The Amazigh ( lit.: "a free people" ) are more commonly known as the Berbers. They comprise of various people groups, one of which is the Rif Berbers. They are an unreached Muslim people group numbering approximately 1.5 million and living in the mountains of the northern coastal region of Morocco. In the 1960’s and 70’s large numbers of Amazigh took low paying "guest worker" positions in Europe, mostly in Belgium and the Netherlands. Amsterdam now has an estimated Amazigh population of 30,000 and the number continues to grow quickly. Among the entire Amazigh people there are only a handful of baptized believers.

The team

In 1992 YWAM Amsterdam began a church- planting ministry specifically focussed on the Amazigh population. This ministry is part of a broader effort on the part of several mission agencies, and the work in Amsterdam is considered by all to be an important part of the larger picture. Amsterdam has the largest Amazigh population of any European city, and as such has considerable influence in the Rif itself ( most Amazigh make yearly trips back to the Rif, and "European" Amazigh are often a factor in introducing new ideas ). The goal of our team is to see a people movement toward the Messiah among Rif Berbers.

The work of the Amazigh team consists of various strategies:

Establishing friendships with the Amazigh families in the neighbourhoods where team members live forms the basis of personal evangelism.

A literacy project provides for a variety of activities among the Amazigh. In ancient times, before the Arab invasions of the 8th and 9th centuries, the Berber people of North Africa had their own script. An example: "our Lord Jesus" would be written Sidna Aisa. There is a growing interest in this "lost" alphabet, and the team is using this interest to produce a wide variety of literacy materials. At present this includes a video production which introduce the characters of the tifinagh script using a story based on Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son. There are also cassettes/booklet combinations to help the Amazigh become acquainted with Jesus at the same time they are learning their ancient alphabet.

The team also has plans to begin a Amazigh neighbourhood’s house to promote their culture and is involved in other forms of evangelism. The Amazigh team is looking for more staff. At present we have only 5 full-time staff and this is not enough to complete the things the Lord has giving us to do. Are you willing to prayerfully consider whether the Lord would have you join us? You can find further information on the opportunities page!