Introduction / History

The Suri people are not the kind of people that get the attention of anthropologists. They are small, but not dying out as a people. They do not live a lifestyle that stands out in this part of the world. Fortunately, there is a little bit of missionary work among this animistic people.

The Suri people live in South Sudan and Ethiopia. They live in the land where these two countries come together.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Suri area is hilly, so there are challenges for raising crops. They do the best they can to grow greens, corn and sorghum. Some of their land is forested. These forests offer opportunities to find honey, mushrooms and hunt wild game. They sell these goods in the marketplace.

One of the ways to identify members of the Suri tribe is by their facial markings. When time permits they engage in stick fighting. Clan chiefs lead them into battle in times of war, and act as judges in disputes in times of peace.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Suri people have a supreme god they worship, but they also worship many spirits as well. They practice animism, a religious worldview that natural physical entities--including animals, plants, and even inanimate objects--possess a spiritual essence. They have mediums, witchdoctors, healers and rain makers among them. Witchcraft is strong among them, and this poses a temptation, even for young Christians. There is a small Christian minority, but the only Christian materials in their language are some gospel recordings.

What Are Their Needs?

This people group has believers reaching out to them, but they need the JESUS Film and other resources to understand the gospel. As of 2011, there has been a book about their grammar, which can open the door for translating these materials. The New Testament is being translated.

Prayer Points

Pray that they will be willing to understand that the God of the Bible has all power, and all worship is due to him alone.
There are few Christian materials for this people group. Pray for a complete New Testament and the JESUS Film to soon become available in their language.
Pray for gospel recordings to become easily available to them.
Pray for a Disciple Making movement to flourish among this people group, both in South Sudan and in Ethiopia.

Scripture Prayers for the Suri in South Sudan.

References

http://www.language-archives.org/language/koe
https://prayafrica.org/project/suri-south-sudan-ethiopia/