For thousands of years the whole of North Africa inhabited by Berber tribes, also known as the Imazighen, meaning "free people." During the seventh century, Arab armies stormed through this entire region, and for hundreds of years, there has been a blending of Arabic and Berber cultures and languages. The Arabic spoken in this region include loan words from Berber languages. In sum, this region is much like a cultural "ecotone" where there is a blend of two different types of communities. To make matters even more complicated, there are Bedouin tribes who blend in with this mix, and there are various degrees of "Arabization." For this reason, the terms "Arab" and "Berber" need to be taken loosely. There are Algerian Arabs in Algeria and Algerian Arabs in Libya, the latter being far fewer in number. It's very possible that whoever wanted to aid a church planting movement would have to deal with all of these complexities.
Like all people in Libya during this time of instability, the Algerian Arabs are struggling to stay safe on a daily basis. As migrants from another country, the Algerians have no defense from the police, and they can be denied essential medical care unless they can prove they are Libyan citizens.
The Algerian Arabs are almost entirely Sunni Muslims. The few Algerians who have accepted the salvation of Christ are almost all from the Berber tribes. A central part of the Algerian Arab's identity is in being Muslim, even though they are known to seek other spiritual answers when grappling with a practical need like illnesses.
The Algerian Arabs in Libya, like just about everyone in that country, need safety. They also need to accept the abundant life that only Jesus Christ can offer.
Pray that the current crisis in Libya will open Algerian hearts to the Savior who is a high tower in times of trouble.
Pray for them to seek and find answers in Christ.
Pray for Christ's ambassadors to go to Libya to seek and find the lost.
Pray for a movement to Christ among Algerian Arabs everywhere.
Scripture Prayers for the Algerian, Arabic-speaking in Libya.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
