People groups of Morocco
Morocco has a population of 30 million (est. 2000). Approximately 0.006% is Christian.
Morocco is the most western 'Arab' nation, located at the northern tip of Africa, just 13 km. from Europe across the Strait of Gibraltar.
In the urban centers of Morocco live a mixture of people who are primarily of Berber and Arab heritage. The Berber peoples were the original inhabitants of North Africa. In the 7th and 11th centuries there was a migration of Arabs from the East who laid claim to urban centers throughout Morocco, establishing their culture and religion there.
West of the Atlas mountains there are several significantly sized cities. Morocco has seven cities with a population of one million or more inhabitants. In the cities the Arabs and Berbers have intermarried over the centuries, and today there are multitudes whose primary language in their homes, as well as outside, is a Moroccan dialect of Arabic.
Western standards are fast affecting the lifestyle of the traditional Muslim culture, especially in the cities. This is probably due to the combined influence of education, increased use of mass-media, tourism, and the great affluence of those living abroad and visiting, as well as growing openness in the style of government. For many, material advance is a major objective. Islam still has a strong influence on the Moroccan mindset, although in practice many are nominal.
Christian believers are relatively few though increasing in number. In these times of change, many are seeking answers to deep questions they face, and many are open to talk about spiritual matters. After a century of sowing by missions and missionaries, in recent years it seems that Moroccans are more open than ever to the Gospel, and many report an unprecedented hunger, interest and openness.
Please pray ...
- for efforts towards unity, those receiving dreams and visions and for safe travel for workers, especially those going to meet with seekers.
- for camp meetings and retreats to disciple and train local believers, that the Holy Sprit will move in their lives.
- that those who return for the summer from Europe will not be an influence on Moroccan youth in the areas of immorality and greed. Eccl. 12:1-7 "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, 'I have no pleasure in them...' Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it."
- that the king and all authorities will be influenced by God to make good decisions for their country, and for more freedom.