People
Who they are
The Lopid, also called the Lopit and Lafit, live in the Lopit Hills in Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, in the Torit district area. They speak Lopit, a Nilotic language. They make their living by farming, raising animals and gathering honey and shea fruit. They take pride in their culture, which is passed down from generation to generation through songs, poems, plays and music.
Where they live
1
Country
118K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
South Sudan Partially reached
|
100%
|
116.000 |
How they live
The Lopid use traditional farming methods, raise animals and gather honey and fruit from the shea tree, which grows in the region. A naming ceremony is held when a baby is born, and another ceremony marks the transition to adulthood. A ceremony called hifira transfers village leadership and community authority to the next generation. The villages are scattered in remote parts of the Lopit Hills.
What they believe
Most Lopid follow traditional religions. They believe in a supreme god, spirits and a wider spiritual world, and their celebrations include dancing and drinking. Those who perform rainmaking rituals and other intermediaries have considerable influence, and people give them gifts to gain their favor. There are also Christians: a young church formed in Lohutok and grew in faith and in numbers, and other churches emerged in several settlements, including Ohilang. New Christians face strong pressure from the traditional culture around them.
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.
Lopit
Portions translated
- Translation started Done
- Portions Current stage
- 3 New Testament Still ahead
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Not available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)20%
Evangelicals6%
Needs
Lopid Christians are few, and there is a need for biblical teaching, discipleship and outreach to villages that have not yet heard the gospel. Alcohol abuse is a problem among the Lopid. Some communities in the hills are hostile toward one another, and reconciliation is needed.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for the Lopid churches in Lohutok, Ohilang and other settlements, and for the training of their leaders.
Pray for the translation of the Bible into Lopit and for the use of the Scriptures in families and churches.
Pray that new Lopid Christians will stand firm under pressure from the traditional culture around them.
Pray for the Lopid who struggle with alcohol abuse and for their families.
Pray for reconciliation among Lopid communities that are hostile toward one another.
Pray for Lopid
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
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