Oromo, Wellega / Mecha in Ethiopia
Photo Source:
CharlesFred - Flickr
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
Joshua Project / Global Mapping International
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| People Name: | Oromo, Wellega / Mecha |
| Country: | Ethiopia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 9,135,000 |
| World Population: | 9,258,000 |
| Primary Language: | Oromo, West Central |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 82.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 44.40 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Oromo |
| Affinity Bloc: | Horn of Africa Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Oromos trace their lineage to Borana or Bareentu, the 2 patriarchs of the Oromo Nation.
The Mecha (or Wellega) Oromos speak the West Central dialect of the Oromo language. Oromos were the first to cultivate coffee in Ethiopia.
Oromos have many subgroups, one of which is the Mecha or Wellegas. They live in northwestern Ethiopia. Most live on a high plateau. The Mecha Oromos once had a self-help group that was eliminated by the Ethiopian government.
What Are Their Lives Like?
For breakfast, Mecha Oromos eat porridge made from wheat, honey and milk. Oromo cuisine consists of several stews and sauces eaten with Injeera, a flat pancake-like bread that acts as their eating utensil. Beverages include variations of dairy products, coffee and tea.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Before 1956 the Ximeng Wa settlement sacrificed 3,000 cows a year to appease spirits and to obey the orders of the local shamans. Yuesong Village was particularly notorious. This village of 407 households with 1,487 people slaughtered 874 cows for religious purposes between 1955 and 1957 - an average of two cows per household. This kept the people trapped in dire poverty. All the Wa children were stark naked in this village; their parents could not afford to buy clothes.PRGRPHAmerican Baptist missionary William Young was used by God to first bring the gospel to the Burmese Wa in the early 1900s. In a remarkable testimony of God's love and power, thousands of heathen Wa were swept into God's kingdom. Young moved to China in the 1920s. By 1948, 22,369 Wa in China had been baptized. Vincent Young translated the New Testament into Wa in 1938. Although one recent report lists a figure of 75,000 Wa Christians in China, few of these "believers" have even a basic understanding of salvation.
What Are Their Needs?
Many of the Wa need a better way to earn a living.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move mightily among the Mecha Oromos, blessing them in every way.
Pray that they will hear and respond to the eternal gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pray that soon Mecha Oromos disciples will make more disciples.