Rashaida in Sudan
Photo Source:
Vít Hassan - Flickr
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
Bryan Nicholson / cartoMission
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| People Name: | Rashaida |
| Country: | Sudan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 138,000 |
| World Population: | 193,000 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Sudanese |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Arab, Sudan |
| Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The colorful Rashaida came to Eritrea from Saudi Arabia about 200 years ago. Living in the desert along the coastline of the Red Sea, their homeland now extends from Massawa, Eritrea, to Port Sudan, Sudan. In Sudan, they speak Sudanese Arabic.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Rashaida people are primarily nomadic. The men are excellent traders, using their camels and Toyota pickup trucks to distribute goods imported from Middle Eastern countries—a lucrative endeavor. A portion of their wealth resulted from renting their camels to freedom fighters during Eritrea's 30-year war of independence.
Rashaida women always wear beautiful veils over their faces. This practice begins when they are children so that no man besides their husband will ever see their face. The Rashaida live in isolated communities, preferring not to live with people of other tribes.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Islam is at the core of Rashaida culture. Due to their mobile lifestyle, a family prayer house is central to their worship. Until recently, no known Christians were numbered among them. However, the situation changed as hundreds of Rashaida youth were drafted into the Eritrean army during the 1998-2000 Eritrea/Ethiopia border war. The daily confrontation with danger and sharing a bunker with born-again believers gave many an opportunity to hear the gospel for the first time. Unfortunately, the gospel has yet to penetrate the Rashaida community in Sudan.
What Are Their Needs?
There are now Christ followers among the Rashaida people, but they live outside of Sudan. They need to be discipled and taught how to extend the reign of Jesus Christ to others.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully among the Rashaida people wherever they live, drawing them to the only savior.
Pray for the Lord to throw open the doors for them to be taught from the Word and discipled in the ways of Jesus Christ.
Pray for Rashaida leaders to have the spiritual hunger it takes to embrace Christ no matter what the cost.