Tsemay in Ethiopia

People Name: Tsemay
Country: Ethiopia
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 29,000
World Population: 29,000
Primary Language: Tsamai
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents: 2.00 %
Evangelicals: 1.70 %
Scripture: Portions
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Omotic
Affinity Bloc: Horn of Africa Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Tsamai are a people group that live in the plain of the Weyt'o River. They may have been part of the Konso people and because of the raids from the Borana, had crossed the Sagan River to settle among the Banna and Dime and intermingled with them. They are neighbored by the Hamar and Banna, with whom they have built a strong alliance, on the west and southwest, by the Arbore on the south, by the Gawada and Kerkert on the east and by the Maale on the north.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are cultivators as well as keep livestock. They grow sorghum and maize. They use the hoe to cultivate the land. Their administrative and trade center is the Weyto town.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tsamai are predominantly followers of their ethnic religion which believes that the male and female star created the world.

What Are Their Needs?

Tsamai villages usually have no electricity. Medical care is poor, and access to medicine is limited. Their water supply comes from rivers and springs. Sometimes this water carries germs and disease-causing bacteria.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Lord will open the hearts of the Tsamai to hear the gospel and be followers of Christ.
Ask God to raise laborers, especially from among the Konso, who are related to the Tsemai and have a good relationship with them, who will work to reach and intercede for the Tsamai.

Text Source:   Joshua Project