Introduction / History

The Zay community came to the islands in Lake Zuway. The migrations came in two rounds. The first happened in the middle of the ninth century (960-1000 A.D.), during the reign of Queen Yudit Gedion aka, Yudit Gudit. They came from Aksum. At this time, the work of exterminating Christians and Christianity was done in order to replace the Ethiopian Orthodox religion with the queen s family religions. Bishops, priests and teachers who were members of the Zay community came to the island where the Zay community is now.

The second round of Zay people fleeing to the islands happened around the 1730s. At that time there was a great war waged by Muslims to spread Islam and destroy the Christian religion. The Zay people fled to the islands with their relics. They fled from Tigray around Enderta and the mountainous area east of Tigray.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The majority of their income is from fishing.

They still use herbs, not modern medicine. They have faced frustration with development projects not being completed.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most are Orthodox Christian.

What Are Their Needs?

The Zays need improved infrastructure and development projects. People on the islands have very little access to clean water, resulting in many water-related diseases and deaths. The schools on the islands are taught in Oromo (not the language that the Zay people speak), so many children do not receive a good education due to not understanding what is being taught.

Prayer Points

Pray for better living standards.
Pray for the Zay people to look only to God as their provider and savior.
Pray for Zay Christians to disciple others, blessing an increasing number of families.

Scripture Prayers for the Zay in Ethiopia.

References

The information provided is not obtained from research from Aklilu M who is part of this community. Aklilu interviewed others from this group.