The Maasai people of East Africa
live in northern Tanzania along the Great Rift Valley they are
famous herders and warriors.
The Maasai are a semi-nomadic people who live
under a communal system. They are very efficient livestock producers.
The movement of their livestock is based on seasonal rotation.
This allows them to utilize resources in a sustainable
manner. Each section manages its own territory. Under normal conditions
the lands that are grazed are guarded by warriors. However, if
drought persists, boundaries are ignored and people graze animals
throughout the land until the rainy season arrives.
According to their traditional land policies, no one
should be denied access to natural resources such as land and water.
Since the colonial times, most of what used to be Maasai land has
been taken over for private farms and ranches, to be used for government
projects or for wildlife safari parks. Mostly they retain only the
dryest and least fertile areas for their cattle.
Nowadays Maasai have increasingly been forced to settle, and many
take jobs in towns. Maasai society is organised into male age-groups
whose members together pass through initiations to become warriors
and then Elders.
Maasai worship one god who dwells in all things, but may manifest
himself as either kindly or destructive. Many Maasai today, however,
belong to various Christian churches.
The Maasai houses, Inkajijik, are loaf-shaped and made of mud, sticks,
cow dung and grass.
The Maasai women are responsible for making the houses as well as
supplying water, collecting firewood, milking cattle and cooking for
the family. The men are warriors they are in charge of society's security
while boys are responsible for herding the cattle.
My health care studies have equipped
me to serve God in Tanzania where I am giving health care education
and minister to the Spiritual needs of the people.
We
are focusing our work within the Maasai
tribe. With over 150 Maasais attending the Health
Clinics regularly.
We have been ministering to them and educating them on basic
Heath Care, nutritional needs, water and sanitation.We have
had the opportunity to pray for this tribe and treat their ailments.
Seen here a Massai child being examined
by a YWAM Doctor.
I want to thank all my family within the body
of Christ, especially at Restoration Ministries for all their
help and support that assisted me in getting to Tanzania and
maintain my stay here. Please continue to pray for me.
