Ethiopia was one of the first Christian nations, having been introduced to Christianity in the fourth century. Today, the population of the country is approximately 58% Christian. However, like other northern groups, the Libido converted to Islam and are presently 95% Muslim. Unfortunately, Islam continues to gain strength among the different groups in Ethiopia by penetrating Christian areas and offering mosque building programs. Two great waves of persecution of Christians occurred from 1936-1941 and 1974-1990. Though the persecution refined and purified the Church, there were many martyrs.

What are their lives like?
The Libido traditionally lived as warriors. Today, however, they are primarily herdsmen. Within their tribe, a man's status is determined by the amount of livestock he owns. Virility and other masculine attributes are considered desirable, with bravery and war being stressed. Riding, spear throwing, and fighting are also emphasized. Although warfare against enemies is honored, peace within the group is demanded.

Most of the Libido live in rural areas where they make a living mainly from raising animals and some farming. However, a small number of the Libido have settled in the towns, attracted by employment opportunities and modern schooling facilities. Others have entered the national security forces, the small industrial labor force, and the fields of trade, transportation, and education.

The typical Libido dwelling is a tukal, a circular hut made of acacia branches covered with grass mats. The cone-shaped roof has an opening that allows smoke to escape. The staple diet of the Libido includes durra (a cereal grain), maize, beans, rice, milk, meat, and wild fruits. Coffee and tea are popular beverages.

The Libido live as "nuclear families" (a husband, his wife, and their children). The family is headed by an authoritarian father who has the right to expect total obedience. Men usually have only one wife, and children are considered a necessity. The more children and grandchildren a man has, the greater his prestige.

Young Libido boys are trained to become warriors. They are taught at an early age how to use spears. Traditionally, men ready to marry were expected to present to their brides part of a man who they had killed. The killing of a man was customarily a part of becoming a full-fledged adult as well as part of certain festivals. Although this tradition survives, wild animals are now used instead of humans.

A basic value of the Libido is tokuma, or "identification with the group." Cooperation is central to this system, especially in work arrangements. The Libido have a reputation for being easygoing and sociable. They value hospitality and almsgiving, but more to relatives and friends than to strangers.

What are their beliefs?
The majority (95%) of the Libido are Sunni Muslims. Before their conversion to Islam, they were animistic (believing that non-human objects have spirits) and involved in a variety of worship practices. The belief that objects such as trees, springs, and rocks have indwelling spirits is still prevalent. It is further believed that certain spirits, or jinnis, may take possession of people.

Fasting during Ramadan (Muslim holy month) is observed by most of the Libido adults. However, the celebration of other Muslim festivals is limited to self-selected men who gather to read and chant verses from the Koran.

What are their needs?
The Libido do not have any Christian resources in their own language. One missions agency is currently targeting them, and there are over 1,000 believers. Leadership training and discipleship of new believers is critical if Church growth among the Libido is to continue.

Prayer Points

• Ask the Lord to call additional laborers to join the few who are already working among the Libido.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and favor to the missions agency that is targeting the Libido.
• Pray that the Bible, the Jesus film, and Christian broadcasts will be made available to the Libido.
• Ask the Lord Jesus to reveal Himself to the Libido through dreams and visions.
• Pray that signs and wonders will follow the Libido believers as they share Christ with their own people.
• Take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Libido bound.
• Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through worship and intercession.
• Ask the Lord to bring forth a triumphant Libido church for the glory of His name!

THE PEOPLE

• People name: Libido
• Country: Ethiopia
• Their language: Libido (Maraqo)
• Population: (1990) 93,600
  (1995) 108,600
  (2000) 125,800
• Largest religion: Muslim (Sunni) 95%
  Ethnic religionist 4%
• Christian: 1%
• Church members: 1,086
• Scriptures in their own language: None
• Jesus Film in their own language: None
• Christian broadcasts in their own language: None
• Mission agencies working among this people: 1
• Persons who have heard the Gospel: 21,700 (20%) Those evangelized by local Christians: 7,600 (7%)
  Those evangelized from the outside: 14,100 (13%)
• Persons who have never heard the Gospel: 86,900 (80%)

• Country: Ethiopia
• Population: (1990) 47,422,700
  (1995) 55,053,100
  (2000) 63,785,200
• Major peoples in size order: Amhara 34.8%
  Tulama 7.5%
  Wallega 5.6%
  Macha 5.4%
  Tigrai 5.3%
• Major religions: Christian 58.5%
  Muslim 35%
  Ethnic religionist 6.4%
• Number of denominations: 29