Introduction / History

The various Oromo people groups are the largest, most widely dispersed groups in Ethiopia. They also reside in Kenya, Somalia, and Egypt. Composed of approximately a dozen tribal clusters, these peoples prefer just the term "Oromo" when speaking of themselves. Nearly all of these peoples speak mutually intelligible dialects of a language called "Borana-Arsi-Guji Oromo." Although they retain similarities in their descent system, they differ considerably in religion, lifestyle, and political organization.
Most likely, the Oromos were pushed westward from the Horn of Africa by the Somalis during the tenth century. Together with the Amhara and the Tigrai, they dominated the government and military classes of the Ethiopian Empire. In the 1700s and 1800s, these peoples became a prominent force in Abyssinian (Ethiopian) politics. During the nineteenth century, some subgroups converted to Islam. That did not include the Tulema / Selale Oromo, who are Christian and have a strong church.
In recent decades, Oromos have faced violence in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Canada, the United States, and Australia have taken some of them as refugees.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In today's world, the Oromo are known for their popular music. There are many videos on YouTube where you can hear it. Some are professional musicians.
One basic value of the Oromo is tokuma, which is identification with the group. The religious, social, political and economic life of the Oromo revolves around this. Cooperation is central to this system, especially in work arrangements.
The Tulema Oromo family is headed by an authoritarian father who has the right to expect total obedience. This is being challenged by those who have grown up in the United States, Canada, or Australia.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Unlike most Oromo subgroups, the majority of the Tulema Oromo are Christian. They have a strong church, and God can use them to reach the other Oromo groups that remain Muslim or animistic.
However, some remain committed to their traditional beliefs in a supreme being named Waqa. They hold feasts and sacrifice livestock in Waqa's honor. Some also believe that spirits inhabit trees, springs, and rocks.

What Are Their Needs?

Oromo Christians do not realize how much God can use them to spread the fame of Christ. They have a complete Bible in West Central Oromo—they need to read it and heed it!

Prayer Items

Pray that the Tulema Oromos in the United Staes will take up the challenge of discipling those who are not experiencing the abundant life that only Jesus offers.
Ask God to anoint the gospel as it goes forth via radio to the Tulema Oromo people.
Pray that God will give the Oromo believers boldness to share Christ with their own people and with others.

Scripture Prayers for the Oromo, Tulema / Selale in United States.

References

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nt-EcoknUYXF-4Y7URdU0FJHkbek98Qi4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oromo_people