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Statistics |
Prayer Profile: There are 4,500,000 Muslims in France. In the Paris area there are approximately 1,000,000; in Marseille, 109,000. There are 30 cities, each populated with more than 15,000 Muslims. The majority of this people group in France have migrated from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. They are basically Mediterranean, not Negroid stock, but are mixed with other strains through immigration and invasions through the centuries. They have olive colored skin, dark hair, brown eyes and are of average height. They are not fully acculturated in France, but more so than in their own country of origin. They have a desire to do so, but still are defensive of the fact that they are Muslims. They keep religious holidays, but many are not practicing Muslims. Many smoke and drink alcoholic beverages even though in their home country they probably wouldn't. Men still dominate the family, but there is more freedom for women, especially when choosing a husband. There are some mixed marriages (with French). Women can sometimes be seen wearing the complete veil, but it is rare in France. Many wear scarves (young as well as older women). But just as many wear completely western dress and are students or career women with a profession. Cultural customs are upheld in the home. There is a preference for speaking Arabic or dialect rather than French except for the young people. Preference is for Arabic foods (cous-cous, etc.) Young people live in two different worlds. They prefer French but must understand their "mother language". They also prefer fast food restaurants, sports, movies, and music of the west. At home they must adhere to ever decreasing restrictions. They now have more freedom to follow another religion. From the ages of 18 to 30, they are not ready to accept Islam without questions, especially without knowing more about Christianity first hand. There are scriptures available to them in French and Arabic Kabyle. Some portions of scriptures are available in Shawiya. The France C&MA mission considers this people group their highest priority among ethnics, after the French. There are Bible stands, literacy and craft classes, Bible stories for women, colportage literature, audio and video cassette distribution. It is planned that a center will be rented for outreach which will be used to teach English and French classes. Other outreach planned is to offer homework help, hold Christianity seminaries, video showings, open air presentations with sketch board, and coffee /tea house ministries.
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