Unreached people groups > Chad
| Chad | |
| Masalit | |
The Masalit (and a group of the same people known as the Massalat) are a non-Arab ethnic group. These tribes live in the most remote areas of Sudan and Chad. The Masalit of Sudan are concentrated in the Dar Masalit ("home of Masalit") district of the northern Darfur Province. The Masalit of Chad live in the Adre District. Most of the Massalat and some Masalit live near the city of Gereida in southern Darfur, as well as in the Oum Hadjer-Am Dam area of Chad.
In times past, the Masalit were known as fierce warriors who fought hard to protect their independence. Today, they are becoming more settled as a result of outside political, economic, and cultural influences.
The Masalit (hereafter including the Massalat) are primarily farmers who raise millet, sorghum, peanuts, sesame, okra, and various fruits. Honey, gum, leaves, and other useful products are also gathered from the forests.
In addition to farming, the Masalit raise cattle, sheep, and goats, which are helpful in fertilizing their fields, as well as providing milk for the villagers. Though donkeys were their only means of transportation in the past, camels purchased from Arab nomads have recently become an important means of transportation.
Both men and women cultivate the fields, own land and animals, make decisions, and store their harvests separately. Although they share most of the household tasks, including raising the children, all of their financial responsibilities are kept separate. Some of the older Masalit children have their own fields where they cultivate their own crops.
Masalit marriages generally take place between young couples in their early 20's. Polygamy (the practice of having multiple wives) is permitted and most men have two wives, sometimes more. Unfortunately, divorce is common among the Masalit.
Majority of the Masalit have not heard a clear presentation of the Gospel. This is due in part to their geographical isolation. There is a need for Bible resources in this group.
Although a few missions agencies have worked among the Masalit of Chad, none is known to be ministering to the groups in Sudan. Fervent intercession and further evangelistic efforts must be made in order to help turn the hearts of the Masalit toward Jesus.
The Masalit began converting to Islam during the 1600's; and today they are completely Muslim.
The Masalit are increasingly becoming more orthodox in their faith. Islamic laws dominate their political and social lives as well as their values. Today, most Masalit abstain from alcohol, pray five times a day, and seek religious counsel for important matters.
- Ask the Lord to send forth laborers to work among the Masalit of North Central Africa.
- Ask God to use the small number of Masalit believers to share Christ with their own people.
- Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the spiritual soil of Sudan and Chad through intercession.
Share: 
