Daily Topic for December 26, 2010
In case it seems to you that Egypt is always portrayed in negative terms, here is an example where God used that ancient nation as His chosen instrument to protect the young Savior. In the Early Church Age, Egypt was the home of one of the earliest and most vibrant Christian movements. Egypt’s Coptic Church survived the Islamic invasions during the 700s. This is a nation blessed by God!
Pray for Egyptian Muslims like the Beja peoples to understand who God really is so they can put their trust in Him.
by CL
“We are Arab Bedouins,” the man said, nodding. “No,” the other argued. “We are Bejas.” “Bedouins,” the first insisted. “Bejas!” “Bedouins!”
This spirited discussion might be overheard (though not in English!) in the Red Sea Hills or the Nile Valley towns of Daraw and Qena. It illustrates the identity crisis many Ababda Bejas are currently facing.
The question of who and what they are goes beyond simple debate. The Ababda Bejas were once nomads who herded camels. While many are still nomadic, they have also had to adapt to the times. Some have settled down to farm while others have taken up fishing along the Egyptian coast. No matter what name they go by, they have continued to practice the Beja culture, usually speaking both Arabic and Bedawiyyet.
Are they Bedouins? Are they Arabs? Are they Bejas? In the end, the label doesn’t really matter. It is merely a reference point for making sure that they, like all other families, tongues, tribes, and nations have the opportunity to hear and respond to the good news that Jesus died and rose from the dead so that they could become part of the greatest Kingdom ever!
Learn more at joshuaproject.netPray for the Ababda Bejas to seek the Lord, even as they are seeking to understand who they are. Intercede on their behalf, asking God to make known to them His purposes and plans for their lives. Pray for the gospel to reach these unreached, slightly scattered (physically and ethnically), precious-in-God’s-sight people.