Toposa in South Sudan
Photo Source:
Michael French
|
Map Source:
Joshua Project / Global Mapping International
|
| People Name: | Toposa |
| Country: | South Sudan |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 278,000 |
| World Population: | 363,200 |
| Primary Language: | Toposa |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 90.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 2.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Nilotic |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
|
Introduction / History
The Toposa are known as fierce warriors and cattle thieves. Most live in South Sudan, but a smaller number are in Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Toposo were armed with AK47s during the civil war by armies from the North and the South. Today they use these AK47s to steal cattle. Most Toposa shun schools and train their children to tend cattle/goats and to work in the gardens. Men value large herds of cattle and multiple wives. Each new wife requires a dowry to be paid. The "dowry" is the primary motivation for the theft of cattle from neighboring tribes.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Toposa are resistant to the gospel, preferring to depend on spirit doctors to cure diseases and infertility. They are at the mercy of spirits that come to steal and destroy.
What Are Their Needs?
Wives are unable to halt sexual practices of their husbands which lead to rampant AIDS and venereal disease. Alcoholism undermines family prosperity.
Prayer Points
Pray that God would send believers from neighboring tribes that speak similar languages to share God's story and start new churches.
Pray for Godly leaders who are large animal veterinarians, community health educators, and farmers to come and help the Toposa in ways that are meaningful to them.
Pray the Toposa will stop stealing cattle and choose to be at peace with their neighbors.