1.5 million people who do not know the Great Shepherd

The Shuwa Arabs immigrated to Chad hundreds of years ago from the Sudan. Their language, is similar to the Arabic of the Qur’an. Islam is central to their identity and they consider themselves to be guardians of the faith.

Being very suspicious of strangers, they are also afraid of the “evil eye,” the influence of demons and the black magic of the neighbouring peoples. If, however, their confidence is won, their hospitality is abundant for outsiders.

How the Shuwa Arabs Live in Chad

The Shuwa are semi-nomads. Their life is focused on the welfare of the animals (cows, goats and sheep). Depending on the area, young families move in the dry season in search of food and water for the animals. In the rainy season they come back to manage the millet and maize fields. In general, they living in small communities, comprised mostly of relatives. When the water dries up and the animals can no longer feed off the land, or if the village has become too large, a group will simply wander on and settle in a new, uninhabited area. Some other families are heading for the cities where they are becoming successful traders and adopt urban habits.

It's Horrible

In recent years primary schools have been established in villages although only a few children attend. Some of the girls are circumcised at the age of 6-8 years. Often the girls are married in arranged marriages between 12 and 14 years to their cousins and usually become mothers by the age of 15. Many women have between 8 to 10 children although only 2/3 survive. Boys begin Islamic School around the age of six. These schools are often in other tribal areas so the boys grow up on their own, missing their parents and siblings. They must beg for their food and raise money for their teachers, some are accused of being thieves and are beaten.

Flad of Chad

Map of Chad

Prayer Starters:

• The Shuwa seem to have respect for “real” practicing Christians. Sometimes believing teachers and agricultural professionals are sent to the area. Unfortunately, many quickly leave or become indoctrinated in Islam or live extravagantly being drunkards. Pray that the few believers who live in the area can be true witnesses for the Messiah. May they live lives which are truly worthy of the Lord. (Colossians 1:9-12)
• There are no known Christians among these Arabs. A few individuals have asked for Bibles and cassettes. The Jesus Film is useful for making known the Gospel among these people.
• Proclaim the truths of John 10:10-16 in prayer concerning this nomadic and shepherding people. See also 1 Peter 2:24-25.

Listen to the Podcast - DAY 23 - The Shuwa Arabs in Chad

Video: Malnutrition and Diseases Lake Chad (3:30)

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Poverty in CAR

The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - a civilian government was installed in 1993. As indicated by its name, the Central African Republic (CAR) is a country situated in the geographical center of Africa. It has a varied climate and beautiful physical features, from the tropical rain forest in the south to the sub Sahara Sahalian region in the north.

Though the CAR has numerous natural resources including diamonds, gold, uranium and wood, it still remains one of the poorest nations in the world. It suffers from being landlocked and fairly isolated in Central Africa. This has led to a significant dependency on the neighbouring countries and a relatively high cost of living. Political problems and mismanagement have led to significant strikes and political tension in recent years.

Islam Investment in CAR

Current economic difficulties are proving to be a source of growth for Islam in the CAR. Already a significant number of businesses are owned by immigrant Muslim Lebanese, Arabs, Haussas, Senegalese, Malians and Chadians. Several Arab countries are openly multiplying their gifts and investments in the CAR with the goal of encouraging the proclamation of Islam. Even some very remote regions are being touched by the growing Islamic influence. Several mosques have been built in recent years and others are planned. Many students have received instruction and training in the Islamic universities in Sudan and Saudi Arabia. Islamic schools have been built in the CAR including a technical and scientific high school which has just recently been completed.

Flag of CAR

Map of CAR

The Rungas, a Muslim tribe that lives in Northern Central Africa and that also flows into Chad (pop: 37,000) are practically unreached and are very isolated from Christians. The CAR also has an immigrant Arab population that remains largely untouched by the gospel. That is to only name a few. Despite the advances which Islam has made in the CAR in recent years God has also been at work. Recently an influential Muslim Fulani, who had even made two pilgrimages to Mecca, turned to Christ and has maintained his Christian testimony against significant pressures. It is significant to note that his conversion happened during the month of Ramadan.

Prayer Guide for CAR:

* Thank God for the relative peace which is enduring in the country despite various social and economic tensions. Pray that this would continue.

* Pray that Christians would have prosperity in business while remaining faithful to the Lord. Many people are attracted to Islam through the relative prosperity of the Muslims (Proverbs 13:7).

* Pray for training programs to be established so that Christians would know how to proclaim the Gospel to Muslims (Romans 10:15).

Background on the Central African Republic (CAR) (World Factbook)

The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari became the Central African Republic upon independence in 1960. After three tumultuous decades of misrule - mostly by military governments - civilian rule was established in 1993 and lasted for one decade. President Ange-Felix PATASSE's civilian government was plagued by unrest, and in March 2003 he was deposed in a military coup led by General Francois BOZIZE, who established a transitional government. Though the government has the tacit support of civil society groups and the main parties, a wide field of candidates contested the municipal, legislative, and presidential elections held in March and May of 2005 in which General BOZIZE was affirmed as president. The government still does not fully control the countryside, where pockets of lawlessness persist.

The Economy of Central African Republic

Subsistence agriculture, together with forestry, remains the backbone of the economy of the Central African Republic (CAR), with more than 70% of the population living in outlying areas. The agricultural sector generates half of GDP. Timber has accounted for about 16% of export earnings and the diamond industry, for 40%. Important constraints to economic development include the CAR's landlocked position, a poor transportation system, a largely unskilled work force, and a legacy of misdirected macroeconomic policies. Factional fighting between the government and its opponents remains a drag on economic revitalization. Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the international community can only partially meet humanitarian needs.

Statistics on Central African Republic

Population: 4,950,027 (July 2011 est.) -- see note below -- World Rank: 116

Life Expectancy at Birth: 50.07 years. World Rank: 214

Ethnic groups: Baya 33%, Banda 27%, Mandjia 13%, Sara 10%, Mboum 7%, M'Baka 4%, Yakoma 4%, other 2%

Religions: indigenous beliefs 35%, Protestant 25%, Roman Catholic 25%, Muslim 15%
note: animistic beliefs and practices strongly influence the Christian majority

Languages: French (official), Sangho (lingua franca and national language), tribal languages

Literacy: 48.6%; male: 64.8%, female: 34.2%

School Life Expectancy: 7 years

Population notes: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected.

Video: Central African Republic Radio Planting

Trip to Central African Republic to establish a new Christian radio station

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N'Djamena presents a multicoloured mixture of ethnic groups, religions, cults and languages (there are around 120 spoken in Chad), Today, N'Djamena has a population of about one million - and significant urban expansion is still continuing. The city infrastructure has not been able to keep up with the large population increases; the water and electricity supplies are completely inadequate or non-existing in most parts of the city, and an efficient garbage and sewage disposal system is also lacking.

Segregation

Muslims in N'Djamena are politically, economically and religiously powerful, as well as imposing and sometimes even aggressive, making many of the Christians in the city feel inferior. Many Christians are fearful and only hesitantly proclaim the gospel to Muslims. While both Muslims and Christians have lived for years in the same city, geographically they are very clearly separated. The southern part of the city has over 150 evangelical churches, but in the larger northern districts there are only a few churches, which are surrounded by dozens, or even hundreds, of mosques. Thousands of Muslims have moved to the southern part of the city in recent years, while only a few dozen Christians have moved to the northern part. Today, Christians and Muslims live as neighbours in the newer districts: this means there is great potential for religious and ethnic tension, but also for new, God-prepared opportunities for evangelism and church-planting. The Church in Chad is learning to be salt and light in its daily contact with its Muslim neighbours.

In recent years, the Church in Chad has begun to send out missionaries into the Muslim areas of the country. However, the northern part of the capital, with around 700,000 Muslims, remains largely unreached. There are a handful of foreign and Chadian missionaries who work among them, but only a few know enough of the language and the culture to communicate the gospel effectively. Nevertheless, they have started some home groups. The missionaries need a lot of patience and courage.

In 2003, following much prayer and many struggles with the administration, an evangelical denomination obtained authorisation to start a private Christian radio station. Since then, the gospel is proclaimed every day, even in Chadian Arabic, a local dialect of Arabic spoken by most of the Muslims.

Flad of Chad

Map of Chad

Prayer Guide for N'Djamena, Chad:

* Thank God for the official freedom of religion in Chad.

* Pray for more workers to reach the Muslims in N'Djamena.

* Pray that the Chadian churches may overcome the cultural and historical barriers which make it difficult for them to proclaim Christ to their Muslim neighbours.

* Pray for house churches to be established among former Muslims.

* Pray for a powerful proclamation of the gospel by radio and all other available means (personal testimony, audio cassettes, literature, videos, etc).

* Pray for N'Djamena to attain its destiny and become God's place of rest.

Background on Chad (World Factbook)

Chad, part of France's African holdings until 1960, endured three decades of civil warfare as well as invasions by Libya before a semblance of peace was finally restored in 1990. The government eventually drafted a democratic constitution, and held flawed presidential elections in 1996 and 2001. Chad is divided into multiple regions: a desert zone in the north, an arid Sahelian belt in the centre and a more fertile Sudanese savanna zone in the south. Lake Chad, after which the country is named, is the largest wetland in Chad and the second largest in Africa. Chad's highest peak is the Emi Koussi in the Sahara, and N'Djamena, (formerly Fort-Lamy), the capital, is the largest city. Chad is home to over 200 different ethnic and linguistic groups. Arabic and French are the official languages. Islam and Christianity are the most widely practised religions.

Economy of Chad

Chad is one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in the world; most inhabitants live in poverty as subsistence herders and farmers. Since 2003 crude oil has become the country's primary source of export earnings, superseding the traditional cotton industry. Over 80% of Chad's population relies on subsistence farming and livestock raising for its livelihood. Chad's economy has long been handicapped by its landlocked position, high energy costs, and a history of instability. Chad relies on foreign assistance and foreign capital for most public and private sector investment projects.

Statistics on Chad

Population: 10,758,945 (July 2011 est.) World Rank #77

Life Expectancy at Birth: 48.33 years. World Rank #219

Ethnic groups: Sara 27.7%, Arab 12.3%, Mayo-Kebbi 11.5%, Kanem-Bornou 9%, Ouaddai 8.7%, Hadjarai 6.7%, Tandjile 6.5%, Gorane 6.3%, Fitri-Batha 4.7%, other 6.4%, unknown 0.3%

Religions: Muslim 53.1%, Catholic 20.1%, Protestant 14.2%, animist 7.3%, other 0.5%, unknown 1.7%, atheist 3.1%

Languages: French (official), Arabic (official), Sara (in south), more than 120 different languages and dialects

Literacy: 25.7%

School Life Expectancy: 7 years

Video: Sights and Sounds of Chad

Des mondes bien différents from Gérard Mouillaud on Vimeo.

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At the center of "Africa's World War", the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) has a hard and painful history. Wars, famine, or diseases such as HIV / AIDS are just a few of the tragedies DRC people faced and are facing daily. Although the country has much potential wealth, poverty saps the souls of many. There are millions of refugees and displaced. Just 55% of women can read and write French, Lingala, Kingwana, or Tshiluba. Life expectancy is 51.46 years. The population is 10% Muslim.

Rwanda genocide

In part, DR Congo's current troubles stem from the 1994 Rwanda genocide. After butchering 800,000 people, the killers fled across the border into DR Congo (then known as Zaire). Rwanda's new leaders wanted the Congolese dictator, Mobutu Sese Seko, to disarm the militias and were prepared to use force to get their way. First they sent troops and engineered a rebellion to topple Mobutu. Then they invaded again in 1998 in an attempt to oust his successor, Laurent Kabila. Although most foreign troops left in 2002 and a transitional government was formed in April 2003, fighting continues.

DR Congo Flag

DR Congo Map

Greed destroys

The love of money is indeed the root of all kinds of evil in the DRC. Much of the violence is directly related to looting Congo of its incredible wealth in diamonds and minerals. The most volatile areas are Ituri, on the Ugandan border, and North and South Kivu, near Rwanda. These areas happen to be where many of the Muslims of the Congo live. Islam came to the Congo via Arab traders just a few centuries ago. Today Muslims lament that they have little say in the politics or business or professional areas of Congo life.

Pastors from DRC request prayer for:

* Each January a large Pastors conference takes place in Kinshasa, the capital. Pray that the pastors will continue in the unity of Christ for the good of the country and outreach to the Muslims.

* A constant prayer request from the Pastors conference is for Bibles! Pray that bible organizations would hear and that large shipments of French bibles would come to the Congo. Pray too that corrupt customs officials would allow the bibles into DRC without exacting any tolls or bribes.

* The theft of resources continues, while Congo still lacks the infrastructure to provide its people with food, clean water, health care and education. Pastors desperately want to help practically as well.

* In the Congo, rape is a cheaper weapon of war than bullets, also among Muslims. Pray that young women will not associate this horror with "Christian" Rebels.

* Church radio networks are growing, but the state-controlled broadcasting network has the greatest reach. Pray that church radio would increase without denominational competition and that state broadcasting would use Christian content.

Interesting Facts from the DRC:

Good luck charms worn around the neck are called grisgris (pronounced gree-gree). They must be blessed by a medicine man.

Congolese women are regarded as inferior to males, even though many ethnic groups trace family membership through the mother.

By the 14th century, three politically complex kingdoms had arisen in the Congo - the Kongo kingdom, and the Luba and Lunda empires.

Beef is generally only eaten in the higher regions of the country that are free of the tsetse fly. The Tsetse fly is a biting fly which carries with it Sleeping sickness or African trypanosomiasis, a parasitic disease in people and in animals. It is estimated that 300,000 - 500,000 people are infected, and about 40,000 die every year. Three major epidemics have occurred in the past hundred years, in 1896 - 1906, 1920, and 1970.

History of the DR Congo (World Factbook)

Established as a Belgian colony in 1908, the Republic of the Congo gained its independence in 1960, but its early years were marred by political and social instability. Col. Joseph MOBUTU seized power and declared himself president in a November 1965 coup. He subsequently changed his name - to MOBUTU Sese Seko - as well as that of the country - to Zaire. MOBUTU retained his position for 32 years through several sham elections, as well as through the use of brutal force. Ethnic strife and civil war, touched off by a massive inflow of refugees in 1994 from fighting in Rwanda and Burundi, led in May 1997 to the toppling of the MOBUTU regime by a rebellion backed by Rwanda and Uganda and fronted by Laurent KABILA. He renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but in August 1998 his regime was itself challenged by a second insurrection again backed by Rwanda and Uganda.

Economy of the DR Congo

The economy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo - a nation endowed with vast potential wealth - is recovering from two decades of decline. Conflict, which began in August 1998, dramatically reduced national output and government revenue, increased external debt, and resulted in the deaths of perhaps 3.5 million people from violence, famine, and disease. Foreign businesses curtailed operations due to uncertainty about the outcome of the conflict, lack of infrastructure, and the difficult operating environment. Conditions began to improve in late 2002 with the withdrawal of a large portion of the invading foreign troops. Political uncertainty continues to hamper growth.

Statistics on DR Congo

Population: 71,712,867 (July 2011 est.) -- see note below. World Rank #19

Life expectancy at birth: 55.33 years. World Rank #199

Ethnic groups: over 200 African ethnic groups of which the majority are Bantu; the four largest tribes - Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) make up about 45% of the population

Religions: Roman Catholic 50%, Protestant 20%, Kimbanguist 10%, Muslim 10%, other syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs 10%

Languages: French (official), Lingala (a lingua franca trade language), Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba

Literacy: 67.2%

School Life Expectancy: 8 years

Population Note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected.

DR CONGO - Video

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Burkina Faso is a poor country

Historically Burkina Faso was the homeland of several powerful Black African kingdoms. These states managed to maintain their independence and successfully drove back Islamic influence from the North for hundreds of years. From the late 19th century until 1960, Burkina Faso was a French colony called "Upper Volta".

The name Burkina Faso, meaning "land of the upright people", was adopted in 1984. Burkina Faso is one of the poorest countries in the world, having a high population density, few natural resources and a fragile soil. Over 80% of the population are engaged in subsistence agriculture. Recent droughts and desertification are severely affecting agricultural activities, causing overgrazing, soil degradation and deforestation.

Folk Islam and Animism in Burkina Faso

The Burkinabe capital, Ougadougou, was the capital of the Mossi Kingdom. Since the late 18th century, Ougadougou has been predominantly Muslim. Presently "Ouga" has beautiful and large boulevards that are used everyday by thousands of cars, mobylettes and bicycles. Despite massive movements toward the cities much of the population still live in small villages with their tribal customs.

Flag of Burkina Faso

Map of Burkino Faso

Many Burkinabe Muslims are involved in folk Islam and animism. Missionaries relate the following story: A man called Mossi carries his sick son to the open-air market. A Muslim religious man sells portions of the Qur'an and offers him one wrapped in a gazelle skin pouch. Mossi reasons to himself, "Allah is great, but I need medicine today". Fear grips Mossi's heart. My son has been sick for two weeks and no-one can help. Later Mossi passes a sign for anti-diarrhea medicine, but being illiterate Mossi fails to understand. Finally, he reaches the 'bush doctor', squatting behind a cloth covered with snake heads, dried owls and lion tails. With the last of his money, he buys a small square of elephant hide according to the prescription given by the bush doctor. Three days later his son dies of dehydration caused by diarrhea.

Prayer guide for Burkina Faso:

* The Burkinabe Muslims need to experience the power of the risen Christ. It is only the power that raised Jesus from the dead that can give life to those dead in trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1-5). May the"land of the upright people" know the visitation of the "Righteous One".

* Pray that the power of folk Islam and animism will be broken. Burkino Faso is one of the strongest countries today dominated by idolatry, fetishism and occult secret societies.

* The present climate is favorable towards Christian outreach, medical and aid programs. Pray for the existing programs and that these numbers would grow (Remember the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37).

* Despite missionary efforts and greater responsiveness, 13 Muslim tribes remain without an effective witness.

Background on Burkina Faso (World Factbook)

Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) achieved independence from France in 1960. Repeated military coups during the 1970s and 1980s were followed by multiparty elections in the early 1990s. Burkina Faso's high population density and limited natural resources result in poor economic prospects for the majority of its citizens. Recent unrest in Cote d'Ivoire and northern Ghana has hindered the ability of several hundred thousand seasonal Burkinabe farm workers to find employment in neighboring countries.

Poverty abounds in Burkina Faso

One of the poorest countries in the world, landlocked Burkina Faso has few natural resources and a weak industrial base. About 90% of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture, which is vulnerable to harsh climatic conditions. Cotton is the key crop and the government has joined with other cotton producing countries in the region to lobby for improved access to Western markets. GDP growth has largely been driven by increases in world cotton prices. Industry remains dominated by unprofitable government-controlled corporations. Following the CFA franc currency devaluation in January 1994, the government updated its development program in conjunction with international agencies; exports and economic growth have increased. The government devolved macroeconomic policy and inflation targeting to the West African regional central bank (BCEAO), but maintains control over fiscal and microeconomic policies, including implementing reforms to encourage private investment. The bitter internal crisis in neighboring Cote d'Ivoire continues to hurt trade and industrial prospects and deepens the need for international assistance.

Statistics on Burkino Faso

Population: 16,751,455 * see note about AIDS at bottom (July 2011 est.) World Rank #61

Life Expectancy at Birth: 53.7 years. World Rank #202

Ethnic groups: Mossi over 40%, other approximately 60% (includes Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, and Fulani)

Religions: Muslim 50%, indigenous beliefs 40%, Christian (mainly Roman Catholic) 10%

Languages: French (official), native African languages belonging to Sudanic family spoken by 90% of the population

Literacy: 21.8% male: 29.4% female: 15.2%

School Life Expectancy: 6 years

Population notes: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected.

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Flad of Chad

Flag of Niger

Flag of Nigeria

Kanuri main tribes consist of the Yerwa Kanuri, the Manga Kanuri, and Kanembu Kanuri. The majority of the Kanuri live in northeastern Nigeria, where they are the dominant people group. Smaller numbers are also located across the borders in the surrounding countries of Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. This entire region was once ruled by the ancestors of the Kanuri. Aspects of Kanuri culture, language, and religion have been adopted by many of the neighbouring tribes. The Kanuri are tall and very dark in appearance, with a stately, dignified look. Many Kanuri speak Hausa and Arabic.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Kanuri are farmers; however, they usually practice some other occupation during the dry season. Those who farm raise millet as their staple crop, and supplement it with sorghum, corn, and peanuts. They raise sheep, goats, and some horses. Kanuri settlements vary in size; but most contain walled-in compounds surrounding several mud or grass houses with thatched, cone-shaped roofs. These houses are very cool during the hot months. Farmland surrounds each settlement. Kanuri men marry while they are in their early twenties. Polygamy is common and a man may have as many as four wives. Young girls marry while they are in their teens. Ideally, a man wants his first wife to be a young virgin. However, the bride price for a virgin is quite expensive, so men often take divorced women as their first wives. The divorce rate among the Kanuri is extremely high, with eight out of ten marriages ending in divorce.

What are their beliefs?

The Kanuri have been Muslims since the eleventh century (about 1,000 years). Many superstitions and animistic beliefs are still practiced in conjunction with Islam. Charms and amulets are worn around the neck or in pockets for various reasons.

What are their needs?

Some of the Kanuri tribes do not yet have a translation of the Bible in their native dialect; others tribes have only portions of the Bible. Among the nearly five million Kanuri, there are several hundred known believers.

Adapted from material at the Joshua Project online.

Prayer Starters

* Ask God to call more people to proclaim the love of Jesus among the Kanuri.

* Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Kanuri and increasingly use the small number of Kanuri believers to share the Gospel with others.

* Pray that God will raise up people to translate the Bible into each of the Kanuri dialects.

Testimony from Africa:

Aïcha was born into a family that was partially Christian and partially Muslim. Eventually, under the influence of her older brothers, Aïcha started practicing Islam. At 18 years of age she married a Muslim man and continued to practice Islam including the fast of Ramadan and daily prayer. After the birth of her daughter Aïcha had an amazing series of dreams. Various aspects of the first dream convinced her to stop doing her daily Islamic prayers. Her husband convoked her brothers and sisters to convince her to recommence her daily prayers, but she could not be convinced. In the second dream she saw a man in the sky. Others were fearful of this man and ran but Aïcha was drawn to him even while he was still in the air. Strangely she found herself having an experience similar to the one recorded in Luke 7:36-50. Afterwards within a short time Aïcha met several believers in Jesus. She has given herself completely to the Lord. She suffered a divorce and many difficulties but she has seen the faithfulness of God in her life.

The general coordinator of “30 Days” worldwide has personally met Aïcha.

Video: Lake Chad under threat [3:35]

• Background information, maps and video on Nigeria are on our site here:
• Background information, maps and video on Niger are on our site here:
• Background information, maps and video on Chad are on our site here:

Hear the Good News in the Kanuri language!

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Chad's Maba peoples Homelands

Many Maba have emigrated to Sudan. Almost all of the approximately 500,000 Maba are Muslims, though elements of animism remain in their culture. When in town the Maba speak Chad Arabic, which is the trade language spoken in nearly the whole country (illiteracy rate: 90 per cent).

Flad of Chad

Map of Chad

The homeland of the Maba, the "Dar Wadday", is situated at the northern edge of the Sahel, where the rainfall during the two to three months of the rainy season averages only 300 to 400 mm. For this reason, the Maba cultivate mostly millet, which grows well under these conditions and constitutes their main food. Groundnuts, corn, beans, onions, and leafy vegetables complement their diet. Most Maba possess some goats or even cows. Access to drinking water is a problem for most villages: if a village lies near a dried-up riverbed (a wadi), water can be found 2 to 5 metres under the surface. Villagers not living next to a wadi have to carry water for long distances or have to dig wells 20 to 50 metres down into the hard soil. Some development agencies are working to improve water supply and agricultural exploitation of wadis, to improve the supply of food for the rural population.

Workers allowed in Chad

Chad is governed by a Muslim majority, but constitutionally it is not an Islamic state. Development work and Christian proclamation are therefore allowed. In the area where the Maba live, a small group of Christians has formed and a handful of Maba people participate in meetings. Despite theoretical freedom of religion, many Christians face much oppression in the Islamic areas of Chad, varying from public insults to refusing to sell them products in the market. Trials before the sultan, throwing of stones and even death threats occur at times. During other periods, Christians are left in relative peace.

Prayer for Chad:

* Pray for the small indigenous group of believers to grow in faith and remain faithful to the Lord.

* Ask God to give increased wisdom and love to those missionaries working in the region, so that they may teach believers how to live their faith in a culturally relevant way.

* Considering the many new mosques, Qur'anic schools and Islamic education institutes, mostly financed by foreign countries, there is a hunger for education and for new awareness. Pray that this hunger might prepare the way for the gospel.

* The Bible has not yet been translated into the Maba language. Pray for translators who will be committed to getting the job done.

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