Assa in Tanzania
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Map Source:
People Group location: Peter Koteles. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Assa |
| Country: | Tanzania |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 800 |
| World Population: | 800 |
| Primary Language: | Maasai |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 55.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 30.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Khoisan |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The population of the Assa people seems to be lower than it once was because an eastern branch merged with the more numerous Maasai people in the Manyara Region. Their population is only 700, they are unreached, and life expectancy is 55 years.
Where Are they Located?
This people group lives only in northeastern Tanzania. The Assa used to live among the Maasai, south of Kilimanjaro and Lelatema mountains (where tanzanite mines are located).
What Are Their Lives Like?
Tanzania is one of the world's poorest nations. Over one million children are orphaned because of AIDS.
Residents of the Manyara Region where Assa people live, are mostly farmers. Mining of Tanzanite gems, and tourism are also occupations in their part of Tanzania. They were hunter gatherers but have scattered recently for many reasons, e.g that hunting in Tanzania is forbidden.
What Are Their Beliefs?
While many are Christians, some Assa people are animistic, meaning that they look to spirits in their surroundings. Bible resources, written, audio, and visual are available in their spoken language.
What Are Their Needs?
Widespread systemic poverty affects the Assa people. They need help to establish and maintain schools, medical clinics, drinking water, and sanitation to improve their lives. Although Scripture resources are available in their language, they need someone to tell them. Someone must teach them. Will it be you or someone you know?
Prayer Points
The Church in Tanzania is shallow and must be discipled to reach its own people.
Health issues are serious and must be addressed if people are to live long enough to experience God's truth and abundant life.