Fall 1999

Week ten

Final Newsletter of the Millennium: The Arabs of Saudi Arabia, a summer missionary’s story, job list, and God’s Heart for the Nations Bible Study by Jeff Lewis

Unreached People Group (UPG) focus: The Arabs of Saudi Arabia

Arabian peoples can be found throughout North Africa and the Middle East and may be defined by their adherence to Islam. Saudi Arabs live, not surprisingly, in Saudi Arabia, the largest state on the Arabian peninsula and the original homeland of the Arab peoples.

Saudi Arabs typically are town dwellers, farmers or nomads. The nomadic life of the Bedouin Arabs is legendary among Arabs and considered by them to be the most noble existence. Bedouins live in the harsh desert, eating primarily yogurt, rice, unleavened bread and dates. Meat is a delicacy reserved for special occasions and guests. Bedouins are considered frugal, brave and proud, yet hospitable.

Farming families live in villages and raise only what they need to survive or trade. Marriages are arranged and occur between 14 and 19 years of age for girls and a little later for boys. City dwellers comprise about 77 percent of the population and enjoy a variety of urban occupations. There are fewer arranged marriages and women are more free to leave the home.

Two cities in Saudi Arabia important for their relation to Islam are Mecca and Medina. Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammed, the founder of Islam, the most holy city for Muslims. Medina is Mohammed’s burial place. Most of the 11.6 million Arabs in Saudi Arabia adhere to Islam and practice the five pillars of Islam: confession of submission to Allah (God), daily prayer, charity, fasting during Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim year) and pilgrimage to Mecca.

How to pray for Saudi Arabs:

Only about 1,000 Saudi Arabians are Christian.

• Pray for workers to go into the harvest fields of Saudi Arabia.
• Pray that Jesus would reveal Himself to Saudi Arabs through the witness of non-Saudis living in the country through dreams and through His Word.
• Pray that believers would witness to Saudis living in countries with a significant Christian.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit would reduce Islam’s hold on the Saudi Arabs.
• Pray for opportunities to witness to Saudi Arabs and other Muslims on your campus.

Student Missions Projects in France working with UPGs:

A summer missionary’s story:

“Perhaps one of the most significant experiences for me occurred one day at the home of my supervising missionaries. As is the custom, a young man came by to visit the missionaries and to see me. The young man and I chatted for some time about various topics, until we began to discuss the reason for my visit. The young man, whose name was Sulaiman, in broken English, thanked me for coming. Though difficult for him, he was trying to express his deep gratitude for my help. He couldn’t say the words in English, but he very effectively communicated to me what I needed to hear. People are hurting in our world and they need the help of Christians. How will we respond? I shall never forget Sulaiman. He helped me to realize that people will only know we are Christians by our love.”

We will resume sending e-mail newsletters the week of January 17, 2000. Let us know your questions about the peoples of the world, God’s passion for the nations and how you matter to God’s global purpose.

Bible study:

GOD’S HEART FOR THE NATIONS