Tim Ricker and Mursi men working on a well

In November of 2007, Paul and daughter Mary traveled to Makki to assist Tim and Deborah Ricker, joint missionaries with HIM and SIM (Serving in Mission) to the Mursi people. While there, Paul was also able to evaluate needs for the possibility of future short-term teams. The Place: Makki, a remote area in southwest Ethiopia, is not a town.  The nearest is Jinka, three or more hours away over a 4WD track. Addis Ababa is about 500 miles away by road, the only one to Makki, which travels through Mago National Park.  There are no postal, phone, electrical or transport services closer than Jinka - and all these services are unreliable, including the road!  Near the equator and at about a 2,000-foot elevation, the climate in Makki is always warm.  Days are typically in the 90s and nights in the low 70s, with twelve hours of daylight year-round.

The People: The Mursi are a semi-nomadic people, moving from place to place around their region as new cattle grazing area becomes necessary.  The traditional religion is animistic and is also centered around ancestor worship.  Clothing is basic: men wear a cloth in a range of ways; women wear skirts made from skins with another skin worn over one shoulder in which to carry their load.  Women often wear large earring discs and lip plates.  Bracelets and other jewelry are also popular. Until a few decades ago, the Mursi were unaware they were even part of a larger country called Ethiopia. Therefore, education was neither desired nor seen as necessary.  It was nearly a decade after being reached before the first Mursi person came to Christ. The Church is now growing.  However, as the authority structure in the tribe runs very deep, outside teachers are not allowed to directly instruct anyone in anything.  Instead, a select number of people from the tribe are chosen to be taught and then teach the rest of the tribe while they themselves begin learning the next level.  This is the method for academic education as well as Bible teaching.  The Bible has not yet been translated into their language. Ministry Opportunities: Current projects at Makki address health, non-formal education, and food security.  All these projects may benefit from assistance from people who are willing to help, such as with computers and technology, and construction and mechanics.  In addition, there is the opportunity to join in Mursi church activities, including the "milktime" discussions with believing Mursi leaders.  Because English is a key subject in all grades of education (due to a new government requirement that all teaching after grade 4 be in English), many people will soon want to practice their English with anyone willing to take the time.  Discipleship, literacy, sports, and other opportunities should increase over the next few years as English is increasingly understood. A team is currently being organized to assist the Rickers in the winter of 2009.  Contact Paul and Christie for more information!

Paul and two young Mursi men Mary sharing candy with Mursi children Paul and Christie Kendall Short Term Mission Teams Coordinators Office: (828) 398-2427 Email: epk1228@helpsinternationalministries.org