| 1/2 The Beja people live in the deserts of Sudan, Egypt, and Eritrea. These nearly 3 million people represent the largest non-Arab people group in the region between the Nile and the Red Sea. Pray that Beja people will hear the gospel and ask Jesus to be their Savior. |
3 Beja people wear their hair thickly braided on the top of their heads, almost like a crown. Pray that the Beja people will put on the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17). |
| 4 The Beja people claim to be descendants of Noah’s grandson Cush (Genesis 10:6). Pray that the Beja people will desire to read the Bible and accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. |
5 Of the 5 million people living in Eritrea, about 200,000 belong to the Beja people group. Pray that Beja people will join the group of people who will one day worship together around God’s throne in heaven (Revelation 7:9). |
| 6 Eritrea is bordered by three other countries: Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Sudan. The capital city is Asmara. Pray that the Beja people in Eritrea will be surrounded by people who can explain the gospel to them (Matthew 24:14). |
7 Eritrea is a little larger than Pennsylvania; the Beja people live primarily in the northern third of the country. Pray that Christians will build friendships with Beja people and that the Beja people will be willing to listen to the salvation message. |
| 8/9 November 9 has been designated the international day of prayer for the persecuted church. Helen Berhane was put in jail for making a gospel music record that was popular among young Eritrean Christians. After Helen was released from jail, she and her daughter escaped the country and found freedom in Denmark. Pray that persecuted believers will have a strong faith and will be bold witnesses by forgiving those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). |
10 The official languages of Eritrea are Tigrinya and Arabic; English is used in business and education. Most Beja people speak Bedawiyet. Pray that people from every language group in Eritrea will praise and worship God. |
| 11 The Beja people live in clans of 1 to 12 families. They are named for their ancestors. Pray that Beja people will learn about Jesus, ask Him to forgive their sins, and become part of God’s family. |
12 The head of the clan settles most common daily problems. When people have bigger disputes, they appeal to traditional Beja law. Pray that the Beja people will hear God’s laws and desire to follow His ways. |
| 13 The Beja people herd their animals from place to place in search of good grazing lands. They also sell straw mats, woolen rugs, and other crafts. Pray that as they travel, Beja people will meet Christians who will show them the love of Christ. |
14 Some nomadic Beja people live in tents. Beja tribes that stay in one place build mud houses. The family sleeps together on a bed made of straw mats and woolen rugs. Pray that the hearts of the Beja people will become homes for Jesus. |
| 15/16 What keeps the Beja unreached? The Beja people move frequently, so it is difficult for someone to minister to them effectively. Other factors are the Beja’s belief in Islam and ongoing conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Pray that the Beja people will have many opportunities to hear the gospel and that their hearts will be softened and ready to receive the message of salvation. |
17 The Beja people of Eritrea are classified as 100 percent Sunni Muslim. Pray that the Beja people will hear the good news about Jesus and become followers of Christ (Romans 15:5–6). |
| 18 Though the Beja people call themselves Muslims, they practice what is known as “folk Islam”—a mixture of Islam and traditional beliefs. Pray that Beja people will understand that Jesus died for their sins (Romans 5:8) and accept Him as their Savior. |
19 Beja people believe that it is possible to curse others by giving them the “evil eye.” Pray that Beja people will learn that Jesus has power over evil (2 Thessalonians 3:3). |
| 20 The Beja people believe that evil spirits cause sicknesses and problems. Animal sacrifices are sometimes used in religious ceremonies. Pray that the Beja people will trust in Jesus, whose love can break the fear that binds them (1 John 4:18). |
21 Eritrea includes over 300 islands. Coral reefs on these islands are home to many varieties of colorful fish. Pray that the people will praise the God who created all the wonders of these islands (Isaiah 42:12). |
| 22/23 What can be done to reach the Beja people? The Jesus film has been translated into the Eritrean language of Tigrinya but not into Bedawiyet, the primary language of the Beja people. The whole Bible has been translated into only 5 of the 11 languages spoken in Eritrea. Pray that Beja people will have access to the message of Jesus in print and in other media. |
24 Spicy stew made with meat or vegetables is the basic food of Eritrea. The people also eat fruits such as bananas, mangoes, papayas, and peaches. Pray that the Beja people will discover that God satisfies them with good things (Psalm 107:9). |
| 25 At mealtimes in Eritrea, the table is covered with a flat bread called injera, and stew is ladled onto the bread. People break off pieces of injera and scoop up the stew. Pray that Beja people will learn that Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:48). |
26 When a Beja couple get married, the groom’s family gives a gift of livestock, clothes, and other items to the bride’s family. Pray that Beja couples will build their families on Jesus Christ’s gift of new life. |
27 Beja girls help their mothers collect firewood, carry water, and cook food. Boys help their fathers care for the cattle and camels. Pray that Beja families will turn to Jesus and become part of
God’s family. |
28 The unit of currency in Eritrea is the nakfa. The average annual income per person in Eritrea is $1,000. Pray that the Beja people will realize that knowing Jesus Christ is better than riches (Romans 11:33). |
| 29/30 What can you do to help the Beja become a reached people? Pray! Pray that Christians will go to Eritrea as Christ’s ambassadors and that they will receive the funds they need. Pray for ministries that are involved in reaching the Beja people with the gospel. |
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