Family Values

Family is the cornerstone of society in Morocco.

It shapes the identity of nearly every person. An individual’s honor and dignity depend upon the honor and dignity of his family. Families must protect each member from shame and each must conform to social norms that keep a family from being shamed.

Age brings honor in Moroccan families. Younger family members revere and respect grandparents,

parents and older aunts and uncles and treat them with great dignity and devotion. It is not uncommon

for three or four generations of a family to live under one roof.

Loyalty, mutual support, and group decision-making are all essential elements of Moroccan family life.

Each member is responsible to contribute as able to the needs of the family. The family often plays an

integral part in finding jobs and marriage partners for its members.

A Moroccan who becomes a Christian has the potential of bringing shame on the family and the

"offending" member may be seen as disloyal. Since family is the primary socio-economic support, great

pressure is brought to bear on an apostate family member. A choice to follow Christ often results in

ostracism by family and friends. Christian communities must learn to function effectively as culturally

appropriate spiritual families in order to see flourishing churches established.

"So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."

Romans 12:5

"God sets the lonely in families," Psalm 68:6a

"He was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family."

Acts 16:34b

Pray for the establishment of communities of believers that can help replace the support system left behind when a family rejects a Christian.
Pray for Christian singles to marry Christian spouses and to establish Christian homes and families that are so critical to the stability and witness of the church.
Pray for the conversion of whole families.

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