ensure their security. Pasture land was proportionately restricted in some areas. Even with these steps, there were times when the administration had to move large groups of the Gabbra into areas like the Mt. Kulal region and the Northwest corner of Marsabit districts because of overgrazing of the land.
The Gabbra mostly follow the traditional religion and heritage of their ancestors. Gabbra religious beliefs are inseparably linked to their herds. Animals are more than food: they are needed for sacrifice to ensure fertility, health and co-operation from spirits. The Muslim influence is stronger in some areas than others.
Their basic diet was milk and meat. But because of the decimation of their herds due to repeated droughts, they now include tea, ugali, beans, and oil. They are still primarily pastoralists although some have found work as night watchmen or in the army, police or, reforestation or water projects."
- 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: (total pastors and evangelists ???)
Ratio of missionaries to population: 1 missionary for every 1,792 persons
(total missionaries - 24)
Who is Jesus Christ to them?
10% Believe Jesus is the Son of God and are nominally Christians
< 2% Believe in the Son of God and have accepted him as their Saviour
?% Believe Jesus is a Prophet, Teacher, Good Man, but not God's Son
>90% Believe in local, traditional religion rather than in Jesus
?% Have never heard his name
2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?
Some have. The nomadic lifestyle makes it difficult to know how to follow up and disciple them.
3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?
Ratio of churches to population: 1 church for every 7,167 persons (total churches?)
4. DO THEY HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?
Yes, Genesis and the New Testament are printed. Translation of other books is in progress.
5. ANY HINDRANCES TO USE OF THE SCRIPTURE?
Literacy Rate: Very low
Islamic teachers and the Avena cult strongly discourage anything to do with Christians. Few of the general population can read. Children in school are learning to read but later they lose it through lack of usage.
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?
They are not overly inclined toward change.
8. IS OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE REQUIRED FROM MISSIONARIES?
Yes, both expatriate and Kenyan missionaries. However they should expect opposition from the Muslim leaders when people start to believe. Any missionary going to this area needs to have a strong prayer team behind them and be well versed in spiritual warfare."
