Temi in Tanzania

Introduction / History

The Sonjo call themselves Temi. The Temi are a traditional people who live in the midst of a Maasai region in the northwest corner of Tanzania. The Temi people live in area 30 – 40 miles west of Lake Natron, in Northern eastern Tanzania.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Like the Maasai, the Temi continue to hold on to traditional beliefs, customs and lifestyle. They still build their round one-room houses of sticks with thatch roofs. The people continue to wear "shukas," colored cloth worn in a toga style, much like the Maasai.

They maintain a warrior class consisting of young men who have gone through the rites of passage. In the past the Sonjo people have been known for their conflict with the Maasai, though at present, there appears to be peace. Some villages, nevertheless, still boast an impressive gate, which previously connected a protective wall around the inner village to protect them from the Maasai.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Although Christianity had reached into the villages of the Sonjo, the overall response has been very slow and in some cases hostile. Their traditional religion is strong, and its adherents have focused efforts to frighten young Christians back into tradit

What Are Their Needs?

The Temis need clean water sources and e-to-get-et to medical clinics.

Prayer Points

Pray for workers to go to them that have skills in medicine and water purification.
Pray The Lord give them a heart of possession to take care of the purifiers and to understand the importance of drinking clean and safe water.
Pray that soon Temi people will disciple others in the ways of Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project