TSIMHETY

The Tsimihety people are a Malagasy people group and live in the north central region. Their region is difficult to penetrate as it is characterized by limited road and transport infrastructure. They are descendants of immigrants from Polynesia, Indonesia, and Africa. These immigrants arrived in successive waves, the Indonesians being the first. The Merina people dominated the Tsimihety and by 1850 controlled most of Madagascar. Madagascar gained its independence from France in 1960.

Ancestor worship is the predominant religion. Charms, magic, trances, demon possession, and curses form all an important part of their religious practices. Sorcerers hold an important position in the Tsimihety society. Religious practices also govern their daily life. Certain days are considered to be taboo for agricultural duties. They are a proud people and their distinct customs are derived from their ancestral roots. While other tribes migrated to various parts of Madagascar, the Tsimihety remained firmly settled on the land which was occupied by their ancestors.

Being an agricultural society, they specialize in the production of rice. The elders of the families have great authority and are respected by all. They are responsible for the carrying over of family traditions. This happens on an oral basis."

• Country: Madagascar
• Population (Year): 14.1 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 52.7%
• Percent Evangelical: 6.3%
• Openness to missionaries: Open"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Number of mission agencies targeting this group: 4
Who is Jesus Christ to them? 10% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 10 persons.
(total believers - 123 286) (10%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Churches to population: 1 church for every ? persons. (total churches - ?)

Total number of communities (cities, towns, villages): ?

Churches to communities: 1 church for every ? communities. (communities without a church - ?)

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE? IN WHAT FORMS?

The New Testament was translated in 1931; however, it has been out of print for several years.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Literacy Rate: ?% The road and transport infrastructure is very poor.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Recordings: None
Literature: ?
Films: None
Radio: None
Video: None

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

No, the majority of the Tsimihety has had little or no exposure to Christianity; subsequently, only 10% claim any sort of affiliation to Christianity.

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