The Arab culture was developed by tribes of nomads and villagers who lived in the Arabian Desert. It was from there that Arab migrations throughout the Middle East and northern Africa began, leading to the expansion of the Arab world. Today, the region is home to a number of different types of Arabs. Gulf Arabs (also known as Saudi Arabs) live primarily along southern edges of the Arabian Desert. They speak Arabiya, or, as it is more commonly known, Gulf Arabic. Gulf Arabic is the language of a fraction of Saudi Arabia's population, and most who speak this language live in the less inhabited and oil rich northeastern region. The various Arabic dialects are seldom mutually intelligible. However, there are cultural similarities. Most have tremendous oil wealth, which allows their people to travel and study abroad.
For that reason, one can find Gulf-spoken Arabs at Canadian universities.
Most of the Arabs in Canada are college students. They come to Canada to receive a good education in medicine and other high level studies. Their numbers are increasing, and Canadians are also beginning to attend universities in Arab countries. In addition to studying, they like to celebrate their own holidays. For example, Kuwaiti Arabs celebrate National Day, held on February 25-26. This is Kuwait's independence day, and some of them celebrate by building snowmen, something which they cannot do in hot, dry Kuwait.
There are two main obstacles to Arabs in Canada hearing and responding to the gospel. First of all, they identify with Islam as their heart religion, even if they don't practice it. Islam is a key part of their identity. Secondly, Arabs in Canada have large amounts of money, a situation which makes it hard for them to accept the idea that they need outside help. The foundation of Christianity is we need help from a holy God.
For the Gulf Arab wherever they live, a profession of faith in Jesus may cost a person his family, his honor, his job, or even his life. Evangelization of this people group will be challenging due to the nature of the Arabs' rigid Islamic belief system. They are more likely to be reached in Western nations like Canada than they would be at home. The opportunity is there, but it will not be easy. Prayer is essential.
Pray the Lord will start a movement of Arab families experiencing God's blessings. There are a couple of Arab believers in Canada. Pray that they will become stronger in their faith and in the fruit of the Holy Spirit so they can be prepared to give an answer when Muslims question them.
Pray that despite their wealth and relatively easy life that Arabs will knock, seek and find the only savior.
Pray for strong friendships to develop between Muslims and Canadian believers that will lead to opportunities to share Christ.
Pray that Muslims will use the freedom of Canada to find out about Jesus
Scripture Prayers for the Arab, Arabic Gulf Spoken in Canada.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
