January 25, 2002

Change has disrupted the lives of the Masai, but the elders are open to wise counsel. That's led to a new strategy for sharing God's love.

The Masai of Kenya have long had a reputation as fierce warriors. But years of tribal warfare, famine, and radical social change have taken their toll on the Masai. Their elders are now open to wise counsel, but only if it comes from fellow elders. That's led to a new strategy for sharing God's love with the Masai.

Armed with wisdom and strength the Masai of eastern Africa survive in a world fraught with adversity. They're nomads in a rugged land tending to their cattle and sheep. They share the Riff Valley with many of God's most majestic creatures.

Each generation or age-set, plays an important role in Masai society. The strength of youth is complemented by the wisdom of the elders. Warriors called the Maron are males in the age-set from 14 to 30 years. They are charged with protecting the community from wild animals and warring neighbors.

But the heart and soul of the clan is the Ingusi. The Ingusi is the age-set of the elders. They oversee everything in the village also known as aboma. They decide who will and will not have access to the people. Reaching this age-set with the Gospel is key in sharing Christ with the rest of the clan. This is the challenge facing southern Baptist missionaries working with the Masai.

The Ingusi of Masailand are hearing and believing, which is leading to an exciting movement of God. Senior American volunteers, like John Shepherd are winning their Masai peers for Christ.

One Masai elder said, "Before today I was just taking the word of God as just something that people speak. But today I have experienced the truth that is in the word of God. Right now I have believed in my heart and I'm still waiting great things for God to continue to move and change my soul."

Moving to change souls is exactly what is happening across the land of the Masai. Many of the different clans are hearing the Gospel and responding.

John Shepherd, president of New Calvary Road Ministries recalled talking to one Ingusi. "Last night it dawned on me, and that was that if someone my age had not been here to share Jesus Christ with him he may never have received or accepted him. So it's very important that older men come to this part of the country to share with the Masai. Because they're ready and they're willing and their hearts are prepared."