Shawiya Berber in Belgium


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Islam (Sunni)
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Shawiya are Berber shepherds originating from the Aures Plateau of the Atlas Mountains in northern Algeria and Tunisia. The Africans call this entire region of North Africa Maghrib. The inaccessible peaks of the Atlas Mountains long served as a refuge for the Berbers. These rugged mountains provided a base of resistance against the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and Arabs. However, Muslims conquered the Maghrib between 670 and 700 A. D. The Shawiya are a part of various Berber groups that have risen in Algeria to defend their identity. In general, they are sturdy, thrifty, hospitable, and lovers of the soil. They are also proud, shrewd, persistent, and loyal. In particular, a passion for independence is deeply ingrained in their culture. The Berbers refer to themselves as Imazighen, or "free and noble men." This term has become an indicator of their identity and nationalism. In late 1993, after armed Muslims attacked several Berber villages, Berber nationalists proclaimed that they have suffered repression for many years and that the Algerian government refuses to recognize Berber identity. In addition, there have been sporadic assault by Muslim militias against Berber communities. These armed attacks have been in the Berber regions of the Kabyle and Shawiya (the town of Batna, in particular). This situation has caused Shawiya people to flee to lands where there is peace and better economic opportunities like Belgium.


Where Are they Located?

Most Berber people are in North Africa, but a few have migrated to Western European countries like Belgium.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Living now in a Western culture for the sake of employment opportunities, the Shawiyas straddle two cultures. They have the opportunity to hear the gospel from Christ followers in Belgium. However, there is a rule of thumb that the sooner Christ followers reach them the more likely they are to find safe haven in the Savior's arms. This window of opportunity may no longer exist among the Shawiyas in Belgium. Yet, God is a miracle working God and He can get to Shawiya hearts in Europe where there is freedom of religion.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Although they accepted Islam as their own religion centuries ago, the Berbers also maintained their pre-Islamic cultural and ritual traditions even to this day. The acceptance of Islam and the adoption of Arabic ways never completely erased Berber culture. Although they are nominally Sunni Muslims, most Shawiya have little knowledge of the practices of the Koran and other dimensions of Middle Eastern Islam. They usually identify with Islam, but they have a hole in their hearts that only Jesus Christ can fill.


What Are Their Needs?

Shawiya people need the right education and training to thrive in the industrial economy in Belgium.


Prayer Points

Pray that God will save key leaders among the Shawiya who will boldly allow for a disciple making movement in Europe. Ask God to raise up prayer teams who, through worship and intercession, will begin to break up the soil of the Shawiya hearts to receive the seed of the gospel. Pray for a church planting movement among the Shawiya communities of Europe.


Scripture Prayers for the Berber, Shawiya in Belgium.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Berber, Shawiya
People Name in Country Berber, Shawiya
Natural Name Shawiya Berber
Pronunciation shah-WEE-uh BUR-bur
Alternate Names Chalwi; Chaoui; Chaouia; Chawis; Chouis; Shawia; Tacawit
Population this Country 42,000
Population all Countries 2,731,000
Total Countries 6
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 14899
ROP3 Code 108925
Country Belgium
Region Europe, Western
Continent Europe
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Country Belgium
Region Europe, Western
Continent Europe
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked

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Primary Religion: Islam (Sunni)
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.07 %)
0.10 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
99.70 %
Non-Religious
0.20 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Tachawit (42,000 speakers)
Language Code shy   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Tachawit (42,000 speakers)
Language Code shy   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Tachawit

Primary Language:  Tachawit

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1933-1950)
Bible-New Testament No
Bible-Complete No
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Tachawit Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
Photo Source Lofy40 - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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