The Turkana of Kenya
Go ye... to the uttermost parts of the world
A Land of Extremes
Turkana is an arid land, with regular periods of prolonged drought after which the barren land is unable to retain the tremendous downpours, so that floods and torrents wash away everything from road crossings to shelters, to livestock and people.
The Turkana people are quite content in their land, knowing no other. As long as their herds are sustained, they too feel sustained.
The spirituality of the Turkana or any acknowledgement of any creator or higher being is centered on ancestor worship. Providence and pestilence alike are attributed to the disposition of ancestors.
The Turkana Region
A vast, challenging landscape where the Gospel must be carried in person
Harsh Climate
Temperature averages around 39°C. Long periods of drought (akamu) are followed by periods of rain (akiporo).
Dry River Beds
The land is streaked with ng'ayana - broad swathes of sand left in the wake of the rains, serving as routes into the vast interior.
Remote Interior
The majority of Turkana live in the interior, far from roads. Many live in ng'imukur - monolithic hills that interrupt the wide plains.
A Nomadic Life
These people travel on foot with their goats, cattle, donkeys and/or camels. To visit them there is a long journey that even a 4x4 vehicle would find arduous if not impossible.
The adakar (extended family) periodically shifts to another vacant location in order to support their animals with pasture and water. They leave their ng'ikolia (houses) intact, ready for the next family to come and occupy.
The native houses are simple construction of sticks and branches, bent over and woven together to form something like a stick-igloo. It is harsh, but they look for no better place to be.
Eagles Place in Turkana
Our mission work here started way back in 1994. Without foreknowledge of what to expect ahead, a lone missionary ventured there like Abraham of the Bible.
7
Churches Planted
30+
Years of Ministry
6
Locations Reached
∞
Lives Transformed
Church Locations
Kakuma Refugee Camp
A mission field where citizens of otherwise inaccessible lands can be reached
The Opportunity
Adjacent to Kakuma town is a refugee camp supported by the United Nations and the Lutheran World Federation. With a population of at least 60,000, the camp makes Kakuma bigger than Lodwar.
Here can be found Somalis, Ethiopians, Sudanese, Rwandans, Burundians and more nations - citizens of otherwise inaccessible lands who can be reached with the Gospel.
Our Ministry
Our work touches both the native Turkanas and the refugees. We have programs for both communities.
Jesus Christ included these precious souls in His redemption plan. Please join Eagles Place as we continue to touch these people, and others like them, with the love of Christ.
Now That You Know
Now that you know about these people, take the Gospel to them. And somehow you can! Join Eagles Place as we continue to reach the Turkana and others like them.