Arab, Jordanian in Syria

People Name:	Arab, Jordanian
Country:	Syria
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	24,000
World Population:	4,930,700
Primary Language:	Arabic, Levantine
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	2.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.30 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Arab, Levant
Affinity Bloc:	Arab World
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Levant Arabs (a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Jordanian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Chaldean and Syrian Arabs), originally settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa. Today, several hundred thousand Levant Arabs live along the northern edges of the Arabian Desert. They are spread from Israel to Kuwait, and many live in Syria, northern neighbor to Jordan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Like other Levant Arabs, Jordanian Arabs typically live in villages located near fertile regions; but they can also be found near mountain foothills in less arid regions. Although they have settled in towns or villages, they have held on to their tribal affiliations.
To preserve their people, they are only allowed to marry those inside their own group. Jordanian Arab society is patrilineal, which means that inheritances are passed down through the males. In this system, boys inherit more than girls. Since children are considered a family's greatest asset, females are valued for their ability to bear children.
Central to some of the worst fighting the Middle East has seen in recent history, Syria is a nation wracked with strife. A civil war has been ongoing since 2011, not to mention the terror of ISIS. The damage on Syria's environment and infrastructure is extensive and will be felt by all who live there for many years.
Like members of religious groups all over the world, Jordanian Muslims equate “Christianity” with a worldwide political system.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The primary sect followed in Jordan is Sunni Islam, though there are some Christians among them. A tiny number are Evangelical.

What Are Their Needs?

There is a great need for the gospel to be preached among Jordanian Arabs in Syria. Evangelization efforts among them are challenging due to restrictions as well as general antagonism towards Christianity. The conflict in Syria has created an even greater challenge to any who would seek to enter.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord for opportunities to minister to both Jordanian and Syrian Arabs through relief and rebuilding efforts, and that the love of Christ would be made known to the suffering.
Pray that God will raise up faithful intercessors who will stand in the gap for the Jordanian Arabs in Syria.
Ask God to give Arab believers opportunities to share the love of Christ with Jordanian Arabs, and for hearts to soften, creating open doors for the gospel to be spread.
Ask the Holy Spirit to stir the hearts of these people toward Christ, and for movements to arise of Arabs in Syria coming to know Christ.