Dawson Latture

BMIS 280-01
14 September 2015
Pray for the Hadza
The Hadza (or Hadzabe) are an indigenous ethnic group living in northern Tanzania. There are
only about 1,000 Hadza, 300-400 of whom number among the last hunter-gatherers in the world. Their
language is one that is click-based, unfamiliar and strange to the western ear. In fact, the language of the
Hadza is considered to be unique and largely unlike any other in the world. They are often treated as
outcasts and looked down upon by many of their agriculturally-minded neighbors surrounding the Hadza
lands. Due to the fact that many of the Hadza do not plant crops or raise livestock, the government and
other people groups view their lands as unused and in need of clearing and settling. This has led to the
Hadza losing (according to some sources) up to ninety percent of their ancestral lands.
After some documentaries were made of the Hadza and published on PBS and BBC in 2001, the
Hadza became a tourist attraction. They became viewed as a sort of mystical object, a relic of times long
past. This life as a tourist attraction has been largely damaging for many of the Hadza, introducing
alcohol and all the possible detrimental side effects that can come with it. The Tanzanian government
views the Hadza as a backward and largely unwanted people group whose only value lies in the tourism
that that they generate.
Attempts both to modernize and to evangelize the Hadza have been largely unsuccessful. They do
not hold any firm belief in any sort of god or afterlife, those in the bush living simply, hunting and
gathering from one day to the next. Those caught up in the display for tourists are blinded by the lure of
money and addiction to alcohol and drugs.
Most Holy Father, turn the hearts of the Hadza people toward you. None come but those who are
called by you. I pray then that you would draw the Hadza to yourself, that you create a bountiful harvest
amongst this people so that all the world might see your marvelous works. I ask also that you raise up
workers strong of heart and willing in spirit to go out and reap the harvest you have sown in the hearts of
the Hadza. There is so much evil at work in their lives right now. So many have been brought to ruin by
the lure of an easy life and addiction to alcohol and drugs. This is not good. This is not the way things
should be. Change this, Father. These are your people, your children, do not leave them out to die alone.
Send someone to guide and disciple them in the Way. They have not heard, how then can they know of
you? Shine your light in this darkness. In the name of your son Jesus the Christ I pray this. Amen.
I would ask that our class pray:

That Gods light be shed among the Hadza.

That the manipulation of these people for money cease.
That the ill effects of alcoholism and addiction be eradicated.
For wisdom for Tanzanian government officials as they decide how to deal with the Hadza