Missions

Bedouin

Desert dwellers

Desert dweller is an apt description of these Arabic-speaking pastoral nomads. Located in the Middle East and North Africa, the Bedouin are known for camel herding in desert areas. Many tribes located in more favorable grazing areas also tend sheep, goats and cattle.

These superb animal farmers are the only people who know the desert's secrets: where to find water and how to survive the harsh terrain.

In the hot, dry season the Bedouin congregate in large groups around water sources on the desert margins, usually in the vicinity of towns and markets. They typically migrate into the desert in the cooler, rainy season, breaking up into smaller groups. Some groups make annual migrations of up to 620 miles in each direction.

Group dependence

Traditional Bedouin society is organized according to a series of overlapping kin groups. The family is the smallest unit, followed by the clan, then the tribe. The tribal groups vary in size from 50 to several hundred members.

Tribes perform most of the social functions normally associated with governments in other societies. Blood ties help form alliances between tribes, as well as define tribal territories.

At the same time, each tribe or group values its independence. But individualism is not encouraged. Families, clans and tribes assume responsibility for its individual members, and individuals are in turn expected to conform within the group.

The women do most of the work, while the men socialize and make plans for the group. Some of the women's responsibilities include tending to the children, preparing meals, sewing, collecting and weaving animal hair, pitching, striking and loading the tents, gathering fuel for cooking and nurturing the elderly.

Bedouin children stay with their mothers in the women's section of the tent until they are about seven years old. Older boys often help with the herds and tend to the needs of guests.

Changing life

Bedouin life is changing.

In recent years the accelerating economic development in most Arab countries has made the Bedouin way of life increasingly sedentary. Overgrazing of available pasture has forced governments to provide more land to the Bedouin and train them in farming techniques.

As the Bedouin become more settled, taking other occupations in the government and the military, their social structure is changing. A weakened tribal social structure, individual titles to land and individual employment have diluted the solidarity and cohesiveness of different tribes. In the past, it was shameful for a Bedouin to accept a wage-paying job. Today, many have been forced by economic circumstances into full or part-time employment.

Resistant to Christianity

The Bedouin groups are almost untouched by the gospel. Christian resources are available in their languages, but the Bedouin have proved to be resistant to Christianity.

Profile: Hospitality

The inviting aroma coming from Abu Mohammed's tent beckoned the visitor. As he lowered his head and entered the 20-foot tent, he found his host sitting on the dirt floor cutting tomatoes and putting them into a pot set on top of a small gas stove.

When asked about the contents in the pot, Abu told the visitor the soup contained squash, onions, peppers, egg plant, tomatoes and a "few other things."

Abu Mohammed's tent is made from large burlap material ad sewn together with wire and rope. A shallow trench around the outside serves to divert the heavy rains.

During the day, Abu and one of his sons take care of the 100 sheep and 50 goats he owns. He uses a nearby cave to contain the animals at night.

Although he had very little to eat and three of his sons were also visiting him that day, Abu graciously invited his unexpected visitor to eat with him. Demonstrating how to fold a piece of pita bread and make a small cup with which to scoop up the soup and vegetables, Abu handed the community bowl, the only one he had, to his guest. The guest took several bites and handed it to one of the sons. Then the visitor drank hot tea from the only glass in the tent, which was then passed on to the others.

No matter how little they have, the Bedouin are known for their hospitality and willingness to share with passersby.

Resource Note:
A flier and documentary video on CBF missions among the Bedouin are available. Visit the CBF e-Store or call toll-free at (888) 801-4CBF (4223).