About Turkana Missions, Kenya, East Africa

A strong and beautiful people, the Turkana have lived in the brutal environment of northwestern Kenya for thousands of years. Their ancestors are some of Africa's earliest inhabitants, and some believe they are one of the first peoples on Earth.

In the midst of a sun scorched land, getting less than 8 inches of rain a year, the Turkana have flourished. Their numbers exceed well over a million souls.

They are primarily a pastoralist tribe having herds of goats, sheep, donkeys, cattle, and camels. The men of the family have the responsibility of caring for these animals. This involves long periods of time away from their family as they are constantly searching for grass and fresh water. The women stay close to village and care for the children and shoulder all the chores of the home. These include daily searching for water and firewood.

One of the first thing you will notice, they like to adorn themselves with brightly colored beaded necklaces. They also practice scarification. Both help identify ones standing and family clans.

While many villages still practice ancestor worship, including using power witchdoctors, they have proven to be very receptive to the Gospel.

Please pray for the Turkana people that the Lord would "open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." Acts 26:18