Arab, Syrian in Guinea-Bissau
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: | Guinea-Bissau |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 1,700 |
| World Population: | 20,175,700 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Levantine |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 8.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 3.00 % |
| 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 mainly comprised 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 Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey or Germany. They also live in many other European countries, Latin America and Africa, including Nigeria and a small number in Guinea-Bissau.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Guinea-Bissau is a tiny West African nation not set up to take in refugees. Most Syrian Arabs there have been there for many years. They are probably in the business community and well settled economically.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Syrian Arabs in Africa 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 also have a strong Orthodox or Maronite Christian presence. In Guinea-Bissau, there is also a strong Evangelical population among Syrian Arabs.
What Are Their Needs?
The Evangelicals among Syrian Arabs need to take Christ to the Syrian Muslim majority. They can be salt and light to these neighbors who rely on the law rather than the one who is the way, the truth and the life.
Prayer Points
Pray that the Diaspora situation will provide Syrian Arab Muslims 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.