ORMA

The Orma are semi-nomadic herders who live in the deserts of southeastern Kenya. They are remnants of the once powerful Galla (Oromo) nation of Ethiopia and Northern Kenya. In the late l9th century the Orma fought with neighbouring tribes and were forced to migrate south into Kenya. Some Ormas moved into the rich delta area of the lower Tana while others settled west of the River. By 1980, their numbers had grown to 18,000. Today there are approximately 40,000 Ormas.

Cattle are central to the Orma culture. Herding is their only means of survival. They keep goats and sheep alongside their cattle. Cattle are paid as bride price from the groom's family. They are also slaughtered at weddings and funerals. All life focuses on the good of the cattle. Meat is the main food. Traditionally their diet was supplemented with milk and blood. Now the Orma also eat maize, rice, beans and tea. The arid climate of the Tana region is too dry to support any agriculture, so the Orma have no vegetables in their diet.

The Orma live in round huts which consist of a wooden framework covered with woven mats and grass. The women build houses. When the people move with the herds the house is dismantled and put on a pack animal along with the household goods. A larger version of the houses are built for people who live in permanent villages. Special ceremonies surround the births of children. After a woman gives birth, the baby is dedicated at 7 days. The woman stays secluded for a total of 40 days. Then there is a feast with the other women in the village and the baby is dedicated again. The ceremony ends with the women dancing.

The Orma are 100% Muslim. They converted to Islam starting 3 or 4 generations ago. The people see their identity as Muslims. They observe all the rites and festivals of Islam. There has been some effort by Africa Inland Church missionaries off and on since 1960. Finally renewed efforts by AIC began around 1980. The missionaries requested help from SIL to develop literature for evangelism and discipleship as well as Bible Translation. To date no scripture portions have been produced. Only a few Ormas have come to Christ so far."

• 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 ??? persons (total pastors and evangelists - 0)

Ratio of missionaries to population: 1 missionary for every 6 667 persons (total mssionanes - 6)

Who is Jesus Christ to them?

0% Believe Jesus is the Son of God and are nominally Christians
0% Believe in the Son of God and have accepted him as their Saviour
20% Believe Jesus is a Prophet, Teacher, a Good Man, but not God's Son
0% Believe Jesus is a myth
80% Have never heard His name

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

There are less than five known Orma believers.

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Ratio of churches to population: 1 church for every ? persons (total churches—0)

Total number of conmunities (cities, towns, villages): 1 church for every ? community (communities without church - 50(?))

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

There is the gospel of Matthew and John in ""Oromo"" written around 1900 - 1905.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO USE OF THE SCRIPTURE?

Literacy Rate: 5% or less
There is a lack of interest in literacy or education.

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 RECEPrIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

Typically they are slow to change their traditions. They have not responded to the gospel message.

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

Yes, since there is no significant Orma Christian presence."