Morocco often defies Western expectations. While dunes and camel trains may be found in the Sahara, most of the country is mountainous, and the northern coast is on the Mediterranean Sea. It’s easy to assume we know what the world and its people are like without taking the time to ask them. At General Baptist Ministries, we believe it is worth understanding people in other parts of the world because, whether they realize it or not, their unique cultures reflect the creativity of the God in whose image they are made and who loves them. We are excited to get to know them through our partnership to send believing English teachers to Morocco and all over the world.
Enthusiastic hospitality is a hallmark of Moroccan culture, and foreigners are often honored as special guests. The food, generously served, is full of warm, delicious spices, but the most distinctive mark of hospitality is the famous mint tea. It is not something to be rushed. Moroccans enjoy lingering together over the three pots of different strengths that are a part of this tradition. Taking this time with friends reflects the high value Moroccans place on relationships. Connections between family members are even more important. Children typically live with their parents until marriage unless they have to move for education or a job.
The six different languages spoken in Morocco reflect both the blend of cultural influences and the unique culture of the country. The most educated speak French and Modern Standard Arabic, but the everyday language for most people in the cities is Darija, a distant dialect of Arabic mixed with European influences like Spanish and French. The Bible has not been fully translated into Darija yet. While it is spoken almost exclusively in Morocco, it is the heart language of millions of people who desperately need the gospel. The teachers we send will learn Darija to communicate with their students in their own tongue.
Thirty-seven million unreached people live in Morocco. Less than one percent of the population has access to the gospel at all, and less than 0.2% believe it. The majority of Moroccans are Muslim, and the country’s Islamic roots go centuries back. The government—a monarchy—is still ruled by a dynasty that began in the 17th century, claiming legitimacy based on descent from Muhammad. The King is called Amir El Mouminin—leader of the faithful, and the name of the country used to be Marrakesh meaning land of God.
We pray that Morocco will one day become the land of the true God, and there is hope! While the Christian population is small, the Evangelical Growth Rate is nearly twice as fast as the world as a whole. But the need is still massive, and we want to contribute to the planting that is happening there in preparation for the Lord’s bountiful harvest. Would you like to be a part of bringing the hope of Christ to this unreached nation?
Reach out to Mark Powell (VP of Global Missions) to find out more.