RENDILLE

"In north central Kenya a peaceful nomadic group of about 30,000 people known as Rendille cling to a nomadic life of herding: camels, goats and cattle. Harassed constantly by the more powerful groups of Oromo and Somali these people lead an extremely harsh existence. They are culturally similar and probably related to the Somali people to the east. Their language is closely related to Somali, but their allies are the Samburu in the South. This profile refers to the original Rendille people, not the Ariaal who are ethnically Rendille, but who speak Samburu. The Ariaal Rendilles no longer speak the Rendille language and are in reality a different people group.

The Rendille who live in large semi-permanent villages of married men, women and children move two to three times each year. A small herd of milk camels is maintained near the settlement, milked by the women for family use. The main herds of camels are herded by older boys and young men moving frequently to find good grass and water. Camels need to be watered only every 10-14 days but at that time drink enormous amounts. This is brought up from deep water holes by hand by the young men. Large flocks of sheep and goats are shepherded by the girls and unmarried women. Their animals are very closely identified with the life of each family.

Their ceremonies are not unlike Old Testament Jewish traditions involving sacrifice and prayer. They possibly can provide entry points for a discussion of Christ's sacrifice and an opportune introduction to personal salvation. Traditionally Rendille are a very religious people, believing in one God, an omnipresent creator and provider who answers prayer and cares for the poor."

• 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 10,000 persons (total pastors or evangelists - 3)

Ratio of missionaries to population: 1 missionary for every 15,000 persons (total missionaries - 2)

Who is Jesus Christ to them?

5% Believe Jesus is the Son of God and are nominally Christians
0.2% Believe the Son of God and have accepted Him as their Saviour
50% Have never heard His Name

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Only about 60 profess to be true believers. Of these, all but two have been totally alienated from their culture. They became believers while away at school and have left the nomadic lifestyle.

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Ratio of churches to population: 1 church for every 5,000 persons (total churches - 6)

Total number of communities (cities, towns, villages): The people are traditionally nomadic though some move around near the settlements of Korr and Kargi. The only people in settlements are those who have children in school, or those too poor to have pack animals. Many have lost all their animals to raiders or to drought.

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

Mark's Gospel and Galations have been translated. Mark is printed in a trial edition and Galations is ready and waiting for printing.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Literacy Rate: 1%
No, people are not antagonistic. Literacy classes are just beginning.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATlONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Some Gospel Recordings and many BTL scripture tapes are on cassettes. Also the spoken word is preached by pastors and missionaries.

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

The Rendille live on the edge of survival in the most arid area of Kenya. They are known to be totally opposed to change. They do not oppose the gospel, but since their own religion is so like the Old Testament they easily give lip-service to Christ because they feel it does not contradict what they believe. We do not see any real heart change. Like Muslims they cling to what they know for survival.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE FROM MISSIONARIES?

Yes. Even the pastors find it difficult to bring across the gospel so that it is meaningful for the Rendille. The Rendille have quite high morals and a monotheistic religion. They feel they are righteous. They do not feel the need for deliverance, forgiveness or salvation - very much like Muslims. It would seem that improving their living conditions is essential before the true gospel will take effect."