MAY 2019
Northern Africa and the Middle East
THE COUNTRIES OF NORTHERN AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST ARE SOME OF THE MOST DIFFICULT PLACES TO
BE A FOLLOWER OF JESUS. MANY DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE GOSPEL, AND BELIEVERS OFTEN FACE SERIOUS
PERSECUTION. BUT DESPITE THE DIFFICULTIES, THE HOLY SPIRIT IS MOVING, AND LIVES ARE BEING CHANGED.
Nomadic Peoples
Whether they sit on woven mats under the stars, listening to the shuffle of nearby camels and goats, or they sit on
cushions in cement block houses amidst the sounds of neighborhood chatter and car horns, the nomadic peoples of
Northern Africa and the Middle East share many similarities. Each individual holds a fierce allegiance to their tribe or clan.
Each distinctive tribe or clan maintains a strong moral code that defines roles and relationships, honor, and hospitality.
Camels are an everyday part of life for many nomadic communities in
Northern Africa and the Middle East.
Wherever they are on the mobility spectrum — nomadic,
semi-nomadic, semi-settled, or settled — they take
advantage of every opportunity to make a living and
survive. The vast majority of nomads in this part of the
world are unified by Islam, bowing five times a day
toward Mecca.
Few Northern African and Middle Eastern nomads
understand God’s great love for them. Few have heard
the Old Testament stories of the great nomadic patriarchs,
with whom they also have much in common. Please pray
that every nomad in Djibouti, Somalia, Somaliland, Ethiopia,
Eritrea, Sudan, Libya, Niger, Chad, and Mali will hear the
good news of Jesus. Pray that the gospel will be made
available to every Bedouin in Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq,
Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman.
