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GlobalDecember 2019 • Frontier Ventures •Prayer 38:12 Digest

The Birth Place of Christ, But Few Will Celebrate His Birth 4—: Where the Berber and Arab Worlds Blend 7—The Fall of a Dictator Spells a Rise of Violence 22—Urdus: A People Group that is Not a People Group 23—You Can Take the Out of the Desert, but … December 2019

Editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Feature of the Month Keith Carey For comments on content call 626-398-2241 or email [email protected]

ASSISTANT EDITOR Dear Praying Friends, Paula Fern Pray For Merry Christmas! WRITERS Patricia Depew Karen Hightower This month we will pray for the large, highly unreached Wesley Kawato A Disciple-Making Movement Among Ben Klett Frontier People Groups (FPGs) in the Middle East. They David Kugel will be celebrating Christmas in Bethlehem, and a few other Christopher Lane Every Frontier People Group in the Ted Proffitt places where live, but most will treat December 25 Cory Raynham like any other day. It seems ironic that in the land of Christ’s Lydia Reynolds Middle East Jean Smith birth, his birth is only celebrated by a few. Allan Starling Chun Mei Wilson Almost all the others are Sunni Muslim, but that is only a John Ytreus part of the story. Kurds and are trying to maintain PRAYING THE SCRIPTURES their identity among the dominant Arabs, while Bedouin Keith Carey tribes live their lives much like Abraham did thousands of CUSTOMER SERVICE years ago. Who will take Christ to these people? Few if any Lois Carey Lauri Rosema have tried it to this day. All of these major groups identify as GRAPHICS Sunni , not knowing that they can find hope and joy Keith Carey in the Savior if they would put their identity in him instead. David Gutierez

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82 83 To Help You Pray Better SPREAD OF

Bakir died in 634 AD and Umar Ibn Al-Kattab became the new How Did Islam Spread So Caliph. Umar led Muslim Arab armies in attacking the Byzantine and Sassnaid empires. Those two empires had been weakened by decades Rapidly in the ? of war. In 636 AD Umar led the Arab armies in winning the Battle of Yarmuk. That victory forced the Byzantines to cede Syria, Palestine and t took Lebanon to the Arabs. Mohammed only 10 years In 637 AD Umar led the Arab armies in winning the Battle of iStock/eskaylim to spread his Qadasiya. That forced the Sassnaids to cede what is now Iraq to the I Arabs. This defeat was the beginning of the end for the Sassnaid religion across Arabia, which Empire. The Arab armies would win several more battles over the next at that time few years. Those Arab victories effectively ended the Sassnaid Empire. only referred to the Arabian Peninsula. At the Islamic Armies Conquer North Africa time of his death The destruction of the Sassnaid Empire and the defeat of the Byzantine in 632, only a Empire opened the door for the Arab armies to move west through handful of tribes North Africa; no other empire stood in their way. Umar took advantage in Arabia practiced of the situation. His armies were now unstoppable. the teachings One of the major Christian sects in North Africa were the of Mohammed. Monophysites. This sect was considered heretical and had been Mohammed persecuted by the . The Monophysites welcomed the hadn’t picked a Arab armies as liberators. This collaboration helped make possible the successor and rapid conquest of North Africa. Umar’s armies then crossed into Spain. things could have —by Wesley fallen apart at this point. Some of these tribes had only It’s one thing to conquer an empire. It’s another thing to consolidate it. Kawato made a personal alliance with Mohammed and they were The early Muslim caliphs were moderates, not radicals. They allowed ready to go back to worshipping their old gods now that Christians and Jews to continue worshipping God as they saw fit, as Mohammed was dead. long as they didn’t seek to make converts. By contrast idol worshippers were forced to convert to Islam or die. New converts were allowed to However, there were a group of tribes that felt a stronger worship their own gods as long as they also worshipped Allah. Over connection with the teachings of Mohammed. The leaders the centuries economic pressure led many living under the rule of the of these tribes got together and chose Abu Bakir to be their caliphs to convert to Islam. Non-Muslims were forced to pay special new leader. Bakir took the title of Caliph, which means taxes. The easiest way to get out from under these taxes was to convert “successor” in . Bakir turned out to be a strong to Islam. leader. During the Ridda Wars he led Muslim armies in attacking the tribes that wanted to go back to worshipping Umar’s successors came to be known as the Umayyads and they ruled the old gods. It took Bakir two years to win this war. By the Arab world until 750. Most of the early expansion of the caliphate 634 AD Bakir had sent a clear message to all of the Arab ended by 650. After that only Somalia was added to the Muslim sphere tribes. Once you embrace Islam there is no turning back. of influence.

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85 SPREAD OF ISLAM SPREAD OF ISLAM

The next dynasty of the Caliphate called themselves the Abbasids. A third form They ruled the Arab world 750 to 1258. These rulers emphasized the of government iStock/ peaceful expansion of Islam. The Abbasids sent Muslim missionaries to control is access Central Asia. They also made a concerted effort to convert the religious to education. minorities within their own realm. Sects that After that came the Seljuk/Ottoman Era. This era began with the are in good migration of Turkic Muslim tribes into Europe. It was during this era standing with that the Balkans were temporarily conquered for the cause of Islam the government and Spain was fully controlled by Arab and Berber forces. are allowed to run schools and The Turkish based Ottoman Empire began in 1299; by 1450 they were colleges. Those the dominant power in the Muslim world. The Ottoman Era lasted that don’t have from 1450 to 1924. This was a period of stagnation and decline for the their schools cause of Islam. The Ottomans lost North Africa and the Balkans to and colleges European powers and various independence movements. By 1924 the shut down. Islamic sphere of influence had reached maximum size. Today Allah is worshipped from Bosnia to Nigeria and from to Indonesia. For many years persecution and government restrictions had made Christian outreach difficult in the Arab world. That started to change in the 21st century. Islam In Today’s Arab World The cellphone and the internet have made long range outreach possible. In these countries 74 percent of the people own a cellphone and 20 Today the various nations of the Middle East and North Africa have percent have access to the internet. Outreach through these methods have used their influence to shape the form Islam takes within their borders. the advantage of privacy. Privacy has allowed the people of this region to These governments do this to protect themselves. Most governments in explore taboo subjects such as the role of Jesus Christ. the Arab world are secular; they fear out of control Islamic revolutions.

One way governments control Islam is by offering money. Muslim sects that tow the government line receive funding. Those that don’t Let’s Pray! are denied funding. Arab governments will often fund several sects • Pray for thousands of Muslims from the people groups we are praying and play them against each other in a variation of the divide and for this month to take advantage of these opportunities to find conquer strategy. But governments can control Muslim sects only up to the Savior. a point. tried to have all mosques preach the same government- authorized sermon each Friday. That plan was scrapped because • Ask God to help those who are reaching Muslims be wise as serpents it created a unified resistance. No Muslim sect is going to accept but harmless as doves. government funding if that is the price. The governments of the Arab • Pray that Muslim background believers (MBBs) would stand firm world have found that controlling Islam within their borders is a fine- in the face of persecution and allow the Holy Spirit in them to show tuned balancing act. They can’t get too heavy handed with Muslim others what Jesus can do for the faithful. sects without facing resistance. • Pray that the Muslim people of this region would come to see Jesus Arab governments also control Islam by granting or denying access Christ as the only source of salvation. to the media. Sects that do as they are told by the government are allowed to air radio and television programs. Those that don’t aren’t allowed such privileges.

86 87 DAY DAY 01 IMAZIGHEN BERBERS IN MOROCCO BERBERS IN MOROCCO 02 jn 15:15, NKJV re they orthern jn 16:8, NKJV the Shilha No longer do I call you Aoldest and Nof Morocco, And when he has servants, for a servant does iStock/dheeraj11 most mysteri- known as the come, he will convict not know what his master is ous people on "Rif Berbers," the world of sin, and doing; but I have called you earth? Some are 19 tribes of righteousness, and friends, for all things that I think so. The of tough and iStock/Martin Silva Cosentino of judgment. heard from my father I have Imazighen hardened Berber musicians in Morocco Pray that the Rif Berbers made known to you. people live people eking out will be convicted of sin, Morocco by region primarily in an existence on with full knowledge that Pray that soon that many the beautiful the harsh, uninviting slopes of the Rif Mountains. without the saving power from the Imazighen wooded Mountains of Central Morocco. The land, located in the northwestern portion of of Jesus Christ, they can Berbers will become friends They also inhabit the Middle along Africa, is a combination of deserts, mountains, and never enter God’s Kingdom. and family members in the border of . Central Imazighen are semi- rolling fields. It is bordered by two rivers and 145 God’s economy. nomadic shepherds, and they maintain permanent miles of coastline. villages with fortified, community granaries and surrounding farmlands. Their villages are never Despite the rugged environment, these people left unattended. remain bound by strong family traditions. They raise livestock and farm mostly by hand, usually Imazighen are almost all Sunni Muslim; their societ- only harvesting a meager crop. Influenced by a ies are organized around two main systems: Islam Mediterranean climate, the winters are mild and and the tribe. However, there are many differences the summers hot and dry, and humid along the between urban and rural societies. In urban areas, coast. Incomes are supplemented by one-third of orthodox Islam prevails; in rural societies, ancient the men working in major cities of Europe most of beliefs and customs are intermingled with their the year, a situation that impacts their family life. Muslim religion. Northern Shilha are nearly all Muslim; however, In the eighth century, invading Arabs forced the their religious practices are based more on tradi- Berbers to accept Islam. Prior to that time, many tions and the decisions of the community judges of them were Christians. Today, there are believers than on the Qur’an. Their societies are organized in Morocco, despite the fact that it is illegal for around Islam and the tribe. Like most Muslim Moroccan Muslims to leave Islam. There are audio, peoples, those in rural areas practice a less ortho- visual, and written resources in Tamazight and the dox form of Islam than their urban counterparts. Central Atlas languages. Ask the Lord to raise a strong local church among the Pray that the Muslim Imazighen Berbers return to the Northern Shilha that will spread the fame of Jesus God of their forefathers. Pray they will understand and Christ throughout North Africa.—KH experience Christ, and spread his word from family to family.—KH

88 89 DAY DAY 03 BERBERS IN MOROCCO JEBALA PEOPLE IN MOROCCO 04 jn 16:13, NLT hoosing to re the Jebala people jn 18:6, NLT follow Christ Arabs or Berbers? In When the Spirit of truth Cmeans risking AMorocco, there is a thin As Jesus said “I AM he,” they comes, he will guide you everything for line between the two. The all drew back and fell to into all truth. He will not iStock/yavuzsariyildi a Tekna Berber. Jebala people originated the ground! speak on his own but will Losing one's with the original Arabs Pray that the Jebala people tell you what he has heard. place in family from the Arabian Desert. will have a revelation of He will tell you about Berber women at a wedding and society Their ancestors migrated who Jesus actually is, and the future. is a huge loss into northern Africa, be astounded, and ready to and may also be physical danger. Tekna Berbers in remaining a distinct Pray that the Tekna Berbers change their lives. Morocco are almost completely Islamic in their beliefs group, yet being influ- will allow the Holy Spirit to and customs. enced by local Berbers. guide them into all truth. Berber is a generic name given to numerous ethnic groups who share similar cultural, political and In the villages, Jebala women do housework and economic practices. The of the Berber child care, while men work fields, herd animals, and people happened in three stages, the third stage provide protection. Women also milk cows and taking place between the 15th and 17th centuries. make butter. Jebala people marry within their small social circle. Inheritance and decision making power The main vocation of the Tekna Berbers is settled in is male dominated. Jebala life is family centered, agriculture, not nomadic wanderings. While many and many view the increasing Western “Christian” characteristics of Berber society have survived, they influence as a threat to their families and way of life. have been dramatically modified by the economic and political changes of the 20th century. These affect Virtually all Jebala Arabs are Muslims. Very few both urban and rural Tekna Berber communities. have heard a clear presentation of the gospel. Like most unreached people groups, Tekna Berbers Evangelization among them will be challenging in Morocco have few opportunities to be influenced due to the nature of their lifestyle and belief system. by the truth, but because of 21st century technical How do they understand that Jesus offers much advances, they can access the JESUS Film and gospel better answers than they see in Western culture? recordings on their cell phones … if they dare. Prayer remains the key to seeing them give Jesus a Pray for spiritually hungry hearts that aren’t satisfied chance to change their families. with old answers. Pray for access to gospel radio broadcasts and online sources for Tekna Berbers in remote areas. Pray Ask the Lord to soften the hearts of Jebala leaders towards for them to form their own family based fellowships that the gospel message. Pray for the Holy Spirit to raise will spread far and wide.—KH up Jebala “persons of peace” who will welcome gospel messengers and help to spread the fame of Christ from family to family.—KH

90 91 DAY DAY 05 OF ALGERIA SHAWIYA BERBERS 06 jn 14:26, NKJV hat image ne jn 15:19, NKJV iStock does the generally

But the Helper, the Holy iStock/yafa8 Wword “Bedouin” Othinks of the If you were of the world, Spirit, whom the Father will bring to your people of the world would love its send in my name, he will mind? In the North Africa own. Yet because you teach you all things, and Middle East as Arabs, and, are not of the world, but bring to your remembrance it is practically yes, Arabs are I chose you out of the all things that I said to you. world, therefore the world Bedouin man synonymous with the majority of “nomad.” For the population, hates you. Pray for the Holy Spirit to thousands of years migrating nomads have crossed but originally the main people group of North move among the Tajakant Pray that the Shawiya the deserts of North Africa, herding their livestock in Africa were the Berbers, who refer to themselves as Bedouins until they become Berbers will not be content search of grazing lands and water. Their traditional Imazighen, or “free and noble men.” The Shawiya part of the family of God. to do things the way the rest home is a tent which becomes the center of their Berbers of northeastern Algeria retreated into the of the world does. Pray that lives – not only as a place to sleep and eat, but also as Atlas Mountains in order to resist the advances many will become counter- the gathering place for their social exchanges, story- of the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and last of cultural, and follow the telling, and business discussions. Traditionally, the all, the Arabs. To this very day the Shawiya have Heavenly King! tent is divided into three parts – one for cooking, one resisted all attempts of the Algerian government for the center of activity for the women and children, to absorb them into the Arab identity. In the Atlas and one for the men. The Tajakant of Algeria are a Mountains, they have been able to sustain and typical Bedouin tribe. preserve their own language, culture, customs, and social organizations. They are mainly shepherds Modernization, with both its advantages and and farmers. drawbacks, is intruding on traditional Bedouin life. The younger people are seeking work opportunities Although the Shawiya are nominally Sunni in settled cities or towns. It is not at all unusual to Muslims, they have little knowledge of the Qur'an see a younger family living in a modest home in the and its practices. There is little opportunity to hear city with a tent pitched in the back yard where the the gospel message except through internet sources, parents live. or ideally, through divine intervention. Let’s pray that Christ will make himself known to them! Few if any Tajakants are known to follow Christ. God’s people need to pray for a people movement to Pray for God to reveal himself to Shawiya Berbers and develop among the Tajakant Bedouins. raise up many of them to begin Christ-centered fellow- ships. Pray for them to use the JESUS Film and other Pray for the Lord to direct a team of Holy Spirit filled gospel materials to learn how to follow the Lamb of God missionaries to to take Christ to these Bedouins. Pray for who takes away the sins of the world.—JS them to have an unstoppable movement to Christ during the 2020s.—JS

92 93 DAY DAY 07 CYRENAICAN ARABS IN LIBYA LIBYAN ARABS IN LIBYA 08 is 43:25, NLT hen is the fall esterday we 2 cor 5:16, NLT and removal prayed for the I—yes, I alone—will blot ofW a dictator a mixed YCyrenaican Arab He (Christ) died for out your sins for my own blessing? Since the people in eastern everyone so that those who sake and will never think of iStock/simona flamign iStock/simona people of Libya Libya, so today flamigni iStock/simona receive his new life will no them again. removed strong we will pray for longer live for themselves. man Muammar the Libyan Arabs Instead, they will live for Pray that the Cyrenaican Gaddafi, they have in the western Christ, who died and was Arabs would turn to the true experienced civil part of the raised for them. God of the Bible and have war, violence, and country. There their sins blotted out by him. Libyan chaos. The eastern are basically two Pray that the Libyan Arabs part of Libya known as Cyrenaica is home to the countries now. Various factions and warlords rule would begin to live for Christ Cyrenaican Arabs. This part of Libya is currently over large areas of Libya making it nearly impos- not for themselves. ruled by National Transitional Council and is sible for the weak central government to control the separate from west Libya, which is dominated by entire nation. Libyan Arabs have a Berber back- another political group. Unfortunately, fighting ground, and they converted to when between the two Libyan factions continues. the land was conquered by Muslim armies in 643.

Before the Muslim Conquest in 643, the area of The discovery of oil in the 1950s changed the pasto- east Libya was “Christian” under the control of the ral lifestyle of the Libyan Bedouins. Most Libyans Byzantine Empire. The vast majority of the native settled in cities and regions near the Mediterranean Berber population became Muslim during and Sea; in the process they became more Arabized. after 643. Only a tiny number of believers exist The violence and chaotic conditions of the last eight today among Cyrenaican Arabs. years have disrupted the production of oil which accounts for 97 percent of Libya’s exports. Many The coastal area near the Mediterranean Sea foreign experts necessary for the oil economy have has sufficient rainfall for growing wheat, barley, fled the country. olives, vegetables, and fruit. Bedouins use the land south of the coastal strip for raising cattle, sheep, Evangelism is forbidden in Libya so the gospel will and goats. have to come to Libyan Arabs through the internet, radio, literature, and friendships. Small house Pray for peace in Libya. Pray that the Cyrenaican churches exist in the cities for foreign workers, but Arabs find spiritual peace in Christ. Pray that their attendance by Libyan citizens is strictly illegal. search for freedom and autonomy will lead them to seek and find the Savior who can offer them freedom from Pray for the warring peoples of Libya to surrender to sin and death. Pray that many Cyrenaican Arabs will the Prince of Peace, who offers much more than they can be trained in the ways of Jesus Christ and that they ever imagine. Pray for a Holy Spirit driven movement will train others.—DK to Christ among the Libyan Arabs in the 2020s.—DK

94 95 DAY DAY ARABIC SPEAKING ALGERIANS 09 SANUSI BEDOUINS IN LIBYA IN EGYPT 10 1 jn 2:12, NLT ow would you ave you jn 14:26, NLT and your family ever seen I am writing to you who are Hsurvive in one of the Ha color wheel But when the Father God’s children because your driest, hottest deserts change from sends the Advocate as my iStock/denizbayram sins have been forgiven in the world? The yellow to orange representative—that through Jesus. is, the Holy Spirit—he

iStock/ChandrashekarReddy Sanusi Bedouins of to red? It is a west central Libya gradual process will teach you everything Pray that soon many Sanusi manage to survive as more red is and will remind you of would find the joy that only in such a place—the added to the everything I have told you. forgiveness of their sins harsh North African yellow. There is Pray for Algerians in Egypt can bring. desert. They travel a direct analogy between this and what happened A Bedouin boy in Libya to understand and embrace with their tents from centuries ago and is still happening with the the work of the Holy Spirit in oasis to oasis searching for water and grass for their Berbers and Arabs in North African countries their families. herds. The Sanusi’s diet consists primarily of dairy like Algeria. Before the Arab invasion of the products, rice and bread. Some Sanusi have settled 7th century, Berbers had their own language down and become farmers at these oases. They and culture. They were Christianized by the grow dates, wheat, barley, and vegetables using Byzantine Empire, but only at a superficial level. water from underground springs. When the Arabs invaded North Africa, including Egypt and Algeria, Berbers ultimately joined the The Sanusi Bedouins are Sunni Muslims. Getting Arabs in become Sunni Muslims. They joined the the gospel to the Sansui will be challenging due Arab armies in invading Spain in 711. to their nomadic lifestyle. The Sanusi Bedouin’s basic identity is tied up in being a Muslim. When Today, not only is there a thin line between a Sanusi comes to Christ, there may be serious Berbers and Arabs in Algeria, but the situation repercussions from their family. has been complicated by these Algerian “Arabs” Pray that the Sanusi come to see Jesus Christ as the who have migrated to Egypt. They speak a form living water, the one who can meet all their needs, of Arabic that is not as orthodox as the standard both physical and spiritual. Pray that the Lord does modern Arabic spoken in Egypt, since there signs and miracles to show this people group that Jesus are many Berber words blended in. Unlike the Christ is the only one worthy of their devotion. Pray Egyptian Arabs who have the ancient Coptic that as the Sanusi come together with friends and Church, the Algerians are solidly Sunni Muslim. family, they will be able and willing to tell stories of Jesus, and that these stories will lead to a disciple Pray for a softening of hearts so that the Algerians making movement.—DK in Egypt might hear and receive Christ. Pray for a strong local church planting movement to be raised up, and for Algerian missionaries to be called and equipped to reach others.—BK/KC

96 97 DAY DAY EASTERN BEDAWI (BEDOUINS) 11 MOROCCAN ARABS IN EGYPT IN EGYPT 12 jn 16:8, NLT riginating n the matt 2:14-15, NLT in the Arabic And when he comes, he That night Joseph left iStock/efesenk iStock/Marvod ArabianO Desert, Ilanguage, will convict the world the ancestors of “badawiyin” for Egypt with the child of its sin, and of God’s the Moroccan means “desert and Mary, his mother righteousness, and of the Arabs gradually dweller.” In and they stayed there coming judgment. migrated into ages past, until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord Pray for in Egypt northwestern most people Moroccan food vender Africa. Though would settle had spoken through the to yield to the Holy Spirit An Eastern Bedawi in Egypt they have become near rivers or prophet: “I called my Son and allow him to speak to out of Egypt.” their hearts about their somewhat intermingled with the Berbers of the sources of water, but the Bedouin people preferred region, they have remained culturally distinct. In the open desert. They are animal herders, migrating need to repent before a Pray that the Eastern Morocco, the Arabs have split into two social groups: righteous God. to the desert in the rainy season and back to culti- Bedawi people will be urban and rural, with the rural Arabs splitting vated land during the dry months. Their traditional drawn to the Savior who further into various castes of landowners and tenant home is in the Arabian Desert, though some would was called out of Egypt! farmers. Moroccan Arabs make up less than half of migrate to the Negev Desert. Over time, the Morocco’s population. Bedouin people split into two social classes: the Some have migrated away from Morocco in search of “true” Bedouin, who live as nomadic shepherds, and jobs. Most have headed to Europe, though many have the fellahin, who are farmers. The Bedouin have turned east to Egypt. The population of Moroccan spread beyond their traditional home in the Arabian Arabs in Egypt is significant, and they have brought Peninsula, stretching across the nations of North with them the traditions, celebrations, and culture of Africa including Egypt. home. Egyptian Arabic is different from , though the Moroccans are familiar with the The Eastern Bedawi are settled in Egypt. Today, former, thanks to Egyptian TV broadcasts back home. they retain their traditional lifestyles, though some In order to preserve their people, Moroccan Arabs in have accepted manual labor jobs which they always Egypt only marry within their own community. considered degrading. They are Sunni Muslim which makes them very difficult to reach for Christ; Pray for spiritual awakening, and for eyes to be opened. turning from the Islamic religious system can cost a Pray for Moroccan Arabs in Egypt to step into God's king- Muslim their life. dom by droves. Pray for extreme boldness and love in the hearts of Arab believers, and for powerful encounters with Pray for waves of dreams and encounters with Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Pray for signs, wonders, and miracles to for a great Bedouin spiritual awakening in the 2020s. break out and cause widespread wonder, which will lead Pray for many Eastern Bedawi to have the spiritual many Moroccan Arabs to follow Christ no matter what hunger and courage to follow Christ and show others the the cost.–BK way to the cross.—BK

98 99 DAY DAY 13 BEDAWI BEJAS IN EGYPT ARABIZED IN EGYPT 14 gen 6:10, 10:6, NIV or more If a man matt 2:23, NLT than 4000 has 100 Noah was the father of years,F the Beja “sheep and So the family went and three sons: Shem, Ham, iStock/efesenko peoples have one of them lived in a town called and Japheth…. The inhabited one wanders away, Nazareth. This fulfilled iStock/DMEPhotography descendants of Ham of the world’s what will he what the prophets had were , Mizraim, Put, most difficult do? Won’t said: “He will be called and Canaan. environments. he leave the a Nazarene.” Traditionally 99 others on The Bedawi Beja people Pray that many of the nomadic the hills and descended from Cush, a Arabized Nubians will be shepherds, Bejas are spread across desert regions go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he son of Ham. Ask for the able to embrace the savior of , Egypt, and . Many scholars finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it Lord to send the Bedawi from Nazareth. Bejas dreams, visions, and believe that the Beja descended from early more than over the 99 that didn’t wander away! In effective witnesses to help . Today, over one million Bedawi the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that lead them into glorious Bejas reside in southeastern Egypt. The Beja even one of these little ones should perish.” Matt identity as God’s eternal live a simple, outdoor lifestyle characterized by 18:12-14, NLT sons through Christ. oral culture and well-defined roles for males and females. They love dancing and music. Annually, This verse applies to the Nubian people of southern they migrate with herds of , goats, sheep, Egypt. At one time they followed Christ, but with and cattle. Some farm to produce sorghum or the Arab invasions in the seventh and eleventh commercial crops such as cotton and grains. centuries, they became “Arabized” joining the Strong tribal ties of family and clan have provided religion of Islam. By 1963 this group was moved Beja solidarity in hard times. out of southern Egypt by the construction of the High Dam. These Arabized Nubians now However, this unity is breaking down as families live east of the dam in a low-lying fertile plain that move to urban areas. Though considered 100 is irrigated by the Nile River. percent Muslim, the Beja follow a folk version of Islam which includes the belief in evil spirits. The Today they are entirely Muslim and they speak an Bedawiyet language of the Bedawi Bejas contains Arab dialect called Masri. While this people group audio Bible recordings, the JESUS Film, and has the JESUS Film and Christian literature in Scripture portions. Few follow Christ. Masri, they have almost no believers.

Ask God to stir intercession for the Bedawi Bejas of Pray that Lord would raise up intercessors and workers Egypt. Pray their hearts be softened to Christ. Ask for to bring them the way of salvation. Pray that the 2020s evangelistic tools to reach Bedawi Beja families and will be a decade of spiritual breakthroughs leading to a clans. Pray for vibrant believing fellowships to spread church planting movement.—JY among Egypt’s Bedawi Bejas, bringing great blessing upon their communities.—CR

100 101 DAY DAY 15 CENTRAL KURDS IN IRAQ KURMANJI KURDS IN IRAQ 16 matt 2:9b-11, NLT (This story illustrates truths (This story illus- ps 32:7, NLT about this group.) trates truths about And the star they had seen this group.) For you are my hiding in the east guided them to he end of a long day place; you protect me from iStock/yayuzsariyidiz iStock/yayuzsariyidiz Bethlehem. It went ahead iStock/yavuzsariyildi finally arrived, and the he little girl’s trouble. You surround me of them and stopped over TKurdish farmer watched stomach twisted with songs of victory. the place where the child the stars appear. His distant Twith nervous excite- was. When they saw the ancestors were experts at ment. Wearing a Kurdish refugee children Pray that the Kurmanji- star, they were filled with reading the stars, watch- bright yellow shirt, speaking Kurds will allow joy! They entered the ing the heavens for signs her family was finally leaving the “safe zone” where the Lord to be their refuge in house and saw the child that might be from God. she had been born and raised. She had dreamed these dangerous times. The Kurdish Zoroastrian with his mother, Mary, A Kurdish man about what life would be like outside the refugee priests were most likely the and they bowed down camp, hoping that she would not watch anyone else and worshiped him. Then magi who brought gifts to the newborn King of the Universe! The farmer’s more recent ancestors had lost in her family die from the camp’s diseases, dehydra- they opened their treasure tion or murders. chests and gave him gifts that expertise. of gold, frankincense, Today, approximately 4.5 million Central Kurds are Along the northeastern border of Iraq that touches and myrrh. left in Iraq. Most are farmers, having given up the Iran, the Kurmanji-speaking Northern Kurds live— semi-nomadic lifestyle of their ancestors. During 3,326,000 of them. The “safe zone,” which was es- Pray that the Central Kurds Saddam Hussein’s genocide, many Kurds fled to the tablished after the Gulf War in 1991 was built to will gain the wisdom of “safe zone” along the northern border with Iran. Many protect them from the murderous regime of Saddam the wise men and worship remain today in the diseased refugee camps. As one Hussein. However, the Kurmanji Kurds are hardly the Savior. of the world’s largest stateless people, Iraqi Kurds safe today. The Iraqi secret police often poison their have voted in favor of declaring independence from Kurdish opponents. Even other Kurdish groups Iraq. In September 2017, 92 percent of the voting sometimes treat them with contempt. Kurds said yes to independence. Despite nearly all Kurds being Sunni Muslims, there Roughly 99.5 percent of Central Kurds nominally are deep rifts amongst Kurds regarding religion. practice Islam, although many still feel a connection “Many of the dispossessed Kurdish minorities have with the ancient Zoroastrian faith of their distant become associated with the secret and unorthodox ancestors. A full Bible translation was completed sects of Islam—the most fervently rebellious people in 2017. in Kurdish society,” one source said. Ask God to make the Scriptures become available and alive to Iraqi’s Central Kurds. Pray that a strong Spirit- Ask God to send Christian medical teams and humani- filled church will thrive and spread throughout Kurdish tarian aid workers who will treat the Kurmanji Kurds’ communities in Iraq.—LR physical and spiritual needs. Pray that soon they will find refuge in the loving arms of Jesus, and begin a Kurdish movement to Christ.—LR

102 103 DAY DAY 17 NAJIDI BEDOUINS BEDOUIN ARABS IN JORDAN 18 lk 2:15, NLT (This story illustrates hen jn 4:21, NASB truths about this you When the angels had people group.) goW on a long … an hour is coming when returned to heaven, the drive or neither in this mountain shepherds said to each other, iStock/SurkovDimitr s the Najdi plane ride, nor in Jerusalem will you “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Bedouin men you probably worship the Father. Let’s see this thing that has Amoved through listen to happened, which the Lord Pray that Bedouins will the desert, they music to pass has told us about.” joyfully commune with God told each other the time. The stories about their no matter where they are. Pray that the Najidi Bedouins, Jordanian childhoods living in caves during the winter. “My Bedouin equivalent of that is chanting poetry on most of whom herd sheep, brother and I were cold, and our parents were out, will have the same fascination long rides across the desert. They recite or so we made a fire in our cave. The smoke drove us improvise short poems and toss them back and about the Christ child as these out, and then the rug my mother made burned!” shepherds in Bethlehem. forth between two groups of riders. If you are the To nomads, borders are not boundaries. Even poet in your tribe, you are highly regarded. Because though the Najd homeland is in one of two major many Bedouins cannot read, oral poetry and music Saudi provinces, nomadic shepherds and their are key ways for them to communicate with one families travel easily across the porous Saudi-Iraqi another from the heart. People chant and sing at border. The Najd tribe was known for raiding campfires, weddings, tribal festivities, camel races, caravans that crossed their desert pathways. The and during collective work. Bedouins cherish the Saudi government discouraged their nomadic social bonding during the oral exchange of verses. lifestyle years ago, and most are now settled in Islam is an even more important cornerstone of cities. Today nearly 1,700,000 Najdis live in Iraq. Bedouin culture. Being Bedouin is synonymous But some have returned to Saudi Arabia to fight with being Muslim, although there are a few for various extremist factions while others do their known followers of Christ. When they are out in fighting in Iraq. the desert, Bedouins stop to face Mecca to pray.

We know of no Christ followers among them. As Ask God that when Jordanian Bedouins pray, Christ a culture, Bedouins share a pan-Islamic solidarity will reveal himself to them. Pray that God will raise which draws them to battle. They value martyr- up believers who will write songs and poems about the dom and the heaven that they believe awaits them. life of Jesus that they will share with one another. Pray Ask the Lord for the Najdi Bedouins to hear the story that Jordanian Bedouins will teach and disciple others of Jesus’ ultimate martyrdom. There are Arabic videos through poetry and music. Pray that Bedouins will that tell the story in the Najidi dialect, but who will learn to love Jesus Christ with all their hearts.—CMW take the videos? Pray that story tellers and Christ’s ambassadors will take them these videos.—LR

104 105 DAY DAY 19 ALAWITES IN SYRIA NAJIDI SAUDI ARABS IN SYRIA 20 lk 1:30-33, NLT ou’re right and ave you lk 1:38, NLT everybody else is ever “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” Ywrong. You have the Hgone back- Mary responded, “I am the angel told her, “for you answer, but nobody packing? Do the Lord’s servant. May have found favor with God! iStock/gustavofrazao wants to hear it. You you remem- everything you have said You will conceive and give know the truth, but for ber how about me come true.” And birth to a son, and you will that, you are considered hard you had then the angel left her. name him Jesus. He will a fool. Instead, you to work to be very great and will be Pray that there will soon be are denounced for narrow your called the Son of the Most servants of God among the merely expressing your belongings to High. The Lord God will Najidi Arabs will will be as opinions. Does this the bare minimum? The Najidi Arabs understand give him the throne of his obedient as Mary. sound familiar? well what it is to live a portable, minimalistic ancestor David. And he will An Alawite man lifestyle. They are nomadic shepherds in the reign over Israel forever; his The Alawites are a closed Arabian Desert. Everything they own travels with Kingdom will never end!” religious group that has survived in the mountain them. Consequently, they do not own much more ranges of northwestern Syria. For generations, they than their tent and a couple of essential material Pray that the Alawites will have been persecuted and despised because they possessions. They travel by camel. In a bygone era, be eager to enter Christ’s adhere to their own unusual form of Shi’ite Islam. this beast was known as the “ship of the desert,” Kingdom, and not look back. They believe that they are God’s chosen people, but now we would equate the camel with a four- yet Sunni Muslims consider them pagans and wheel drive or a jeep. The Najidi Arabs look down heretics. Because they are a small minority and are upon paid employment, but of late, they have surrounded by Sunni Muslims, some Alawites have had to accept wage-paying jobs in order to afford to pretend they are Sunnis in order to escape death. health care and better living conditions. During the Syrian Civil War (2011-present), a large In Mark 10, Christ told a rich young ruler to sell number of Alawites have been killed because of all that he had, and then to follow Jesus. The man their support for the Hafez al-Assad government. was not willing to give up his many possessions Estimates vary, but sources report that anywhere and went away grieving. Though not deterred by from 40,000-150,000 Alawites have died in the an overabundance of material goods, the Najidi military and sectarian conflict. This poses a threat Arabs, need hearts that are willing to drop to the survival of this community. spiritual non-essentials and turn to Jesus. Pray that God would remove the obstacles that Pray for God to send courageous, loving messengers of prevent Najidi Arabs from entering his kingdom. Christ to the Alawites. Pray that God’s people of peace Pray for their families to enjoy the blessings of will bring blessing and truth to both sides of the Syrian the Lord.—CMW Civil War. Pray for Alawite families to find their way to the cross and teach others to seek Christ.—CMW

106 107 DAY DAY 21 SOUTHERN BALOCH IN OMAN URDU SPEAKERS IN SAUDI ARABIA 22 lk 2:14, NLT (This story f you’re lk 2:45, NLT illustrates truths up for a You are blessed because At the sound of Mary’s about this Ichallenge, iStock/Mr Khan you believed that the Lord greeting, Elizabeth’s child people group.) start praying leaped within her, and for a move of would do what he said.

Elizabeth was filled with the Credit:iStock/RadekProcy he children God among Pray for the peoples of Saudi Holy Spirit. sat in a the Urdu Tsemi-circle, Arabia to have the gift of speakers in faith that will lead them to Pray that this coming year, watching and Saudi Arabia! many Baloch households will joy in the Holy Spirit. listening as the elderly man and his wife told a The primary be filled with the joy of the story through a song. The man was playing a suroz, difficultly in reaching them isn’t location, though Holy Spirit when they hear of a traditional instrument of the Baluch people, Saudi Arabia is definitely an isolated stronghold the only Savior. running a bow across the four strings. The lyrics of Islam. Neither is the obstacle the fact that this told of a way of living that honored the traditions group is almost entirely Sunni Muslim and there of the Baloch. It spoke of hospitality, mercy, and are no known followers of Christ among them. The honesty. The simple tune was well known by the challenge in seeing a major movement to Christ children, and they began to sing along. among this people group is that they are not exactly a people group! Unlike other unreached people Since migrating from their historic homeland in groups, Urdu can refer to a number of ethnic groups. Balochistan (Pakistan) to the Middle East, the However, Urdu provides a commonality for those Southern Baloch people have been determined who live in foreign lands like Saudi Arabia. to maintain their identity. They continue to use songs and poems to teach their children about their Originally from Pakistan (Urdu is the national history, heritage, and Balochmayer – the Baloch language of Pakistan) and northern India, the vast way of living. majority of Urdu speakers are Sunni Muslim. Those who have migrated to Saudi Arabia tend to feel a They also continue to teach their children to be kinship with one another as they face economic and Muslims. To be Baloch, they believe, is not only to social discrimination. value and practice hospitality, mercy, and honesty, but to follow Islam. Pray for Christ’s light to shine brightly in Saudi Arabia and cause thousands to give Jesus Christ their full Pray for a great move of the Holy Spirit among the allegiance. Ask the Lord to capture their hearts and ignite Southern Baloch people in Oman. Ask God to prepare a movement of his Spirit that will lead to their families their hearts to receive those sent to them and the message being blessed in Saudi Arabia and South Asia.—CL of salvation in Christ. Pray for many to take Christ back to their people in Balochistan, and that many Baloch families will enjoy the blessings God intends for them to enjoy.—CL

108 109 DAY DAY 23 GULF BEDOUINS IN THE UAE BOSNIAKS IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 24 lk 2:46-47, NLT ou can take t’s easy to confuse lk 2:16-17, NLT the Bedouin the words Bosnians Mary responded, “Oh, how iStock/icky39 Yout of the Iand Bosniaks. All They hurried to the village my soul praises the Lord. desert, but you citizens of Bosnia and found Mary and

How my spirit rejoices in iStock/Kanita Boskovi can’t take the are called Bosnians. Joseph. And there was the God my Savior! desert out of Bosniaks are one of baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the Pray for many Bedouin the Bedouin! So three main ethnic A Bosniak boy shepherds told everyone women to praise the Lord goes a saying groups in Bosnia, The lure of Dubai! what had happened and for what he has done to about this tena- together with Serbs what the angel had said to bring us a Savior! cious, ancient and Croats. These groups were involved in years of people. The word Bedouin means “desert-dweller.” bitter ethnic-related fighting that ended in 1995. them about this child. While many modern Bedouins have migrated to Pray that the Bosniaks will the cities along with other people groups, they are Most Bosniaks were nominal Christians when treasure the baby born in inexorably tied to the desert and a migratory lifestyle the Muslim Ottomans conquered Bosnia in Bethlehem and accept him in Arabian Peninsula countries, including the United 1463. Bosnians converted to the Islamic faith in as the only way to have Arab Emirates (UAE). increasing numbers until today 95 percent are Muslim. Some conversions were forced. For others, reconciliation with God. Whether herding livestock across the desert or conversion was a matter of convenience. Merchants settling down in urban centers, Bedouins are also tied found that Muslims had greater freedom of to Islam and a belief in spirits (jinn). These are part movement and state protection for their goods. The of their tradition, as are the values of generosity and prime reason behind the spread of Islam was the honor. Bedouins are strongly knit together in clans weak presence of the Orthodox Church in Bosnia. and tribes and they are quick to band together against Many Bosniaks consider religion a combination common enemies. of traditions and superstitions. Their Islamic Thus far, Bedouins in the UAE have not been identity has more to do with cultural roots than penetrated by the gospel. Is it because the gospel with spirituality. Converting to Christianity is seems foreign to people who dwell in the desert, equated with leaving their culture and community. much like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Or could it be The Bible has been translated into their Bosnian that believers are not willing to live in the scorching language, and there are audio and video Christian desert to reach them? resources available on the Internet. Pray for Bosniaks to hear these resources with open Ask God to put his mark upon Bedouins in the UAE hearts. The Bosniaks changed their religion once before; and elsewhere. Pray for a few to respond to his invita- pray for a new movement of spiritual change that will tion, share their newfound salvation with their families, lead their families to embrace and obey the Savior. Pray clans, and tribes, and for a great movement to break out, for their families to be blessed by the presence of the Holy sweeping through Bedouin communities everywhere.—CL Spirit within.—AHS

110 111 DAY DAY ARABIZED BLACKS (AKHDAM) 25 IN YEMEN SOUTHERN YEMENI ARABS IN YEMEN 26 lk 2:7, NLT Clean your hat do Lk 2:28-32, NLT plate if it is Southern She gave birth to her “touched by a YemeniW Arabs and Simeon was there. He firstborn son. She wrapped iStock/Rawpixel dog,” states communists have took the child in his arms him snugly in strips of cloth iStock/jcamilobernal a traditional in common? Even and praised God, saying, and laid him in a manger, Yemeni though 92 percent “Sovereign Lord, now let because there was no proverb. of South Yemen's your servant die in peace, lodging available for them. “But break population are as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, Pray that on this Christmas it if it's Arabs, the only touched by a political party in South Yemen allowed until 1990 which you have prepared Day, the Akhdam people in for all people. He is a light Yemen will understand and Khadem." Khadem is the singular form of Akhdam, was the Yemeni Socialist Party, modeled on the and means “servant.” They’re also called, "the Soviet Union. After bitter fighting, the two Yemens to reveal God to the nations, accept that their savior came and he is the glory of your from humble means like marginalized ones." The color of their skin distin- were united without communism. guishes these Arabic-speaking Muslims. Akhdams people Israel!” their own, and they can be The unity between north and south has been frail are socially segregated and assigned to menial, low in good standings with God ever since. In 2016 New Delhi TV reported, “Al Pray for many from the paid tasks at the bottom of Yemen’s social system. if they are willing to do it on Qaeda and ISIS are cementing their presence in Southern Yemenis to Many are forced to beg and can’t intermarry with his terms. southern Yemen in the absence of state authority recognize that Jesus Christ conventional Yemeni. Most live in makeshift huts and little opposition from coalition forces.” Recently, came to save sinners from without electricity or running water. Southern Yemeni separatists who claim they have every nation, including The average Yemini response to their plight is, “It is been marginalized by the north, seized control of their own. the will of Allah.” They are called lazy, scroungers, Aden and other cities. unfit for respectable work. An Akhdam woman Yemeni Arabs struggle with war, poverty, hunger, complained, “If an organization gives us aid, the political unrest, and thousands of refugees. Terrorist government takes it from us. We believe in Allah to organizations promise food and care but deliver save us from this life. The future is dark. We have no misery and death. hope. We expect only death.” Portions of the Bible have been translated into the Bible portions have been translated into their Arabic Taizzi-Aden dialect of Arabic, spoken in southern dialect, but most cannot read. Audio and video Yemen. The JESUS Film is also available. Global Christian resources are also available, but most can’t Recordings Network (GRN) has audio recordings in afford computers or cellphones. There are no known five different dialects. followers of Christ among the Akhdam. Pray for Southern Yemenis to access these resources. Ask Pray for Christ’s ambassadors to go to the Akhdam and God to raise up a spokesperson for Jesus Christ among help them begin a disciple making movement. Pray that the war-torn peoples of Yemen. May the message of they will know they can become children of God and be peace and forgiveness sweep through Yemen resulting in taken from death to life.—AHS thousands following the only savior.—AHS

112 113 DAY DAY 27 HADRAMIS IN YEMEN IN YEMEN 28 gen 27:40, NLT s I write hich people gen 28:14, NLT this, the living in You will live by your sword, Your descendants will AU.S. govern- YemenW are of the and you will serve your be as numerous as the iStock/indigosmx ment has same faith, DNA, brother. But when you dust of the earth! They withdrawn and language, yet decide to break free, you will spread out in all support for divided? Which will shake his yoke from directions—to the Saudi Arabia's of them "goes out your neck. west and the east, to war in Yemen of the frying pan the north and the south. between and into the fire?" Pray for the Hadrami people A Hadrami shop owner And all the families of Sunni and The Somalis! They to escape the snare of the A Somali woman the earth will be blessed Shi’ite Muslim factions. If it were not for that war, it speak their own sword and strife to live under through you and your is likely you would not have heard of Yemen, unless of language, Somali, a language that was unwritten the protective wings of the descendants. Lord Almighty! course, your neighbor was Yemeni, as many of them until 1972. Indeed, they are not Arabs like the live abroad. And it is even less likely you have heard Yemeni majority. They are divided by clans, which Pray that those from the of the Hadhramaut, the agricultural region of east are less relevant to other peoples in Yemen. seed of Abraham will be central Yemen, home to the Hadrami peoples. But Some are fleeing the fire of civil warfare in Yemen willing to extend God’s you have most likely heard of Osama bin Laden, a blessing to the Somali Hadrami from Saudi Arabia. to return to Somalia, a nation that is also in turmoil. There seems to be no safe place for Somalis to hide! people in Yemen. Division and conflict is a way of life for the Hadrami. Among their population, some 500,000 to 1.1 According to Wikipedia, some 1,300 distinct types million Somalis live in Yemen, and less than one in of Arabs live in the Hadhramaut. They are stratified, 500 follows Christ. and people in various towns are often hostile to those in another. There are conflicts between nomads and Some have been in Yemen 15 to 20 years. They townsmen. It’s no wonder that since the 1700s, many have become entrepreneurs. All that hard work will Hadramis have emigrated to Indonesia, East Africa, have to be abandoned if they return to Somalia. South Asia, and Saudi Arabia. This eases population They will need safety in travel. They will need jobs. strain and conflict, and results in money going back They need Jesus. to Yemen. May believers in Jesus lend Somalis a hand, both in Pray for peace in Yemen. Pray that mission agencies will Yemen and in Somalia. Pray for their safety. Pray that produce a Hadrami Arabic Bible. Pray that many from the process of adjustment will produce in them a willing- each Hadrami town will be discipled to truly follow ness to trust him for salvation and for all their physical him. Pray that those living abroad will believe in the needs. Pray for a powerful disciple making movement Savior and communicate their faith to loved ones back among Somalis, both in Yemen and in Somalia.—TP in Yemen.—TP

114 115 DAY DAY 29 SABRAS IN ISRAEL IN SPAIN 30 rev 7:4, NLT he Sabras (This story is 43:7, NLT are the illustrates And I heard how many were Tnative-born truths about Bring all who claim me as marked with the seal of their God, for I have made iStock/barsikMAN

Israelis. this iStock/Radiokukka God—144,000 were sealed This is a people group.) them for my glory. It was I from all the tribes of Israel… who created them. paraphrase of oham- the testimony Pray for the 2020s to be the mad Pray that soon the Maghrebi of one who decade when the Lord begins andM Ajmal ran Arabs will be brought into found to raise up these ambassadors to greet their Notice where Morocco almost meets Spain the family of God, and they the Messiah. from within the people brothers outside will in turn lead other Arabs of Israel! “The word Sabra is the name for the prickly pear of a detention center in Archidona, Spain. Both to Christ as well. cactus. Unlike the sweet, soft interior of the pear boys, ages 10 and 12, had almost died as they took I was more like its thorny hard exterior. As a boy the treacherous boat ride across the Mediterranean I loved the tradition of my Jewish family. When from Morocco to Spain. The brothers told I was 13 I asked God to let me see him, but their story. when this did not happen I rejected him. I lived “There were 200 of us kids in a small rubber boat a rebellious life, served in the army and later I and the boy in charge was 16 years old. When we became a security guard. I still searched for a were almost to the shore there was a leak. Finally, spiritual meaning through mystics and fortune the boat landed, and we were brought here by the tellers. I even went back to the synagogue. All was Spanish police.” hopeless until a young woman spoke to me about The Arab Union (AMU) is an economic Yeshua and showed me prophecies in the Bible. I and political organization formed by five North strongly rejected the scriptures; however, the more African (Maghrebi) countries which include I learned the more I came to see that Yeshua was Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Mauritania. the Messiah. He removed the thorns from my life On the economic level, Spain has had strong ties and replaced them with a kindness for people and with the Maghreb through trade. War, crime, a peace that only he could give. Some of my family unemployment, poverty, trafficking, and terrorism are now listening to me.” have caused Maghrebi Arabs to seek to live in Almost all the estimated 4,750,000 Sabras of Israel Spain, even though fleeing their countries could are either Jewish or identify as agnostics. result in death. Those who make the trip may face deportation or a long period of detention. Pray that the Sabra families and communities will Pray that many believers in Spain will befriend open their hearts to Yeshua and be ready to join him in the Muslim and show them the way to eternity and spread his fame to all nations!—PD the cross, teaching them to disciple others. Pray that the 2020s will be a decade of spiritual breakthrough among the Maghrebi Arabs.—PD

116 117 DAY MACEDONIAN ALBANIANS IN 31 MACEDONIA Is 43:18-19, NLT (This story illustrates truths about this people group.) But forget all that—it Arian, this Great is nothing compared to Mosque is going to be what I am going to do. “magnificent!” Troian, an For I am about to do Albanian teenager, was something new. See, I amazed as he viewed the have already begun! Do mosque being built in you not see it? Tirana, Macedonia. His friend replied, “When Pray for us to look and see they finish it, this will be the new things God will do the largest mosque in the in the 2020s as we enter a An Albanian teenaged boy Balkans. And the Turkish new decade tomorrow! government gave it to us as a gift! For years we had no central place to pray, so we prayed in the streets. Just think, this mosque can hold over 4,500 of us at one time! It will have conference and exhibition halls, a library and a museum.” There are around 522,000 Albanian Muslims in northern Macedonia. Feeling discriminated against, they struggle with issues such as unemployment, low representation in public offices, limited educational opportunities, and poverty. During the communist years all Macedonians were denied religious rights, and many became atheists. The collapse of communism in 1991 brought rapid changes including the return of religious rights. Muslims, especially the Turks, have sent Muslim missionaries to direct Albanians back to their Islamic ways. They have paid for new mosques to be built. Pray for their zeal for a religious system to be re-directed to a zeal for Jesus Christ, who alone can offer salvation for this life and the life to come. Pray for a powerful disciple making movement among Albanian Muslims in the coming years.—PD

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