The Amazigh of North Africa
The Amazigh of North Africa are the original inhabitants of the land. They are often called the Berbers. Amazigh means ‘free men’. Many were once Christian. St.Augustine of Hippo was Amazigh.
Pray that Augustine’s prayer would be prayed by many Amazigh: “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in Thee.” (Psalm 62:5 “Yes, my soul, find rest in God”)
Population: 25-36 million
Location and Background: Amazigh are found throughout North Africa with large populations in the mountain and rural areas of Morocco and Algeria. There are also 2 million residing in France. Amazigh are the indigenous people of North Africa, dating back thousands of years.
Culture: The Amazigh are traditionally farmers and herders, nomads and traders. They make the famous Berber carpets. The nomadic Tuaregs of the Sahara Desert are Amazigh.
Religion: Islam, with traces of former religious practices.
Latest Prayer Updates:
Hearing God’s Word
Amazigh of North Africa: Praise God for the gift of Scripture in people’s heart language! Many men in rural communities cannot read. Recently, some received Bibles in their mother tongue. When a teenage boy returned home from school, he found the Bible and began reading it aloud to his father and his friends. They were so excited to hear the Word of God being read in their own language. Pray that God’s Word will take deep root in these communities. Pray especially for those who cannot read, that they will have ongoing opportunities to hear Scripture and learn about Jesus.
