Central Shilha in Algeria and Morocco

Home

About AFM

People Group Info

Church Mobilization

Opportunities

Resources

Giving

Central Shilha Fast Facts

Berber Bride from Ait Hadiddousm.jpg

Central Shilha in Algeria	1.3 million 3.7% of population
Central Shilha in Morocco	2.4 million
Central Shilha Worldwide	3.8 million (small populations in France and UK)
Alternate names	North African Berber, Middle Atlas Berber, Imazighen, Tamazight
Christian adherent	0.02%
Unevangelized	70%
Religion	Sunni Islam
Language	Tamazight
Primary development concerns	persecution, poverty

Central Shilha Overview

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

While many foreigners refer to the Central Shilha of Algeria as Berbers, the Central Shilha prefer to call themselves Imazighen, “the free people.”

Prior to the Arab invasion of the 8th century, there were numerous Christians who were forced to accept Islam. While the Arabs gained majority control of the country centuries ago, the indigenous peoples remain restive, seeking to affirm their identity and return to their roots.

In some areas, Islam is dominant. For many others, the religious practices are based more on traditions, depending on the magical powers of village “saints”, and the decisions of the community judges, than on the Koran.

Half of the Central Shilha live in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, the other half reside in neighboring eastern Algeria. Their villages are isolated, few have electricity or running water, but paths between villages allow them to socialize easily within their own tribal group.

Central Shilha Ministry & Development Concerns

Ministry
Number of agencies: 3
Number of churches: 200+ members
Whole Bible: No
New Testament: In progress
Jesus film: Yes
Christian Radio Broadcast: Yes
Christian Audio Recordings: Yes
God's Story Video: unknown

Development

Algeria
United States
Infant Mortality
39/1,000
7/1,000
Literacy
69%
97%
Life Expectancy
70 years
77 years

Central Shilha Links

Wikipedia

YWAM

Joshua Project

Berber Music radio program (Real Audio player required)

The Estimate (2001 article)

Amazigh Voice

Image

Prayer Needs

Pray that the desire of Berber peoples to return to their cultural heritage, which includes Christianity, would aid in the openness to Christ.

Pray that the negative view of Christians due to colonialism and conquests would be swept away by the deep love of the Christians who are able to live and serve among the Central Shilha.

Pray that the Berber peoples, the Kabyle, who are increasingly Christian, would share love and the Gospel with their fellow Berber group, the Central Shilha.

Pray that the country’s desire to be open to tourism and foreign businesses would enable Christians to come share the Truth with the Shilha.

Pray for the translators working on Bible portions in the Tamazight language. May the Bible be readily available.

Pray for the few believers to choose to stay close to God, to love one another, to have access to Christian materials, and to share with non-believing family and friends.

:: :: ::