Shahari in Saudi Arabia

sha-HAR-ee

Speakers of the Shehri language reside in southwest Oman, on the border with Yemen, which is a mountainous area. Historically, this area was the largest producer of frankincense in the world. The people are said to be increasingly bilingual in Dhofari Arabic, and the Ethnologue lists Shehri as a threatened language. A small number live in Saudi Arabia.

Ministry Obstacles

Ministry obstacles include their nomadic lifestyle, illiteracy and their lack of access to gospel materials. Additionally, there is tremendous community pressure for the Shahari people to remain true to Islam.

Outreach Ideas

Outreach opportunities would include mobile health care units that can serve these nomads. The young people are seeking to improve their lives by moving to cities, so they might be reached in urban centers. Outreach workers could help the Shahari people manage their water resources while telling them about the One who promised living water.

Scripture Focus

"To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."  Acts 26:18

Scripture Prayer

Pray for God to send spiritual light and truth to this people group.

Prayer Focus

Pray for mission groups to specifically reach out to the young people in cities and start disciple making movements among them, with the hope that new believers will return to their nomadic roots and share Christ with others in Saudi Arabia. Pray for the youth of these tribes to be able to make needed adjustments to the rapidly changing world in Saudi Arabia. Please pray for gospel radio broadcasts to become available in Dhofari Arabic.