Berber, Mozabite in France

People Name:	Berber, Mozabite
Country:	France
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	5,000
World Population:	200,000
Primary Language:	Tumzabt
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Unspecified
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Berber-Saharan
Affinity Bloc:	Arab World
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

They live primarily in seven cities in and around the Mzab Valley, the largest of which is Ghardaia. It is an oasis in the stony Chebka region, which lies on the edge of the Sahara. While this is their homeland, they can be found in cities all over Algeria, as well as other cities around the world, where they are known as industrious merchants who bring their wealth back into the valley.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their lives are shaped by a combination of practicality and tradition. No one misses the calls to prayer throughout the day. Women are encouraged to get an education and pursue careers if they wish. Many men travel throughout the country with their trades, but always return to the Mzab Valley they call home. It is a place of many contrasts, from high-speed Internet cafes to palm-thatched roofs, and the latest high-tech medical equipment not far from 1000-year-old homes. The seasonal Mzab wadi feeds ancient underground watering routes for their city gardens, while pumps outside of town feed crops that are fed by watering hoses, turning the desert there into a garden.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are Ibadi Muslims and extremely devout and faithful to their traditional practices. They value the bonds of their religious community very highly and go to great lengths to care for the poor and meet the needs of their community.

What Are Their Needs?

Recently, the poverty of their non-Mozabite neighbors has led to conflicts that have left several dead and the government siding with the Arabs against them. So, they have a need for peace.

Prayer Points

Pray for Christ's ambassadors to go to this unreached and unengaged people to deliver the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pray that the veil of unbelief will be removed from their spiritual eyes and the truth of the living water, which Jesus wants to flood their souls, will burst forth into their hearts. Pray that they will crave the spiritual water that only Jesus offers so much that they will share him with many other Muslims.