Baharia in Egypt

Bahariya is the name of an oasis located in north central Egypt, roughly 370 km from Cairo. There are many villages in the oasis, El Bawiti being the administrative center. The people of the oasis are known as the Wahati people. There is substantial tourism to the oasis because of antiquities (tombs, mummies and other artifacts have been discovered there), and because of the beautiful surrounding deserts. Tourism has become an important source of income. The oasis has changed drastically since an asphalt road connecting Bahariya to Cairo was finished in the early 1970s. Electricity is now available and the internet has become available. The people are Muslim.

Ministry Obstacles

To visit the Baharia oasis will require some effort, as it is fairly remote to urban centers.

Outreach Ideas

Tourists are welcome in the oasis as they bring needed revenue. Believers can bring Christian testimony as they visit sites of interest.

Scripture Focus

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you."  1 Peter 4:12

Scripture Prayer

Pray that the hardships that God allows in the lives of believers in this people group do not discourage them.

Prayer Focus

It is unlikely there are followers of Jesus in the Baharia oasis, but there may be a few. Pray for any believers in the area, that they would have access to gospel recordings, which have been created in their language. Pray the Lord would be opening the spiritual eyes of imans as they study the Koran to understand Jesus (whom Muslims call Isa al-Masih) to be the son of God. Perhaps he will reveal himself to some in dreams or visions.