Arab, Syrian in Mexico
Photo Source:
James Gordon - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
Bethany World Prayer Center
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| People Name: | Arab, Syrian |
| Country: | Mexico |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 110,000 |
| World Population: | 20,175,700 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Levantine |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 6.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.10 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Arab, Levant |
| Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Levant Arabs settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa. They are spread from Israel to Kuwait and as far east as Iran. "Levant" is a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Jordanian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Chaldean, and Syrian Arabs. Each of these speaks a different form of the Arabic language.
Before the Syrian Civil War began in 2011, there were already 18 million Syrian Arabs in Diaspora. This earlier group was mainly comprised of people seeking economic opportunities, though there were also political refugees. Most of these people have financial and educational means. They are (to various degrees) assimilated into a different culture. Most of the Syrian Diaspora is in Lebanon, Jordan or Germany, but they are also scattered throughout many other countries including Mexico. Most Syrian Arabs in Mexico have been there since the days of the Ottoman Empire, but in 2015, Mexico allowed a small number of Syrian Arabs to complete their college education.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Syrian Arabs in Mexico are a mixture of those whose grandparents arrived decades ago and those who have arrived recently. Those who are in Mexico are usually students. Their elders have been there for generations, usually as businessmen.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Syrian Arabs in Mexico are Shafiite Muslims or Alawites. The Shafiites are one of four schools of Sunni Islam. There are Shia splinter groups among them, namely the Twelvers and Imamis. However, Syrian Arabs have also had a strong Orthodox or Maronite Christian presence.
What Are Their Needs?
Syrians in Mexico are economically prosperous. Spiritually, they need to put Jesus at the center of their lives.
Prayer Points
Pray that the Diaspora situation will provide Syrian Arabs the chance to embrace the only savior.
Pray for Syrian Arab Christians who will disciple others and teach them to do the same.
Pray for Syrian Arab family leaders to have dreams of the victorious and righteous Christ and share their experiences with many others.