Introduction / History

The Gayo people live in the central highlands of Aceh. With no written script of their own, they have passed down their stories and songs orally from generation to generation.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They grow Arabica coffee for a living and are also known for producing civet coffee. Historically, the Gayo have lived in poverty, and it is only in recent decades that they’ve had access to higher education.

Sorrow is a defining trait of the Gayo people. Even their traditional dances reflect a profound sense of despair. This pervasive hopelessness has led to high suicide rates across all age groups within the community.

The Gayo have a mournful poetic form known as Sebuku, which consists of expressive, lyrical verses that are chanted while weeping. For the Gayo, both weddings and funerals are considered acts of parting, and Sebuku is sung at both occasions.

At weddings, the bride leaves her family, often feeling as if she’s being “sold” by her parents or abandoned like an orphan. She pours all her grief and longing into the heartbreaking verses of Sebuku. Her mother, too—having raised her daughter with great care and sacrifice—will respond by chanting her own Sebuku through tears. Friends and relatives join in, each with their own emotional renditions. Weeping becomes the dominant theme of a Gayo wedding.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all Gayos are Muslims, though they also practice traditional religion.

What Are Their Needs?

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Gayos need God to pour out the comfort that this world cannot offer. They sense an unfillable emptiness in their lives.

Prayer Items

Pray for Gayos to allow God to fill that spiritual void which, has remained empty for generations.
Ask God to give the Gayo a desire for true holiness.
Pray that the few Christians among the Gayo will feel God strengthening them in their commitment and service to him.
Because local understanding about health matters is very low, ask God to send Christian medical workers to help improve health conditions and encourage the people to take better care of themselves.

Scripture Prayers for the Gayo in Indonesia.

References

Mission Pathway