Unreached people groups > Eritrea
| Eritrea | |
| Rashaida | |
The Rashaida came to Eritrea from Saudi Arabia about 170 years ago. Living in the desert along the coastline of the Red Sea. They are primarily nomadic, also have agriculture. Some of them have been settled in village.
The Rashaida has its own traditional culture, customs and religion, they are the only Arabic –speaking ethnic group in Eritrea. Currently the Rashaida numbered about 46 thousands of population in Eritrea.
Roshaida men are excellent traders, using their camels and Toyota pickup trucks to distribute goods imported from Middle Eastern countries. They follow Muslim tradition that men usually have four wives. Rashaida women like to wear colorful dresses and 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.
They live in isolated communities, preferring not to live with people of other tribes. However, a gentle approach to the Rashaida initiates a warm, hospitable response. They like to drink tea with their visitors. It is a meaningful display of Rashaida openness to strangers.
They love music so much. Roshaida usually have a strong sense of rhythm. Pray to Allah is very important in their life, family prayer house is central to their worship.
Islam is at the core of Rashaida culture. 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. In July 2000, there were seven known discipled believers among the Rashaida soldiers.
- Thanks Lord that the Rashaida are hospitable and kind to visitors, they also enjoy music. Ask God to lead believers go to their place to build relationship with the Rahsaida through music.
- Seven Rashaida young soldiers have become Christians. Ask God to strengthen their faith, so that they have courage to spread the gospel to their people.
- Ask God to reveal Himself to the Rashaida through dreams and visions.
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