Belbali in Algeria

How would you like to live in a place that is near two international borders? That is the situation for the Belbali, a West African people who are located in the oasis of Tabelbala and nearby town Tindouf in southwestern Algeria. Recently their area has been built up significantly because it is a last outpost before the Moroccan, Saharawi and Mauritanian borders, and there has been a large influx of refugees from the Western Sahara. The area is very fertile, so agriculture is common. Surrounded by sand dunes, the water table is high, which supports agricultural efforts. Temperatures run very high in their homeland, reaching 50˚ C (122˚ F), and there are frequent sandstorms. The language of these people is Korandje, which is becoming endangered because Belbali parents favor Arabic for their children to have better education and career prospects.

Ministry Obstacles

This is a traditional, close-knit culture whose primary religion is Islam. They are resistant to outside influences.

Outreach Ideas

The gospel can be spread through media such as film, radio, TV, etc.

Scripture Focus

"The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels."  Revelation 3:5

Scripture Prayer

Pray for many names in this people group to be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Pray that many from this people group are clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

Prayer Focus

Pray for God's original intent for the land of Algeria and her people! Pray for God to draw the Belbali people to Him, leading to a powerful movement to Christ this decade. Pray for a new spiritual openness to spring up, especially as parents encourage their children to seek outside opportunities.