The Berta on the border of Ethiopia and Sudan
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Day 24 for 6th October, coinciding with Ramadan 2007 / 1428
Berta is one of several names for a people group who live on both sides of the Ethiopian and Sudanese borders. Some 160,000 Berta live in Ethiopian side. On the Sudanese side of the border there are probably about the same number. Most of them live in rural areas and not in the cities and towns. Just 9.7% of the people are considered literate.
Up until 30 years ago visitors to the region wrote that Islam was very superficial, basically just in name only. However, today most Berta Muslims take their religion quite seriously although it is mixed with indigenous beliefs and practices. A handful of Christians live scattered throughout the area. Bible translation began with some Old Testament passages but unfortunately that work stopped two years ago when the Muslim translators were forbidden to help more on the project. Witnessing among the Berta has proven difficult - more prayer is needed!
Prayer Requests:
* Christians from other people groups in the region need an outpouring of courage, love and wisdom to reach the Berta with the Gospel in an understandable and culturally appropriate way.
* Pray for the local believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-20).
* Pray that the work of Bible translation could begin again.
* Pray that the Berta can learn how to read so that later, they can read the Bible.
+ Google Map Link: Ethiopia, East Africa
+ YouTube Video Link: 9:18, All About Ethiopia
+ Download Gospel recordings for Berta