The Oromo are the largest, most widely dispersed people group in Ethiopia. They are composed of approximately a dozen tribal clusters. Nearly all the Oromo speak mutually intelligible dialects of the Oromo language. One of their subgroups is the Arsi Oromo, who speak Borana-Arsi-Guji Oromo. Although they share similarities in their descent system, they differ considerably in terms of religion, lifestyle, and political organization.
Migrating from the Horn of Africa, the Oromo arrived in Ethiopia four centuries ago. Together with the Amhara and the Tigrai, they dominated the government and military classes of the Ethiopian Empire. In the 1700s and 1800s, the Arusi became a prominent force in Abyssinian (Ethiopian) politics. During the nineteenth century, they converted to Islam. Today, they are more apt to speak Amhara and Tigrinya than Oromo, their native tongue.
Oromos and other Ethiopians began to migrate to Australia as early as the 1970s. Arsi Oromos have a small population in that country.
Oromos in Australia tend to have a good education. Some have small businesses (or work for these businesses) that cater to other Ethiopians. That includes hair solons, Ethiopian restaurants, and clothing stores.
Arsi Oromo families are headed by an authoritarian father who has the right to total obedience. Men usually have only one wife, and children are considered a necessity. Such attitudes are less acceptable to the younger generation of Oromos in Australia.
The majority of the Arsi are Muslim; however, their traditional religion is still practiced by much of the population. These ethnic religionists worship a supreme being named Waqa. Wadaja feasts are organized on various occasions, and they sacrifice livestock in Waqa's honor. Today, these feasts reflect a Muslim influence, though it is far from orthodox Islam.
Many Arsi believe that objects such as trees, springs and rocks have spirits. They also believe that spirits called jinn may take possession of people. Adults fast for Ramadan, but do not participate in other Muslim festivals and celebrations.
The Arsi are mostly Muslim, but they have far more Christ followers than most other Oromo people. Some of these Christians can disciple others.
Arsi Oromos in Australia from a Muslim background are in a position where they can hear and heed the gospel. They can experience the protection from the Lord, and the abundant life only Christ offers. Who will tell them?
Pray for the Lord of the harvest to call Arsi Oromos to disciple those who need Christ's mercy.
Pray they will embrace the one sacrifice given on their behalf.
Ask God to raise prayer teams for the Oromo peoples that will pray until something happens!
Scripture Prayers for the Oromo, Arsi in Australia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian_Australians
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
