People
Who they are
The Omi, also called Kaliko-Omi, live in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Aru territory, between the Nzoro and Lowa rivers, along the road from Aru to Aba, near the borders with Sudan and Uganda. Their language is called Omiti: Omi is the name of the people, and ti means mouth or language. The land is fertile and has timber forests, pastures and gold, but outsiders profit the most from these resources. The Omi welcome their neighbors, and many Lugbara and Kakwa live among them.
Where they live
1
Country
179K
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
Congo - Kinshasa Partially reached
|
100%
|
174.000 |
How they live
Most Omi make their living through farming and raising livestock, growing cassava, corn, beans, millet, sorghum and peanuts. Some earn a little money from tobacco. They have great respect for the extended family and for customs. They may get angry and trade insults, but they know how to forgive: sincere reconciliation takes place over a shared meal. For recreation, they dance, hunt and fish.
What they believe
Christianity is widely practiced among the Omi, and Catholics make up a large majority. The Protestant churches serving the region are based outside Omi territory. Catholic and Protestant churches took part in translating the Bible into Omiti, a project that began in 2003. There are also followers of traditional religion and some Muslims. In the traditional worldview, illness, death and setbacks are attributed to mistreating parents, sisters or uncles.
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.
Omi
New Testament complete
- Translation started Done
- Portions Done
- New Testament Current stage
- 4 Whole Bible Still ahead
Audio recordings Not available
Jesus Film Available
Translation data: Joshua Project.
Gospel progress among the unreached
Christians (all traditions)79%
Evangelicals3%
Needs
The Omi are very interested in schooling and medical care, but these are lacking in the region. Alcohol harms young people who have no education or employment. Learning to read in Omiti is another need: the New Testament in the language dates from 2021.
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
Pray for people to learn to read in Omiti and for families and churches to use the New Testament.
Pray for Omi Christians to grow in their knowledge of Jesus and live out their faith beyond customary practices.
Pray for cooperation between Catholic and Protestant churches in teaching the Word.
Pray for Omi young people who have no education or employment and are suffering from the effects of alcohol.
Pray that Muslims and followers of traditional religion among the Omi will come to know Jesus.
Pray for Omi
Intercede for this people alongside Christians around the world.
Open the Prayer Calendar