Unity, solidarity and a sense of belonging. These are extremely important aspects of Otammari culture. The Otammari work their fields in groups, celebrate important life events as a village community, and meet together frequently to discuss various topics. People depend on each other, and even if there are disagreements, they always defend each other.

One way this group spirit finds expression is in clothes. Friends, families, even whole villages make clothes out of a certain fabric for special events. On holidays it is common to see groups of people walking around town, all dressed in the same colors. They proudly display their sense of belonging.

Some of our church members had to separate from their families when they became Christians. Even if their families didn’t disown them, the fact that they don’t participate in spiritual ceremonies anymore excludes them from many community events. This estrangement and loss of community is very painful for them. So it is a crucial question for the church: How can we supply this need? Can the church family make up for this? Is the church able to develop enough sense of community spirit and belonging to fill the void? The habit of wearing “uniforms” is already part of our church. For special times, like Thirteenth Sabbath or Women’s Sabbath, people get new outfits in the same fabric. But that’s not enough. The unity needs to go deeper, and it needs to cross borders of clans and tribes.

Please pray with us that we will be able to help the church become a close-knit family that will meet not only the spiritual but also the social and emotional needs of the members.

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