People
Who they are
The Jur Modo live mainly in Western Equatoria State in South Sudan, especially in Mvolo County. They are also called Lori, and there is a small Jur Modo community in the United States. Their language belongs to the Central Sudanic group of the Nilo-Saharan family.
The Modo are a farming people who lived in relative isolation for a long time. A researcher who lived in the village of Domeri, near Mvolo, in 1980 recalled that the first thing the residents wanted to teach her was the names of the trees.
Where they live
2
Countries
212K
World population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
South Sudan Partially reached
|
99%
|
206.000 |
United States Partially reached
|
1%
|
2.100 |
How they live
According to the account of Domeri, in the 1980s the Modo mainly grew sorghum, sesame, beans and peanuts, with some cassava and other root crops. Women and girls gathered fallen shea fruit, valued for its oil. During the dry season, the rivers stopped flowing, and men, women and children gathered at the water’s edge for several days to fish and dry their catch. Every home had a shade tree, which played an important role in social life.
What they believe
Most Jur Modo follow traditional religions, believing in spirits that inhabit trees, rivers and animals. They perform rituals to seek these spirits’ blessing or protection. Christianity has reached the people, and many Christians mix Christian teaching with practices inherited from their ancestors. There are also Christians who are firm in their faith and able to teach others.
The Bible in this people's language
A people only truly understands the gospel when they hear it in the language of their heart. See how far the translation has come.
Jur Modo
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)15%
Evangelicals6%
Needs
Since few Jur Modo have a living faith in Jesus, they need biblical teaching and discipleship. Leaders and evangelists from within the community are needed to guide believers and strengthen those who are Christian in name only.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for more Scriptures in Jur Modo to be translated and distributed to families.
Pray for Jur Modo Christians who are firm in their faith to teach others to follow Jesus.
Pray for Jur Modo leaders and evangelists for the local churches.
Pray for spiritual renewal among those who are Christian in name only.
Pray for the Jur Modo living in the United States.
Pray for Jur Modo
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar