Zanzibari Swahili in Oman
ZAEN-zuh-bar-ee

The Swahili-Arab people come from the east coast of Africa, mainly Zanzibar, Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam. They are a mixture of Omani and some Yemeni Arabs who travelled to East Africa in the 1700s to establish trade with Europe, primarily in slaves. On the surface, Swahili-Arabs seem like regular Omanis. However, when one sits with them at a meal, the African roots come out. Much of the time, Swahili is spoken instead of Arabic, which is considered the trade language, and the food is much more African. They are Muslim, most following the Ibadi sect of Islam. According to locals, this sect is the most peaceful of the Islamic sects.

Ministry Obstacles
Access to the peoples of Oman by outsiders is somewhat difficult and there is a lack of Christian workers willing to make the attempt.

Outreach Ideas
Christian radio has much potential to reach the peoples of the Arabian Peninsula with the gospel, including Swahili speakers.

Scripture Focus
"But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children,"  Psalm 103:17

Scripture Prayer
Pray that this people group will understand that they can enjoy the eternal love of the Lord.

Prayer Focus
There may be no followers of Jesus today among the Swahili of Oman but pray for those who will soon believe in Him. They will need mature believers to help them become well established in the faith. Pray the Lord would create a growing desire in all the peoples of Oman to find forgiveness for their sin and for power to cope with the problems of this life. Only Jesus can provide these things. Pray Jesus would be revealed with power at the proper time.



Presented by Joshua Project
www.joshuaproject.net