Special Report

Christians in Sudan and South Sudan have asked you and I to pray! There continue to be atrocities against Christians and reports of "ethnic cleansing" in the region. Details are here: www.sudanpartners.org

Specific prayer and information is on our "Take Action for Sudan" page.

Original Article: Prayer for the Peoples

Sudan is a nation made up of hundreds of ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups and clans. One researcher has identified about 2,200 groups including local clans. The following is a list of the 15 of the 36 people groups of over 100,000 people considered by some believers to be those most in need of the Gospel in Sudan. In fact, none of these groups has an established, long-term, native-language outreach involving either foreigners or local Sudanese believers. Altogether, these 15 groups number possibly more than 20 million people, with no known believers.

1. Daju | 2. Danaagla/Kanuuz | 3. Darfur Region NSA (Northern Sudanese Arabs) | 4. East Region NSA | 5. Fellata: Fulani-speaking | 6. Fellata: Hausa-speaking | 7. Kanuri | 8. Kordofan Region NSA | 9. Masalit | 10. Nile Region NSA | 11. North Region NSA | 12. Rashaida | 13. South East Region NSA | 14. White Nile Region NSA | 15. Zaghawa

A "people group" can be defined as: 'The largest group of those who perceive themselves to a have a common affinity with each other, and within which the Gospel can spread without encountering significant barriers of understanding and acceptance.' The barriers could be (1) Religious (2) Language (3) Social Interaction and (4) Geography (Sudan is the biggest country in Africa).

The Daju People

Living in Western Sudan and Eastern Chad, the Daju (number one in the list) are mainly farmers and their economy is primarily based on grain production. Staple crops include millet, sorghum and corn. Some hunting is also done. Altogether, the Daju number about 150,000 in Sudan (260,000 in Chad and Sudan).

This is Sudan

Map of Sudan

The Daju have been a Muslim people since the fifteenth century. They revere the Qur’an, and all oaths and commitments are made according to its writings. Although the Daju are Muslim and follow Islamic teachings daily, they do not do so in the strictest sense. Friday prayer at the mosque is not attended by all, and the restriction of alcohol is often ignored. In addition, many of their traditional animistic beliefs have been retained and mixed in with their Islamic beliefs. In their animist religion, cults are formed, good and bad spirits are believed in and witchcraft is practiced. For their health and protection, newborn babies are sometimes given water that has been used to wash a board with Quranic scriptures written on it.

Prayer Starters for the Daju Peoples of Sudan:

• Pray for the Daju and the other groups in the list that the Gospel might reach them (Mt 28:18-20).
• Pray that Bible-based communities of believers with local leadership could be established in each group (Titus 1:5-9).
• The Bible has not yet been translated into the Daju language. No Christian resources such as the Jesus film or Christian radio programs are available to them. However, gospel recordings are available in their language.

This article is from material provided by the IMB and the Joshua Project.

Background on Sudan (World Factbook)

Military regimes favoring Islamic-oriented governments have dominated national politics since independence from the UK in 1956. Sudan was embroiled in two prolonged civil wars during most of the remainder of the 20th century. These conflicts were rooted in northern economic, political, and social domination of largely non-Muslim, non-Arab southern Sudanese. The first civil war ended in 1972, but broke out again in 1983. The second war and famine-related effects resulted in more than 4 million people displaced and, according to rebel estimates, more than 2 million deaths over a period of two decades. Peace talks gained momentum in with the signing of several accords; a final Naivasha peace treaty of January 2005 granted the southern rebels autonomy for six years. A separate conflict that broke out in the western region of Darfur in 2003 has resulted in at least 200,000 deaths and nearly 2 million displaced; peacekeeping troops are struggling to stabilize the situation.

NOTE: South Sudan became the worlds newest country on July 9, 2011. Continued prayer is needed for peace between North and South Sudan.

Economy of Sudan

Chronic instability - resulting from the long-standing civil war between the Muslim north and the Christian/pagan south, adverse weather, and weak world agricultural prices - ensure that much of the population will remain at or below the poverty line for years. Agricultural production remains Sudan's most important sector despite exports of crude oil.

About Sudan

Was the largest country in Africa; dominated by the Nile and its tributaries

Population: South Sudan is between 6 - 8 million, (North) Sudan numbers range from 30 to 40 million, depending on what you read, as of July, 2011

Life Expectancy at Birth: 52.52 years. World Rank #207

Ethnic groups: black 52%, Arab 39%, Beja 6%, foreigners 2%, other 1%

Religions: Sunni Muslim 70% (in north), indigenous beliefs 25%, Christian 5% (mostly in south and Khartoum)

Languages: Arabic (official), Nubian, Ta Bedawie, diverse dialects of Nilotic, Nilo-Hamitic, Sudanic languages, English note: program of "Arabization" in process

Literacy: 61.1% male: 71.8% female: 50.5%

School Life Expectancy: 4 years

Video: Pray for Sudan (1:49)

Salam Sudan from World Relief NEXT on Vimeo.

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Cyrene was eastern Libya

In the Bible we are told that a man named Simon of Cyrene, passing through Jerusalem on a journey, was forced to bear the cross of Jesus (Mark 15:21). Cyrene was the region around present-day Benghazi in eastern Libya. The present Arab inhabitants of this nation, however, have never had any significant opportunity to receive the message of Jesus.

Today's Libya

For many years Libya was often negatively associated with international terrorism and Islamic revolution by the world community. Under normal circumstances the oil industry provides Libya with one of the highest per-capita incomes in Africa. Other industries include agriculture, food processing, textiles, fishing, and tourism. The Great Man-Made River Project, one of the largest water development projects in the world, is being built to bring fresh water from aquifers under the Sahara to coastal towns.

Cites of Libya

Tripoli ("Tarabulus" in Arabic) is the capital, largest city (urban population 1,682,000), principal seaport, and largest commercial and manufacturing center in Libya. Its climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot dry summers, cool winters, and some modest rainfall. Benghazi, also on the Mediterranean coast, is the second largest (850,000) and most intellectual Libyan city. It has more religious Muslims because of the presence of Islamic fundamentalist movements. Prostitution has increased in Benghazi recently. In the past decade, traditional marriage, often involving hundreds of people, has become an enormous expense.

Christian Witness Prohibited

About 96% of the Libyan population is Muslim and 3% Christian. The majority of Christians in Libya are nominal Egyptian Copts. There are only a handful of Libyan Christians. Sunni Islam is the state religion; Christian witness to Libyans is strictly prohibited.

Youth in Libya Need Your Prayers

Libyan young people have grown up with widespread government subsidies and free handouts. Strict media censorship had isolated them from most outside influence until the growing presence of the internet. About 70% of internet cafe users visit pornography sites. The oil revenues have enabled students, who will be the future leaders of the nation, to study abroad, which may give some the opportunity to hear the gospel.

Flag of Libya

Prayer requests for Libya:

* Pray for those in authority in the nation.

* Pray for Libyans living abroad. May they hear and receive the gospel outside their own country.

* Pray for more intercession teams, entering as tourists, to go and pray for this land.

* Pray for the Christian radio and satellite broadcasts. Over 100 hours of Arabic programs can be heard by Libyans each week. Many have written to the radio stations, but censorship hinders follow-up correspondence.

* Pray for the development of the Jesus film into Libyan Colloquial Arabic, the spoken language of most Libyans. Until this is available, pray for Libyans to watch and be touched by other Arabic versions.

Map of Libya

Background on Libya (World Factbook)

After the death of Colonel Gaddafi (20 October, 2011) the country seeks ways to bring the various tribes and factions together to form a peaceful and prosperous nation. It is probable that elections will be held in mid-2012.

Economy of Libya

Substantial revenues from the oil sector coupled with a small population give Libya one of the highest per capita GDPs in Africa, but little of this income flows down to the lower orders of society. The non-oil manufacturing and construction sectors, which account for about 20% of GDP, have expanded from processing mostly agricultural products to include the production of petrochemicals, iron, steel, and aluminum. Climatic conditions and poor soils severely limit agricultural output, and Libya imports about 75% of its food.

Statistics on Libya

Population: 6,597,960 (July 2011 est.) World Rank #101
Note: includes 166,510 non-nationals

Life Expectancy at Birth: 77.65 years. World Rank #58

Ethnic groups: Berber and Arab 97%, other 3% (includes Greeks, Maltese, Italians, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Turks, Indians, and Tunisians)

Religions: Sunni Muslim 97%, other 3%

Languages: Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the major cities

Literacy: 82.6% male: 92.4% / female: 72%

School Life Expectancy: 17 years

Tripoli - Libya - Video

Sights and Sounds around Libya.

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| · This article was written before the Libyan uprising against Muammar Qaddafi.

Rashid sits looking out over the Mediterranean. At his back is the Sahara Desert. His five children are playing happily while his wife tidies up the barbecue. Rashid is worried. He normally enjoys barbecues in the warm spring weather, talking with his friends, drinking mint tea and relaxing after a hard week.

This week was particularly difficult as a new law is requiring businesses like his to re-register, meaning hours in queues, and Rashid is unsure if he has correctly understood the new law. Progressive methods are new for his country, where corruption and favouritism have often meant the abundant oil wealth has not benefited the common people. A training trip to Europe had shocked Rashid -- the buildings and roads, indeed everything, seemed to be constantly repaired, not left to crumble as in his country.

Rightly Guided

But none of this is why Rashid is worried. The physical environment is not important -- what Allah wants will happen anyway. Rashid knows his name means Rightly Guided. He is proud to think of himself as one on the right path. Of course, one can never be sure with Allah, but Rashid is pretty confident that he is doing everything Allah wants: he prays, fasts, pays the tax, and at every opportunity he declares his faith in Allah. In a year or two he should be able to pay to go to Mecca.

His Guilt Trip

But as he thinks back to his trip to Europe, and in particular one of his European teachers, all this certainty is clouded. The teacher hadn’t lived as Rashid had expected, and he told Rashid in one of their many conversations over tea that he believed that God was not primarily interested in what we did but in our acceptance of what he had done through the Messiah! He seemed to be certain that he would live with God when he died! How could that be? He had suggested to Rashid that he watch an Arabic TV station. To be polite, Rashid had taken the details. Now at home he couldn’t stop thinking about it, and finally, late one night when no one would see him, he found the channel and guiltily watched a few minutes, terrified of being found out.

What Now?

Now Rashid has a bigger problem. The message attracts him, but for him it is all wrong. He has thought since childhood that Christians believe in three gods, that the original books of Jesus, Moses and David have been lost and/or changed by the Jews and Christians. How could this message, which they obviously take from the book, be the truth from God?

Flay of Libya

Map of Libya

Prayer Starters:

• For the government -- that wealth will be equitably distributed and the country better administered (Exodus 23:8, Deuteronomy 16:19).
• For travellers from Libya to meet real Christians who testify to their faith (Acts 8:26-39).
• For more believers to get jobs in Libya and have opportunities to proclaim the Messiah in word and deed.
• For Libyans to tune into radio, satellite TV and Internet programs. These effective media aids have helped many find faith. God is revealing himself!
• For the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to Libyans despite all their misconceptions.

(See the www.lovelibya.com site for more information.)

Listen to the Podcast - DAY 16 - Saved in Libya

Video: History of Libya (4:28)

Ancient Libya Rediscovered from Carmel Bruno on Vimeo.

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Morrocan Muslims took the fortress from the Portuguese in 1769. The Muslims gave the city the name “El-Jadida” which is simply Arabic for "new." The city now has about 150,000 inhabitants.

Summer in the City

El-Jadida truly comes alive in summer. The many fine beaches in the area (Oualidia Haouzia, as well as Sidi Bouzid, Lalla Fatna and Jorf) attract primarily Moroccans on holidays, but there are also a few Western tourists. Holidaying Moroccans are about as relaxed and easygoing as one could wish for anyone to be!
For more info see the site: www.ariseshinemorocco.org

Arab Spring

Influenced by protests elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa, thousands of Moroccans in February 2011 rallied in Rabat and several other major cities to demand constitutional reform and more democracy and to protest government corruption and high food prices. A number of similar demonstrations and marches continued through March. Police response to most of the protests was subdued compared to the violence noted in protests elsewhere in the region. In early March, in response to demonstrator demands, King MOHAMMED VI announced the formation of a commission to reform the country's constitution.

Flag of Morocco

Map of Morocco

Prayer Starters:

• Over the decades many Moroccans in El Jadida have heard and been influenced by the Gospel either through media or by direct contact with believers. Many need to commit/recommit their lives to the Messiah. Some need to reconcile themselves with other believers (See James 1:6-8 and 4:8).
• Pray for the handful of scattered believers in the area that they would grow bold and have a yearning in their heart to share their faith with others and meet together. The Moroccan believers often do not regularly meet together because of fear (See 2 Timothy 1:7).
• Pray for Moroccans on holiday to discover the Messiah. He is the only one who can bring real peace, joy and rest. Years ago the Apostle Peter was staying on the coast of Israel. Some dramatic events happened which led others to encounter the Messiah a little further up the coast (see Acts 10:1-48). Pray for God’s interventions!!!
• Pray for this coastal region from Azemour to Jadida to Safi to Essaouira. May the wind of the Holy Spirit blow in from the sea and further inland to the heart of the nation.

Listen to the Podcast - DAY 08 - El Jadida, Morocco

Video: Mission Morocco (1:41)

Jesus in the Qur’an

Jesus is usually referred to in the Qur’an by the name Isa. Various titles, roles and activities are attributed to Jesus. Here are a few examples:

• Jesus is the word of God: Sura: 3:45; 5:46, 110 and 57:27
• Jesus is Messiah: Sura: 3:45; 4:171; 5:17, 72, 75
• Prophet or a Messenger from God: Sura: 3:49; 6:85; 19:30; 57:27
• Raised the dead and healed the sick: Sura: 3:49; 5:110
• Pure, sinless: Sura: 19:19

Even if the Qur’anic ideas listed above are the same or similar to Biblical ideas, Muslims never think of Jesus as being divine or as saving us through his death and resurrection. They think of him as a prophet who brought a book called the “Gospel.”

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In early March 2011 we are preparing several versions of the "30-Days" material for printing.

The Libyan revolt against Muammar Qaddafi is underway but the Dictator is still very dangerous and determined. Massive demonstrations are still taking place in many countries. The Muslim world is in great turmoil. The anointed King on Zion’s hill reigns (see Psalm 2). Who knows how He may guide the future?

middle east north africa map

Heart Desires

The desire for freedom which the Tunisians, the Egyptians, the Libyans, the Yemenis and others have expressed in recent months is deeply embedded in the human heart. In an ultimate sense this desire can only be met by the Messiah. He is appointed to reign over the peoples of the earth with justice and righteousness (see Psalm 72 and Daniel 7:13-14). He will sit as judge and eventually correct all wrongs (Acts 17:31). The beauty of his righteous reign in the new heavens and on the new earth will be unequalled (2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1-4).

Prayer Starters:

• Worship the Messiah who is delivers us from the guilt and power of sin. One day he will free us even from the presence of sin. The Messiah delivers us from the power of death, we shall rise again with bodies which will never die. The Messiah is opposed to all corruption, oppression and injustice. He has overcome the evil one and the attitudes, values and ways of this world.
• Pray for the Middle East and North Africa concerning current events.
• Muslims acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah without realising what that means or that he gives true freedom through his death and resurrection. Pray for many to meet the Messiah.
• Pray for the protection, encouragement and empowering of believers in this time of crisis.

Listen to the Podcast - DAY 03 - Mecca's Working Class

Attributes: Images thanks to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Spring

Video: The Arab Revolution (6:27)

CNN's Amber Lyon Talks to Mediaite's Mark Joyella from Mark Joyella on Vimeo.

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Early History of the Kabyles of Algeria

When the Arabs invaded North Africa, they Arabized and Islamized the Berbers, many of whom had been at least nominally Christian as early as the second and third centuries AD. Many Berbers had been martyred for their faith under Roman persecution, well before the Arab conquest. The Kabyle Berbers fled to the mountainous regions of Kabylia and, despite the many centuries of Arab occupation, have been able to keep their language alive by passing it on orally to each generation. They have also kept their traditional clothing (colourful dresses and headwear for the women). Their Christian faith, however, did not withstand Islam, although the Kabyles were very reluctant to become Muslim. The fact that the Bible was never translated into Berber in those early years is a major reason why the Kabyles eventually became Muslim. The Kabyles have been Muslims for many centuries. Christian missionaries came and went without seeing fruit. Some died as martyrs.

Work among the Kabyles of Algeria

In the early 1980s, the Lord started moving among the Kabyles in a new way. An Arabic Christian shared the Gospel with some young Kabyles on a football team. They accepted Jesus and in turn reached out to their people. Others saw dreams and visions. Small house churches began in the mountains. All this took place secretly for fear of persecution from the Muslim population. The churches grew in size and eventually became visible. It is now well known that many Kabyles are Christians. A few years ago the Algerian government even published figures indicating the presence of at least 7,000 Kabyle Christians.

Some Kabyles started translation work and saw the emergence of Kabyle in writing. The first book ever written in the new Kabyle Berber script was the New Testament and the first film ever translated was the Jesus film. Worship tapes in Kabyle now exist. Soon the entire Bible in Kabyle will be printed. The Kabyles are bold people, willing to share their faith. Clearly, a revival is taking place.

Flag of Algeria

Map of Algeria

An excellent book concerning the early Christians in North Africa is This Holy Seed by Robin Daniel (published by Tamarisk Press in the UK). You can also discover more about Kabylia at the non-Christian website kabyle.com.

Pray for the Muslim Kabyles of Algeria:

* Thank God for the Kabyle Church. Pray through Paul's prayers in Colossians 1:2b-12, applying them to the Kabyle Church.

* Pray for strengthening of these young but dedicated churches through the various training programmes which have already started.

* Pray for closer and better relationships between church leaders. A promising partnership has already begun and needs to grow.

* Pray for the Kabyle Christians to have a greater vision to reach out to other Muslim people groups in Algeria and beyond. May they take the blessing of Abraham everywhere they go (Gal. 3:8-14).

Background on Algeria (World Factbook)

After more than a century of rule by France, Algerians fought through much of the 1950s to achieve independence in 1962. Algeria's primary political party, the National Liberation Front (FLN), has dominated politics ever since. Many Algerians in the subsequent generation were not satisfied, however, and moved to counter the FLN's centrality in Algerian politics.

Intense fighting between 1992-98 resulted in over 100,000 deaths - many attributed to indiscriminate massacres of villagers by extremists.

Longstanding problems continue to face the government, including the ethnic minority Berbers' ongoing autonomy campaign, large-scale unemployment, a shortage of housing, unreliable electrical and water supplies, government inefficiencies and corruption, and the continuing - although significantly degraded - activities of extremist militants. Algeria must also diversify its petroleum-based economy, which has yielded a large cash reserve but which has not been used to redress Algeria's many social and infrastructure problems. The Arab uprising across the Near Eastern and North African region beginning in December 2010, coupled with a sudden rise in the cost of food staples, triggered a wave of protests across Algeria during early 2011. Changes have been promised.

Economy of Algeria

Algeria has the eighth-largest reserves of natural gas in the world and is the fourth-largest gas exporter; it ranks 18th in oil reserves. Algeria has decreased its external debt to less than 10% of GDP after repaying its Paris Club and London Club debt in 2006. Real GDP has risen due to higher oil output and increased government spending. There is still high unemployment and low living standards. Structural reform within the economy, such as development of the banking sector and the construction of infrastructure, moves ahead slowly hampered by corruption and bureaucratic resistance.

About Algeria

Second-largest country in Africa (after Sudan).

Population: 34,994,937 (July 2011 est.) World rank #35

Life Expectancy at Birth: 74.5 years. World rank #98

Ethnic Groups: Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1% - See notes below

Religions: Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1%

Languages: Arabic (official), French, Berber dialects

Literacy: total population: 69.9%; male: 79.6% / female: 60.1%

School life expectancy: 13 years

Ethnic groups Note: almost all Algerians are Berber in origin, not Arab; the minority who identify themselves as Berber live mostly in the mountainous region of Kabylie east of Algiers; the Berbers are also Muslim but identify with their Berber rather than Arab cultural heritage; Berbers have long agitated, sometimes violently, for autonomy; the government is unlikely to grant autonomy but has offered to begin sponsoring teaching Berber language in schools.

Sights and Sounds of Algeria: Video (1:56)

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At the western end of the Sahara desert, in a land that receives 4.5 cm of rain a year and where temperatures vary from 60 degrees C (150 ° F) in the shade to near freezing at night, lies a country called Western Sahara or Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).

Western Sahara borders the North Atlantic Ocean, between Mauritania and Morocco.

The Saharawi Peoples

In this harsh, sun-soaked, sand-moving country lives a people called the Saharawi. Of semi nomadic decent they are a Berber/Arab mix. Their Arabic inheritance can be traced back to the 15th Century when tribes migrated from Yemen across North Africa and settled in Western Sahara. Later, the acceptance of Islam by the Berbers and the increasing strength of the Arabic culture gave the tribes people a predominantly Arabic bias. As a result of this mixture of tribes the Saharawi people and culture was born.

There are many shades of Saharawis, the majority are pale-skinned. In the camp schools some children have near- blue eyes and pale or reddish hair, but there are also Saharawi whose skin is the jet black of central Africa. Culturally, the darker skinned people have less status over lighter skinned. The people are warm, extremely hospitable and open to outsiders and other religions (at least for dialogue). The younger generation are increasingly rejecting Islam.

Of the 230,000 people that call themselves Saharawi, only approx 30,000 still live there. The rest have fled to Algeria due to war, famine and oppression. They live in refugee camps of faded canvas tents or mud brick huts that become like ovens in summer and which dissolve into mud in the rare years of rain. These camps have, however, been called the most organised and well-run refugee camps in the world. They've had over 20 years of practice. Life expectancy averages 45 years for men, women 47.

In the Saharawi tribal culture no tribe exerts power over another and each one is represented in an overall governing body. Disputes are handled either in a friendly way or by compensation according to Islamic law.

Struggles of the Saharawi people

When the Spanish abandoned the colony in the mid 1970's, the Saharawi were on the verge of gaining independence due to the uprising of the Saharawi who had had enough of other people always ruling over them. Secretly the Spanish had signed an illegal agreement with neighbouring countries, Mauritania and Morocco, to carve up Western Sahara among themselves.

Flag of Western Sahara

Map of Western Sahara

The Saharawi resisted in a guerrilla war that lasted 16 years, followed by another eight years of uneasy cease-fire. Only Morocco still demands that Western Sahara be incorporated into the Kingdom of Mohammed the 6th. The country is rich in fish and large deposits of phosphate, uranium and other mineral wealth. To this day Western Sahara remains occupied and continues in its struggle to become an independent nation.

There are known to be a handful of believers amongst the Saharawi, but no church has been planted as the believers are spread over four nations.

Prayer Guide for Western Sahara:

* For whole families, heads of households and men of influence to find Christ (Acts16:30-34).

* Isaiah 25:4 "For You have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat".

* Pray that the Saharawi would come to know this truth for themselves through Jesus.

* That the Saharawi, for many whom life is bitter, will discover the abundant life found in Jesus.

Background on Western Sahara (World Factbook)

Morocco virtually annexed the northern two-thirds of Western Sahara (formerly Spanish Sahara) in 1976, and the rest of the territory in 1979, following Mauritania's withdrawal. A guerrilla war with the Polisario Front contesting Rabat's sovereignty ended in a 1991 UN-brokered cease-fire; a UN-organized referendum on final status has been repeatedly postponed.

Economy of Western Sahara

Western Sahara depends on pastoral nomadism, fishing, and phosphate mining as the principal sources of income for the population. The territory lacks sufficient rainfall for sustainable agricultural production, and most of the food for the urban population must be imported. All trade and other economic activities are controlled by the Moroccan Government. Moroccan energy interests in 2001 signed contracts to explore for oil off the coast of Western Sahara, which has angered the Polisario. Incomes and standards of living in Western Sahara are substantially below the Moroccan level.

Statistics on Western Sahara

Population: 507,160 (July 2011 est.) World Rank #170
Note: estimate is based on projections by age, sex, fertility, mortality, and migration; fertility and mortality are based on data from neighboring countries

Life Expectancy at Birth: 61.13 years. World Rank #185

Ethnic Groups: Arab, Berber

Religions: Muslim

Languages: Hassaniya Arabic, Moroccan Arabic

Literacy: NA

Documentary about Sahrawi people directed by Carlotta Piccinini and produced by VisualLab - Video

Making tents in Western Sahara.

1514 Le nuvole non si fermano (Clouds do not stop) ENGLISH PROMO from Visuallab on Vimeo.

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Miracles Despite the Heat

A Christian who recently visited the country described the general situation of Mauritanian believers. “You can have freedom of speech, if you are a Muslim. You can have freedom of religion, if you are a Muslim. It is in fact OK to be a Christian, but it is offensive to speak of Jesus as anything other than one of the prophets.” In this setting God is doing wonders, despite the guards that sometimes stand at church doors to ensure that Mauritanian citizens don’t enter. God has given dreams to Mauritanians even in remote areas. In the interior of the country, an Imam showed the Jesus Film in a mosque. The Iman later died and the results are unclear, but such seed sowing needs to continue. By God’s grace, there are now Mauritanians following Christ in many countries around the world.

Flag of Mauritania

Map of Mauritania

Testimony from Mauritania:

Soon after coming to faith in Christ, Bokar told his Christian friends that he wanted to do away with a special undershirt inscribed with Koranic passages and interwoven with dozens of amulets. Several Mauritanians were afraid and said the shirt could not be destroyed, that if burned, it would jump out of the fire. This type of shirt makes the wearer impervious to any weapon. It is one of the most powerful enchantments known to the Hal-Pulaar (Fulani). After much prayer, Bokar burned his iron shirt, and the result was tremendous spiritual growth in his own life. Many who heard of the incident gained a new respect for the power of the Gospel.

Subjects for Prayer

* Pray for revelations of the love of God for whole population of over three million people.

* Desperate poverty plagues the lives of most Mauritanians, causing a sense of hopelessness and despair.

* Despite the grip of Islam on the country, animism is practised by most people. The deep-rooted fear of evil spirits (known as jinn) binds many people. Many seek supernatural help through divination and occult practices.

* There are often tensions between different tribal groups, (Soninké, Fulani, Maures, Wolof, etc.) which can lead to violence.

* Corruption is endemic in all areas of society.

* Divorce is widespread, and women and children often suffer the most.

Background on Mauritania (World Factbook)

Independent from France in 1960, Mauritania annexed the southern third of the former Spanish Sahara (now Western Sahara) in 1976, but relinquished it after three years of raids by the Polisario guerrilla front seeking independence for the territory. A bloodless coup in August 2005 deposed President TAYA and ushered in a military council, which declared it would remain in power for up to two years while it created conditions for genuine democratic institutions and organized elections. Accordingly, parliamentary elections were held in late 2006-early 2007 and presidential elections in March 2007. The country continues to experience ethnic tensions among its black population and different Moor (Arab-Berber) communities.

Economics of Mauritania

Half the population still depends on agriculture and livestock for a livelihood, even though many of the nomads and subsistence farmers were forced into the cities by recurrent droughts in the 1970s and 1980s. Mauritania has extensive deposits of iron ore, which account for nearly 40% of total exports. The nation's coastal waters are among the richest fishing areas in the world, but overexploitation by foreigners threatens this key source of revenue. The country's first deepwater port opened near Nouakchott in 1986. In the past, drought and economic mismanagement resulted in a buildup of foreign debt, which now stands at more than three times the level of annual exports. Oil prospects, while initially promising, have largely failed to materialize, and the government has placed a priority on attracting private investment to spur economic growth. The Government also emphasizes reduction of poverty, improvement of health and education, and privatization of the economy.

Statistics for Mauritania

Population: 3,281,634 (July 2011 est.) World rank: 133

Life expectancy at birth: 61.14 years; world rank: 184

Ethnic groups: mixed Moor/black 40%, Moor 30%, black 30%

Religions: Muslim 100%

Languages: Arabic (official), Pulaar, Soninke, French, Hassaniya, Wolof

Literacy: 51.2% - male: 59.5%, female: 43.4%

School Life Expectancy: 8 years

Mauritania - Video

Chinguetti the library of the desert (Mauritania).

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Alexandria, Egypt's Rich History

Alexandria has a rich history. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332BC, it quickly grew into one of the major cities of the Roman Empire along with Rome, Athens and Byzantium. It was in Alexandria in about 250BC that the Septuagint was translated traditionally by seventy scholars. This was a response to the large Jewish community living in the city at the time. Here also was the famous library of Alexandria, the Pharos Lighthouse and Alexandria School of Theology led by Clement and Origen.

Today Alexandria, with over 5 million inhabitants, is the second largest city of Egypt after Cairo, and one of the largest cities in Africa. It is still the official seat of the Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate. Alexandria fell under the control of Muslim armies in 642AD. Over a period of time the strength of Christianity dwindled.
The city was slowly dying until the opening of the Mahmoudia Canal connected Alexandria with the Nile. Almost overnight the city became the major port of Egypt.

The growth encouraged immigration from Italy and Greece that also affected the nature of the city, but after the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 Greeks and Italians were driven from the city. In recent history the city has again suffered economic and political loss due to poor management, but a recent change of governors has inspired badly needed change and an increased confidence in the economic future of the city.

Alexandria, Egypt is a city with a spiritual hunger

Alexandria is the site of more than 15 Christian conference centres. It was in one of these conference centres that a renewal movement began in the 1950's. Sadly, the renewal seemed to affect mostly those who came from other parts of Egypt. Many of the churches today suffer from disunity and until recently, there were very few Christians interested in reaching out to the majority. As a result, the number of those who have believed from a Muslim background, is very low and few have been integrated into a local church.

Flag of Egypt

Map of Egypt

There are signs of change appearing. Some individuals are sharing their faith and the number of believers from Muslim background is growing. Muslim fundamentalism seems, at present, to have lost its vitality and a number of people who were involved have begun looking for something else that will better meet their spiritual hunger.

Prayer guide for Alexandria, Egypt:

* Pray for the church: for protection, opportunities to share their faith, for follow-up and on going discipleship, especially for those who have come from Muslim background.

* Pray for the Church to run effective training programs for individuals interested in sharing their faith.

* Pray for the leaders of this great city to make wise and righteous decisions in their government and for the people to find real freedom.

Background on Egypt (World Factbook)

The regularity and richness of the annual Nile River flood, coupled with semi-isolation provided by deserts to the east and west, allowed for the development of one of the world's great civilizations. A unified kingdom arose circa 3200 B.C., and a series of dynasties ruled in Egypt for the next three millennia. The last native dynasty fell to the Persians in 341 B.C., who in turn were replaced by the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines.

It was the Arabs who introduced Islam and the Arabic language in the 7th century and who ruled for the next six centuries. A local military caste, the Mamluks took control about 1250 and continued to govern after the conquest of Egypt by the Ottoman Turks in 1517.

Following the completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, Egypt became an important world transportation hub, but also fell heavily into debt. Ostensibly to protect its investments, Britain seized control of Egypt's government in 1882, but nominal allegiance to the Ottoman Empire continued until 1914. Partially independent from the UK in 1922, Egypt acquired full sovereignty following World War II.

The completion of the Aswan High Dam in 1971 and the resultant Lake Nasser have altered the time-honored place of the Nile River in the agriculture and ecology of Egypt. A rapidly growing population (the largest in the Arab world), limited arable land, and dependence on the Nile all continue to overtax resources and stress society. The government has struggled to ready the economy for the new millennium through economic reform and massive investment in communications and physical infrastructure.

During demonstrations beginning on 25 January 2011, protesters called for his resignation as president of Egypt. On 1 February 2011, Mubarak announced that he would not seek another term in the 2011 Egyptian presidential election. On 11 February, Vice President Omar Suleiman announced that Mubarak had resigned as president and transferred authority to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces following 18 days of protests challenging his nearly 30 years of rule. On February 13, 2011, the Egyptian military, heeding protester demands, dissolved the Egyptian parliament.

Economy of Egypt

Occupying the northeast corner of the African continent, Egypt is bisected by the highly fertile Nile valley, where most economic activity takes place. In the last 30 years, the government has reformed the highly centralized economy it inherited from President NASSER. In 2005, Prime Minister Ahmed NAZIF reduced personal and corporate tax rates, reduced energy subsidies, and privatized several enterprises. The stock market boomed, and GDP grew about 5% per year in 2005-06. Despite these achievements, the government has failed to raise living standards for the average Egyptian, and has had to continue providing subsidies for basic necessities. The subsidies have contributed to a sizeable budget deficit and represent a significant drain on the economy.

Statistics on Egypt

Population: 82,079,636 (July 2011 est.) World Rank #15

Life Expectancy at Birth: 72.66 years. World Rank #123

Ethnic Groups: Egyptian 99.6%, Berber, Nubian, Bedouin, and Beja 0.2%, Greek, Armenian, other European (primarily Italian and French) 0.2%

Religions: Muslim (mostly Sunni) 90%, Coptic 9%, other Christian 1%

Languages: Arabic (official), English and French widely understood by educated classes

Literacy: 71.4% | male: 83% female: 59.4%

Video: What Is Next For Egypt?

Remember to pray for the wise and safe transition of Egypt, not only for itself but also the region.

Egypt from Gus Bendinelli on Vimeo.

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Horrible Torture, Death and Destruction in Darfur

Darfur, in the desert region of western Sudan, has been the scene of much horrible torture, death, and destruction in the past few years. For centuries the settled farmers and nomadic herder tribes in the area coexisted peacefully, both speaking Arabic as a trade language and with extensive ethnic intermarriage among the tribes. Recently, however, conflict has risen over access to water and grazing land between the more settled "African" farmers and some of the "Arab" herder tribes.

To Islamicise the Region of Darfur

The present crisis began in April 2003 when an armed group of Darfurian rebels, desiring autonomy for their region, attacked a Sudanese government force in Darfur, resulting in the death of over 100 soldiers. Afterwards the Sudanese government supported the Janjaweed ("armed men on horseback") armed militia against the rebels. The militia is composed of people mainly from the nomadic and semi-nomadic Baggara tribe, also known as the Shuwa Arabs. The Sudanese government has given the Janjaweed logistical and military support, including air strikes against farmer villages. These activities seem to be part of an effort to more thoroughly Islamicise the region and crush any hopes of Darfurian autonomy.

Millions Could Perish in Darfur

In 2005 the United Nations estimated that 180,000 had died and over 1.8 million people had been displaced from their homes in this conflict. About 200,000 people have fled to neighboring Chad. Hundreds of villages with populations in the thousands have been burned to the ground. The systematic nature of this campaign has been confirmed by eyewitness accounts. The UN World Food Programme estimated that up to 3.5 million people faced famine in Darfur in the autumn of 2005. It is uncertain what the situation will be in 2007. Many of the refugees are asking why other Muslims are treating them so badly, ultimately even questioning Islam.

Witchcraft

Few Darfurians have heard the gospel. Their only knowledge of Jesus is that he was a prophet like Mohammed. The practice of animism and witchcraft is common among the Darfurians. The region is one of the least evangelized areas on earth, with fewer than 50 known believers among all Darfur's tribes (2005 figure), these few being the hope for the future of Darfur.

This is Sudan

Map of Sudan

Prayer requests:

* Pray for peace in Darfur at all levels: international efforts, Sudanese efforts, and inter-tribal efforts.

* Ignorance and poverty are major problems for the Darfur, leading to tribal conflicts, banditry, and violence. Pray for laborers who can bring reconciliation, solutions to enduring problems, and salvation.

* Pray that the Spirit of God will inspire and motivate the people of Darfur and prepare them to receive the Word with humility.

* Pray that the works of the kingdom of darkness involving Islam, animism, and sorcery will be exposed, bringing freedom.

* Ministry is needed for the widows and orphans left destitute from the conflict. Pray for people and teams to work with them.

Video: Darfur, Sudan

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