CMF started its work among the Maasai in
Kenya in 1978, after some survey trips from Ethiopia by CMF personnel.
The “incarnational” model of ministry was followed – live among the
people, learn their language, study their culture, build relationships,
then present the gospel in a context the Maasai can understand. CMF led
the way in putting Christian words to Maasai tunes, recording them on
cassette tape and putting out a songbook. CMF was also heavily involved
in the Kenya Bible Society’s effort to have the whole Bible translated
and printed into the Maasai language (1992), as well as adult literacy
since most Maasai could not read at that time.
After a few good years of solid growth more research was done in the early-mid 80s and the decision made to expand the Maasai work to the related Samburu of northern Kenya and the Maasai in Tanzania. Initial startup was good and several families were in place to carry the workload, but both ventures eventually failed due to complex issues with local governments and/or local churches. Several of those CMF families rejoined the Kenya/Maasai team.
With a large number of families in the
late 80s and early 90s, many seeds were planted, many churches started
under trees, several medical clinics put in place, two leadership
training centers built, and greater emphasis put toward the training and
vision-casting of Maasai leaders. The incarnational model of ministry
continued to be followed in evangelism and church-planting.
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