An international year of prayer for
Morocco
| Week 43 |
Mountain DwellersIt is a paradox in Morocco that the "lowliest" of people live in the highest places. The country's four prominent mountain ranges: the Rif, Middle Atlas, High Atlas and Anti Atlas Mountains are traditional strongholds of the Berber peoples. Spectacular scenery and picturesque villages surrounded by a fascinating patchwork of small odd-shaped terraced fields mask the hardships of daily life.Many villages are without electricity, a safe water supply, or basic sanitation facilities. Environmental degradation of inhabited areas is continuous as mountain folk continue to rely upon wood they cut and gather to cook their food and to heat their homes. Many formerly wooded areas have been stripped nearly bare despite official efforts to discourage such activity. This practice leads to increased rainwater runoff, soil erosion, and death of fish populations in mud-choked rivers and streams. In some cases it has contributed to flash flooding resulting in considerable loss of life and property. "Access" refers to the need for a decent road into a village and is a common request of development projects in mountainous areas. Many mountain dwellers are grateful for their own four-legged transportation and could not afford a motor vehicle. Yet lack of a passable road limits their opportunities for commerce as well as the availability of the simplest of government benefits such as urgent medical evacuation and other rural health care. "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"" Isaiah 52:7 "Though the Lord is on high, He looks upon the lowly…" Psalm 138:6
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