Berta, Benishangul in Sudan
Photo Source:
Erik Laursen, New Covenant Missions
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Map Source:
Joshua Project / Global Mapping International
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| People Name: | Berta, Benishangul |
| Country: | Sudan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 268,000 |
| World Population: | 615,000 |
| Primary Language: | Berta |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 8.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 3.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Nilotic |
| Affinity Bloc: | Sub-Saharan Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Bertha (or Berta) people live along the border of Sudan and Ethiopia. They live in an area known as Benishangul, a fertile region in northwest Ethiopia.
When they first settled in Ethiopia, they established their villages on hills and mountains for protection but have more recently migrated to the valleys.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Bertha are an agricultural people, their staple food being sorghum, a type of grass that is often raised for grain. The Bertha also make porridge and beer from sorghum.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Over the centuries, the Bertha have intermarried with Arab traders but have maintained many of their traditional customs. Today, they are mainly Muslim, and most speak fluent Arabic in addition to their own language. In addition to Islam, the Bertha still practice extra-Islamic traditions, including rain-making rituals and consult ritual healers and shamans.
What Are Their Needs?
The Berta people need better medical care in their area.
Prayer Points
Pray that workers will be thrust out among the Bertha to share the Good News with them.
Pray for more information to be learned about the Bertha people so that the worldwide Church can pray and send more effectively.