Majang in Ethiopia

People Name:	Majang
Country:	Ethiopia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	66,000
World Population:	66,000
Primary Language:	Majang
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	84.00 %
Evangelicals:	73.42 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Nilotic
Affinity Bloc:	Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Majangir live in scattered communities in the forests of Southwestern Ethiopia. They are often interspersed with other ethnic groups. They are located on an escarpment between the highlands and the lowlands. In the past, the group was raided for slaves by highlanders, but they were able to survive by hiding in the dense forest.

The Majangir meet their needs through slash and burn farming, hunting, fishing, and bee keeping. They prepare a special drink made by boiling coffee leaves with a mixture of spices. Some men have several wives and siblings are considered to have a closer relationship than husband and wife. While the Majangir traditionally shifted residence often, they have recently developed permanent villages. They have also recently adopted the practice of wearing clothing.

What Are Their Beliefs?

During the 1960s and 1970s, some of the Majangir became Christians. While there was initially a rapid spread of the gospel, the church there has suffered from a lack of Christian maturity and discipleship. Other Ethiopian Christians have made great strides in reaching out to the Majangir, but major cultural differences have challenged the effectiveness of their outreach.

What Are Their Needs?

The Majang do not need church planters, however missionaries with skills in discipleship, biblical training, medicine, or agricultural development may be able to serve the Majang.