Who are they?

theme: God's lost sheep, sheep without a shepherd

The Tunisian Arabs are a Muslim Arab people group with a very rich and fascinating culture and history [Children] [Women]. Located primarily in the country of Tunisia on the north coast of Africa [Geography], their culture and lifestyle reflect centuries close contact with both Europe, the north African Maghreb, and the Middle East. Aboriginal Berber, as well as the later Phoenicians, Romans, Turks and Arabs have all claimed authority over Tunisia in the past [History]. Each has left their distinctive mark. In the days of the Early Church, Carthage, near the present day city of Tunis, was a great center of Christian learning and church growth. Yet today nothing remains of the historic Carthagenian churches where Tertullian, Cyprian and Augustine preached save the ruins of the buildings. Essentially all the 9 million Tunisian Arabs today are Muslims [Religion]. Living in a land with such a rich Christian past, and located across less than 100 miles of water from Italy and Europe, you might wonder why so few of today's Tunisians are followers of Jesus Christ. Why have we failed to bring the good news of abundant life to this people group? [an unreached people group]. Consider joining us in an ongoing prayer ministry to these lost people that Jesus loves.[Praying]

Tunisians' lifestyle and hopes for the future are undergoing rapid change as their country strives to participate in globalization and the European trade zone. The government of President Ben Ali [Government] is encouraging a high level of education and technological development which is evident in every social and economic sector. International sports [Sports] and Tunisia's reputation as a Mediterannean tourist destination [Tourism] have contributed to Tunisia's easy acceptance of Westerners and their cultural differences. Most visitors find the Tunisian Arabs cosmopolitan, open-minded people who are easy to like.

Yet globalization hasn't robbed the Tunisians of their heritage. Traditional family values and hospitality are still at the core of this culture. Traditional music [Music clip] arts and crafts are cherished and preserved, and many people in the countryside live lives not that much different than that of their great-grandparents.