AWLAD HASSAN (ZAGHAWA– BERI)

 

Population: 155,000         


The Awlad Hassan, who refer to themselves as the Beri, are scattered throughout central Africa, including Chad, Niger, and Sudan. Regardless of their location each grouping, including the Awlad Hassan, speaks Zaghawa (sometimes called Beri), which belongs to the Saharan branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family.

The Awlad Hassan inhabit a territory that consists mainly of grassy stretches and plateaus with deep gullies. Desert surrounds them to the north, east, and west. During the dry months, lack of water can become a problem. The Awlad Hassan people belong to an ancient society dating back to the seventh century. Long ago, they had their own kingdom that was separated into chiefdoms, castes (strict social classes), and family clans. The remnants of this ancient kingdom can still be seen today.

PRAYER POINTS
    Plead to the Lord of the Harvest to send forth laborers
to work among this ancient society.
    Ask God to create a hunger and thirst within the hearts of
the Awlad Hassan to know the Truth.

Isaiah 30:15

The Lord God said: In returning to Me and resting in Me, you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength.

-  Life is characterized by stress and pressure.
-  Often this stress and pressure is destructive.
-  It is when we are still that we find God.
-  When we find God we have strength.

PRAYER:  Lord, my life is so busy. I am facing so much pressure and stress. Help me to find the balance, so that my strength can be renewed. Amen.

Global Prayer Digest, October 20, 2009

Hindu Mahishya People



"Legend says our people descended from Krishna (an important Hindu
god)," Dinda told his son, "and a Mahishya founded the Ganga Dynasty.
Though we are farmers, we own the land. Most of our people can read
and write. The Mahishyas are hard workers and have gained financial,
social and political success. Many have left farming and now own
engineering firms in urban areas. Stand tall; you can be proud of
your heritage! We are a dominant class."

No doubt, the high rate of alcohol abuse among Mahishyas comes from
seeking stress relief. They are looking to the wrong sources for
help. Neither alcohol nor their idols can fulfill their desire for
significance.

Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I
will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28 NIV). The difference is obvious.
Mahishyas trust in their works, but those who follow Jesus trust in
His work on the cross. Through Him, they can truly become the
children of the living and true God. He doesn't drive; He leads. He
created the Mahishyas, accepts them where they are, and gives them
what they need to reach their full potential.

Pray that the Mahishya people will accept the love and forgiveness
God offers them. Ask the Holy Spirit to open their spiritual eyes and
help them place their trust in Jesus so they can find His purpose for
their communities.-AK



Joshua 1:5

As I was with Moses, I will be with you; I will never leave you nor
forsake you.

How precious this promise must have been to Joshua as he assumed
leadership of Israel! And this promise is for us as well: God's
presence is the greatest resource for those who do His will. It is
God Himself who moves through us to cross the cultural and social
barriers that hinder understanding and acceptance of the good news
about Jesus Christ. We, in our own power and energy, are not able to
do this great work. Jesus reinforced this truth when He linked the
command to go and make disciples of all nations with the promise to
be with you always, to the very end of the age (Matt. 28:19, 20).

Thank God for this precious promise! Pray that cross-cultural workers
in Bangladesh will understand and experience His presence.




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