This month, we are praying for North Africa and the Middle East, which includes 19 countries. Of the 593 people groups in this region, 444 (75%) are considered unreached.
Pray for North Africa & The Middle East
Pray for unity and understanding and that political tensions and disputes over land and resources would be laid down before the Lord, for government leaders to have softened hearts towards the suffering of their people, and that workers would be granted visas for these countries, as it often takes intentional entry strategies in order to live and remain in this region.
Additional Resources
God is meeting people, even in the most unimaginable circumstances…
It is estimated that 1.5 million refugees have fled conflict and are now living in North Africa. In December, I went with a group of locals to share the love of Christ by praying for and gifting food to a few refugee families. In one home in particular lived a woman, her daughter, and the daughter’s baby. It was furnished with two plastic chairs and one mattress on the floor.
We heard how they fled by traveling through the desert for 12 days, during which the older woman’s son was shot and killed and her daughter, S, was raped—now caring for a two-month-old baby as a result. As you can imagine, there was a weight in the room.
We held and cared for the baby as S sat weeping over the reality of her situation.
Our words were few and hard to find, but we mourned with them the evils they experienced and the challenges of life.
I held S close and told her how valuable she and her family are and that God sees and cares, even when everything around us looks completely hopeless. Reminded of other stories, I asked if she had ever had a dream of a man in white. To my surprise, S said she had! She had seen him in a dream many years before, but she didn’t know who he was.
We explained that this was Jesus Christ, the one who died for us to take away our sins and now desires a relationship with us. We were privileged to see the miraculous work of the Lord firsthand that day, as S prayed to receive Christ as her Savior.
This family’s circumstances are harder than we can imagine, but the love and mercy of Jesus Christ outshines the darkness. Perhaps they experienced that for the first time ever. So many others live in a nightmare, yet without the opportunity to hear the good news. Please pray for S, her mom, and her daughter—that God would grow that small faith into something beautiful. Please pray for our personal interactions with those in spiritual darkness and that He would raise up more workers to come into this harvest.
Kids Activities
Check out this activity to help your kids engage with North Africa & The Middle East.
Games & Recipes
Traditional Games of Qatar
Many traditional games are still played throughout Qatar today! Find out how they’re played, and try some out for yourself!
Dawama: Children’s Game of the UAE
Literally meaning “spinner,” this game essentially uses giant “tops,” as children compete to see whose will be the last one spinning!
Shakshuka
This middle eastern stovetop egg dish, but it’s also vegetarian and gluten free!
One-Pot Lebanese Chicken and Rice
This easy dish incorporates middle eastern spices like allspice, cardamom, and turmeric.
Basbousa (Egyptian Semolina Cake)
This dessert, made with coconut and yogurt, is known for staying soft and perfect. Serve it with syrup and nuts for extra sweetness.
Share Your Experience!
Parents! Did you and your kids complete one of these activities? Send us a photo for a chance to be featured on Calvary Kids socials!
Ramadan
Ramadan is the most important month-long celebration for many countries in North Africa and The Middle East. This year, Ramadan begins on February 17 or 18, depending on the country.
During Ramadan, individuals fast during the day, breaking fast only after sunlight disappears—usually with a snack of milk and dates. After evening prayer, a larger meal is served. Those who observe Ramadan may then eat once again in the early morning hours, before the sun rises. Muslims believe that spiritual rewards are multiplied during Ramadan. Many spend extra time praying, doing charity work, and abstaining from worldly pleasures.
Past Regions
Looking for prayer prompts and ways to engage with regions we prayed for in past months? Find them below!