Gurage, West in Ethiopia

Gurage, West
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
Map Source:  Anonymous
People Name: Gurage, West
Country: Ethiopia
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 259,000
World Population: 259,000
Primary Language: Sebat Bet Gurage
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 80.00 %
Evangelicals: 12.90 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Ethio-Semitic
Affinity Bloc: Horn of Africa Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Gurage people's ancestors were military conquers from the Aksumite Empire. They originated in the Tigray region. The Gurage people have subgroups, one of which is the West Gurage. The West Gurage speak Sebat Bet Gurage.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Ethiopians like West Geto Gurage people because of their entertaining dances and delicious food. They are known for their hard work, their ability to produce wealth, their willingness to help one another and their clannishness.

Most raise cattle for their milk, which they use to produce cheese and spiced butter. They also grow coffee, chat and ensete (false bananas) as cash crops. Their diet includes wheat, cabbage, and dairy products. They eat meat on special occasions. The West Gurage consider it rude and vulgar to overeat.

Others are businessmen and traders. They are known for their ability to run prosperous businesses.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most are Orthodox Christians, but they also have traditional religious practices.

What Are Their Needs?

Like most peoples, the West Gurage need to center their spiritual lives around Jesus Christ and none other.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to transform the Ethiopian Church so that it centers on Jesus Christ’s person and teachings.
Pray for West Gurage disciplers to make more disciples.
Pray for West Gurage families to be abundantly blessed by a Christ-centered spiritual transformation.

Text Source:   Joshua Project