GLOBAL PRAYER NETWORK: Beja, Bisharin of Sudan

Rabu, 23 Oktober 2013

Beja, Bisharin of Sudan

Eastern Sudan has been the homeland of the Beja since the days of the pharaohs 4,000 years ago. In general, the Beja have always rejected authority and they greatly value their nomadic freedom. For the most part they have not changed their lifestyle or practices in the last 1,500 years. Most Beja are nomadic herders of camels and goats, although some have adopted sedentary lifestyles in the towns and cities of eastern Sudan. Their crown of fuzzy hair (tiffa) has characterized the Beja for centuries. Although the Beja had partially accepted Christianity in 500 A.D., their conversion was only skin deep and beginning in 640 A.D., when Arabs first invaded Sudan, the Beja began to gradually adopt the Islamic faith. The Beja continue to be highly afraid of jinn, or evil spirits.

Ministry Obstacles
For the Beja to become disciples of Jesus Christ would require changing a world view and cultural practices dating back many centuries. Making such change requires heart-wrenching struggle. Much prayer is needed to prepare people for such change.
Outreach Ideas
Gospel recordings are available in the language of the Beja, as are scripture portions. Workers are needed to carry these resources to the people.
Pray for the followers of Christ
There may be no followers of Christ among the Beja at this time. Pray they will become dissatisfied with the empty religions they have experienced in their lives and seek the true God.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Beja people may be freed from the fear of jinns, evil spirits. Pray they instead will find the love of Christ, which casts out fear. Pray also for sufficient rainfall to sustain their livestock in the dry region where people live.

Scripture Focus
"Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; and let them say among the nations, 'The Lord reigns.'" 1 Chron 16:31