Murder and treachery these are values held highly by the Gumuz as a symbol of power, manhood and status. The more men you kill the higher your status. Last year we began to research starting an agro-forestry project among the Gumuz as there seemed to be a desire for change among them including the establishing of several churches through the KHC (Kale Hewett- Word of Life) Church. However, during the recent rainy season June through September the killings have continued even escalating from previous years- a sober reminder of the challenges ahead. Last year the police did a sweep attempting to clear the weapons out of the area but they are all back and in greater numbers. 
The Gumuz typically hunt and forage with bows and arrows but these days they have machine guns and AK47 assault rifles.We are setting up a base camp in the town of Gilgel Beles the regional centre for the Gumuz. Two of our volunteers Dan Rossi and Jesse Town accompanied me to help set up the base. They visited an agro-forester with the SIM Janet Winch- who has been working with the Gumuz for several years in an area south of the area we are targeting. While they were there at least 6 killings happened in the villages surrounding the base camp. The SIM runs a school for the Gumuz and 5 of the students had been shot at in the past few weeks with 3 escaping and 2 being killed. 5 of the Grade 10 students have been killed this year so far.
The Gumuz have little or no knowledge of forest management, improved agricultural and health practices or water management. They have been neglected in the provision of services because of their reputation for killing and taking revenge/ payback. Through the KHC church and the efforts of their evangelists some believers and new churches have been established among the Gumuz. These churches and new believers will be key to seeing changes come to the entire tribe
. The president of the region is a Christian and is encouraging us that now is the time to do something. In addition to the agro-forestry project we want to see established a leadership development centre and Bible School in the town of Gilgel Beles that can train up Christian Gumuz leaders.So far this year we've had six volunteers , through Devxchange, over to help us in everything from Teaching English to helping set up vocational training for FCSW's (Former Commercial Sex Workers). They have been a real boost and have fit right in. They are involved
in local sports programs through the church as well as music, art, English, micro-loans, people living with AIDS, street kids and vocational training. They have been a real blessing and their enthusiasm has really gained them a place in the heart of the people.Sue and the girls are doing well. The girls enjoy having so many Aunts and Uncles around (Volunteers). Sue is busy in many things and is continuing her Amharic Bible studies that she started last year. They are now being led by one of the participants (Demelash). They are encouraged by the hunger and growing in faith of the participants. One of the new participants had nothing but a glazed look on his face for the first 3 sessions this year (and he couldn't read), but he is now learning to read and the lights are coming on
