Ongoing tension in Israel and Palestine: Although a ceasefire was declared, there are ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian Arabs have particularly suffered in this decades-old conflict and more outbreaks of violence are never far from the surface. Pray for peace and reconciliation and a breakthrough in this seemingly impossible situation. Pray for Israeli and Palestinian leaders and the international community to work to find a lasting solution
Pandemic and economic turmoil in Turkey: As the Turkish lira plunges in value, economic turmoil combined with rising Covid cases, has left many people facing a devastating and difficult future. Political, religious and ethnic identities are also causing strife and deep-seated anger. There is a hopelessness that can be seen in peoples' eyes. Pray for the rulers in Turkey to be wise and courageous and take decisions for the good of everyone. Pray for those who find themselves in a place of darkness and despair; that they will recognise that God loves them and is alongside them in their hardships and struggles.
Conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia: The ongoing armed conflict in Tigray in Northern Ethiopia that began in November has left many dead and injured and about 2 million people displaced. Pray for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, to find a timely and peaceful resolution to this war. Pray for organisations, the church and local believers to be able to bring God’s love and hope as well as practical help. Pray for God’s intervention and his presence to be felt for those affected and those still in danger.
A troubling time for Lebanon: This is a troubling time for Lebanon. About 75% of the population needs aid and about 40% are unemployed. The economy has been failing and the currency has lost 80% of its value in less than a year. In a country of less than 7 million people, almost half live below the poverty line. With the destruction of the port in Beirut, it is difficult to get food supplies to the country. Ask God to pour out His mercy on the people of this country and to bless Lebanon with the resources they need to help the country recover.
Uyghurs of China: The Uyghurs are a Muslim majority people who live primarily in Xinjiang in northwest China. They are coming under increasingly oppressive control from the Chinese government, who are strongly restricting their cultural and religious freedoms. Gospel work in Xinjiang has been curtailed and very few field workers have been able to remain. Pray for the many Uyghurs who are struggling and desperate, that they will find new life in Jesus, for pioneers to go to them with the message of God’s kingdom and for the small number of Uyghur believers to be strengthened and protected.
Turmoil in Oman: The coronavirus pandemic, together with falling oil prices, has brought turmoil and crisis to the Arabian Peninsula. Oman is one of the countries worst hit by the coronavirus crisis; it has suffered from the highest number of cases per capita within the region. Pray for an end to the coronavirus pandemic in Oman and in this region, that God in His grace and mercy will bring healing to this land and its people.
Church networks are increasing: Kazakhstan in Central Asia has thankfully not been greatly affected by the coronavirus crisis. Many of the people living there are poor and long for genuine democratic freedoms and a better quality of life. It is a predominantly Muslim nation. The vast majority of Kazakhs are unreached with the good news and there is a great need for more gospel workers to go there. Encouragingly, new outreach initiatives are beginning to bear fruit and house church networks are increasing. Let’s ask the Lord for more gospel workers in Kazakhstan and for the good news of Jesus to spread far and wide, transforming Muslim communities with the love of Christ.
Coronavirus and its impact on Muslim communities: The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on many Muslim countries, affecting Frontiers workers and those they seek to reach among many of the unengaged Muslim people groups in the world. Muslim communities are suffering from fear, anxiety and loneliness. Many teams have stayed on the field and are encountering unprecedented opportunities to proclaim the gospel, as Muslims ask questions about life and death. Pray that God will use these days of uncertainty to draw even more Muslims to Jesus. Pray that God will sustain and protect workers as they offer comfort to those around them and boldly share the everlasting hope and perfect peace of Christ.
Hope for Muslim converts to Christianity: There are approximately two million Muslims in Bosnia; just over half of the population. Outreach by Christian workers in the past led to some Muslims following Christ and forming local fellowships, but they have recently suffered from strong persecution and many have returned to their Islamic faith. There are now believed to be only about 100 Muslim-background believers. However, there is a growing sense of hope and expectation among church leaders and long-term workers. Pray for more workers to go and be ready for the harvest that God is preparing. Pray for church leaders to find strength and encouragement as they work together with a fresh vision for reaching their Muslim neighbours. Pray for the few local believers to be strengthened in their faith and for their fellow Muslims to be more open to the gospel.
Political, religious and ethnic strife in Turkey: Turkey is a country of great significance, but it is also a country divided. Society is polarised as never before. Political, religious and ethnic identities are causing strife and deep-seated anger. Over the last 18 months, the economic situation has greatly deteriorated, and unemployment is high. Its recent invasion of Syria sought to relocate 2.5 million Kurds from Turkey to northern Syria. Pray for the President, that he would desire to live at peace with and be particularly merciful towards Kurds and Syrian refugees living in and around Turkey’s borders. Pray for God’s Spirit to break out on this land bringing revival and God’s blessing.
The urban poor in the Middle East, Africa and Asia: The urban poor comprise one of the biggest and fastest growing sectors of society across much of the globe, particularly in Africa and Asia where most Muslims live. One estimate is that there are already more than 250 million Muslims living in slums, shanty towns, and poor urban neighbourhoods across the world; a number which will grow rapidly in the coming decades. Pray for the millions of Muslims living in city slums, that Jesus indeed would become their Lord; for the millions more who will join them in the cities in the coming decades; for many more workers to go and preach the good news in poor urban Muslim neighbourhoods, and for many new communities of Christ-followers to be established.
Wealth in Christ not material things: The Arab Gulf countries (except Yemen) have become vastly wealthy due to natural oil & gas reserves & many people see little reason for the Good News. Pray for dissatisfaction with material things & a hunger to know more about the God who can meet their every need.
Reaching Bangladeshi Muslims: Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated nations on earth. With a population of 167 million, almost 95% are Muslim. There are few local believers to bring them the Good News and those that do respond are often left without fellowship. The vast majority of Muslims are without any access to the gospel and the local church remains culturally divided from them. Long term workers report openness and fruitfulness among Muslims, but there is a great need for more workers. Barriers need to be broken down between people groups, local believers need to be trained and equipped and the lost reached with the Good News. Pray for more workers who would be effective in making disciples among Bangladeshi Muslims and for the local church to grow in sensitivity to the culture of the Muslims they are trying to reach.
The workers are few: Sudan is one of the poorest and least developed countries of the world, with a turbulent past, and struggles that continue today. The leadership is oppressive, with believers and the church facing strong persecution. The majority of the population is Sunni Muslim. With many gospel workers forced to leave the county in recent years and many NGOs banned from working there, too few are working amongst broken and hurting Muslims to reach them with the Good News. The church is standing strong and believers are seeing great openness to the gospel among Muslims. Ask the Lord to send more workers to witness to the oppressed and oppressors alike. Pray for an end to the violence and for the leadership to be transformed by the love of Jesus. Ask for protection and boldness for believers.
More teams needed to reach unreached: India has one-sixth of the world’s population and one-third of the world’s poor. 180 million Muslim people live there, making it the second largest Muslim country in the world. Although Frontiers has more teams in India today than it did a few years ago, there is still only one team for every 9 million people. This means many Muslims remain unreached and unengaged with the Good News. Pray for God to send more cross-cultural workers with business backgrounds, willing to live inconveniently in this densely-populated, culturally dynamic country; for existing teams to gain new refreshment, as many have lived for more than five years in this overwhelming area of the world; pray for new teams to go the least reached Muslim peoples in India. Finally, pray that national believers would serve Muslims in their own country with courage and compassion.
Uyghurs detained in internment centres: The Chinese Government fear the rise of religious extremism and terrorism in their country. In an attempt to prevent this, they have detained over 1 million Uyghurs, a minority Muslim people group living there. They have been sent to internment centres where they face unhealthy living conditions, poor nutrition, violence and torture. Despite this suffering, hundreds of Uyghurs have found eternal hope in Jesus Christ. Pray that this widespread assault on Uyghur identity leads to an unprecedented questioning of ancient religious assumptions in China, openness to the answers found in the gospel and a yearning to know the Saviour of the world. Pray that the Chinese church would be moved by this injustice and strengthened with a vision to reach their Muslim neighbours. Lift up those who are detained and pray for their release.
Pray for peace and stability in Saudi Arabia: As Saudi Arabia transitions under its new leadership pray that God’s hand would be over Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Pray that peace and stability would be the markers of Saudi society and that new political changes would open up greater opportunities for gospel witness.
Pray for Saudi Christians: Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and remains a very conservative Muslim country. Since his appointment in 2017, the Crown Prince has resolved to make Saudi Arabia more moderate. Until recently, it was believed there were only 300 Saudi Christian believers worldwide. In fact there are thousands, the result of decades of prayer. Pray for protection over the growing number of Muslim background believers, that they would be bold to share their faith with others in their communities. Pray for God’s hand to be on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as he leads his country in this time of transition and political change. Pray for peace and stability in Saudi society, encouraging more gospel workers to go there to share Jesus with those they live amongst.
Reaching the Pushtuns: Did you know that Pakistan has the second largest population of Muslims in the world? This country and those surrounding it have enormous populations of Muslims and limited access to the Gospel. The KPK region is home to the Pushtun people. It is a religiously conservative province with close ties to Afghanistan and was the area where the Taliban was birthed in the 1970s to combat Russian occupation. Please pray for the proud and hospitable Pushtuns, that they would come to know the God of forgiveness, the God who loves them, the Prince of Peace. The Baluchistan region (bordering Iran and Afghanistan), although rich in gas and oil, is the poorest and least developed province in Pakistan. It has also been very difficult for gospel workers to gain permission to live there. Please pray for peaceful solutions to the conflict with the central government and for the gospel to spread among the Baluch.
More workers needed: A country that is in great need of more gospel workers is Sudan. There are increasing opportunities for gaining access to Sudan, though the country remains unstable and local Christians face strong persecution. However, of the 143 people groups there, 129 remain unreached with the gospel. The Sudanese people need to hear the gospel, they need more labourers and the country needs our prayers. May God mightily bless and encourage you as you pray and intercede for this nation.
Conflict in Yemen: Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the Middle East and has faced decades of instability. Since 2015, civil war has gripped the country and left the people in desperate need of humanitarian aid. More than 9,000 Yemenis have been killed, over 50,000 injured and 3 million people have fled their homes. Millions of people face shortages of food and water, and less than half the country’s health facilities are operational. Approximately 16.4 million people currently have no access to healthcare. Pray that the UN and the Saudi-led coalition would work together to reopen ports and resume the delivery of food, medicine and humanitarian aid. Ask God to protect the Yemeni people, bring an end to the conflict, and establish his peace in their land. Pray that believers will be bold to share their faith.
Support us by praying around the following:: >> More workers & teams for more peoples and places.
>> That the Holy Spirit would pave the way for the Gospel to be received and that the word of God would speed ahead and be honoured (2 Thess. 3:1).
>> For all teams to find 'people of peace'.
>> For Teams to be able to deal with and endure emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual hardships and to feel God's comfort and provision.
>> For extended visas and new visas enabling more workers into countries, and others to continue their ongoing ministries.
Exchanging shame for honour: In Middle Eastern culture and Islam, women are seen as the carriers of honour. This past month we have met many women who have a sense of shame. We met a blind woman who will probably never be considered for marriage, a woman who is divorced, and a wife who is unable to have children. All of these women are opportunities for God, through us, to speak words of love and truth about how the Father sees them and how Jesus is the restorer of honour; as in the story of Ruth, where Naomi who lost everything has her honour restored through a redeemer. Pray for opportunities for workers to show the love of Jesus to Muslim women living with a sense of shame. Pray for those who are ashamed to experience honour in Christ.
The Pakistani church: Pakistan is the second largest Muslim nation on earth. Its population of 194 million is 96% Muslim. Today the Pakistani church is small but resolute and growing in understanding of the need to reach out to its Muslim neighbours. Few believers come from Muslim backgrounds. The church needs training in outreach, but there is also a great need for pioneers to reach the 98% of people groups (mostly Muslims) without access to the gospel. This is a time of great opportunity, as Pakistani Muslims are increasingly open and searching for truth and hope. Pray for the Pakistani church to be a bold and effective witness to its Muslim community, for labourers with a desire to go and live in this country, and for Pakistani Muslims to find the one true God they are searching for.
Openings for ministry: Brunei is a very small country made up of two enclaves on the island of Borneo. They are one of the richest states in Asia with free education and healthcare, no income tax and heavily subsidised housing, fuel and food. Islam is the state religion and the Sultan rules as absolute monarch. Around 65% of the population are Muslim, and despite constitutionally guaranteed freedom of religion, it is illegal to proselytise and illegal for a Muslim to convert to another religion. No foreign Christian workers are permitted and importing bibles for ministry purposes is illegal, although Bibles are permitted for personal use. Pray for openings for kingdom workers to minister inside this nation. Pray for a move of God drawing many to repentance and salvation.
Sharing hope through science: Frontiers' workers who are scientists use their work, witness and words to declare God's glory in the heart of the Muslim world. One of our workers, Steve, puts it like this: "As a marine biologist, I speak with many scientists in the Muslim world. Wary at first, they are often relieved to find that I believe in God. When I further explain that as a disciple of Isa (Jesus), God has asked me to serve and work with them to bring blessing to their people, they often warm to me. This is something they welcome." Use of the sciences to share the hope within us is an underutilised means God can employ to open doors of witness in the Muslim world. Many engaged in science careers in the UK are surprised to hear that their skills, experience and training can be used to obey Christ's Great Commission to make disciples in all ethnic groups. Join us as we pray for the Lord to raise up many more from UK churches who will go to the peoples of the earth with little or no access to the gospel.
Indigenous investment: Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, totalling around 215 million people. However, almost 85% of them have no access to the Gospel. This leaves an immense task ahead for the existing church, for the body of new believers and for those who come alongside to envision and disciple them. Most unreached peoples are found in villages and rural areas, and more intentional effort is needed to reach them with the good news of Jesus. Time, patience and investment in relationships are then essential to seeing the long term impacts of God’s love in each of these communities. Pray for more discipleship of indigenous believers, raising up of visionary leaders and for workers to go to the unreached places.
Afghanistan's 16-year War: Recent attacks in Kabul mark one of the most violent periods in Afghanistan's 16-year war. They are reminders that in spite of the Government’s efforts, security is elusive. Attacks have intensified, striking locations that were previously considered safe. As the Taliban and ISIS claim more lives in this vulnerable country, peace may seem like a distant hope for Afghanistan, but God is moving. Afghan refugees in nearby countries are more open to the gospel than ever before. Dozens of Muslim-background Afghans have become followers of Jesus Christ, and their numbers are multiplying. Pray for God’s kingdom to come in this country, for solutions to the threats of violence and for the political stability needed for a healthy economy and just government.
Serving Impoverished Muslim Communities: There are many urban poor in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. A seasoned Frontiers leader and advocate for the poor estimates that Muslims represent almost a quarter of the world’s urban poor. “The numbers of Muslims living in poverty are growing rapidly,” he says. Frontiers teams serving impoverished Muslim communities are finding great openness to Jesus Christ but more faithful workers are needed to go to the poorest and most vulnerable populations of Muslims. Pray for more workers to go to the urban poor in Southeast Asia. Pray for those working among the poor to have endurance and grace from God to live in difficult situations alongside those they are there to reach.
The Mappila People: Unassuming, though quietly remarkable, the Mappila people have inhabited the Indian state of Kerala for more than a millennium. Now one of the largest Islamic groups in this southwestern state, the Mappila adopted their Islamic religion from Arab traders and merchants as early as the seventh century AD. The Mappila have a clear identity and have a significant social presence and interact well with other cultures. They have the Bible in their language but very few Mappilas have responded to the gospel. Pray that the Mappilas will encounter the Lord in dreams and visions, and that Christ’s witnesses would boldly proclaim the gospel with demonstrations of the Spirit's power.
After the Arab Spring...: Since the Arab Spring, Tunisia’s young people live in a country where the trajectory of their nation's future is dramatically different than it was in their childhood. Many young people have a hopeless perspective on their future. Because of the economic conditions, the most diligent and intelligent often set their hopes on leaving Tunisia for seemingly greener pastures. However it is increasingly difficult for them to get even short-term visas for other places and there is a feeling of being stuck. We know that there is hope in the name of Jesus. Pray that the students and youth would be empowered as the next generation of leaders and that the Father would impart to them His heart for justice and hope.
Freedom for the Rohingya: ‘For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.’ (Psalm 72:12-14) The targeting of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar ‘seems a textbook example of ethnic cleansing’, the UN human rights chief says. Around 300,000 have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh, with 450,000 remaining. Pray that God would watch over them, take pity on them and rescue them from the oppression of the military in Myanmar. Pray that through this situation, God would bring many Rohingya people to salvation and that they would find security, identity and peace in Him. Pray for people to be willing to go and minister to the Rohingya.
The Ingush people : The Ingush people have suffered greatly at the hands of Russia. Only Jesus can bring them true peace and victory over anger and bitterness. Originally from Russia’s Caucasus region, the Ingush number over 420,000 in that region, with approximately 20,000 more in Kazakhstan where they were deported during WWII. The Ingush people are Sunni Muslims, with many following Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam. Pray for faithful intercessors for the Ingush people. Ask for Spirit-filled witnesses to bring Jesus’ grace, peace and self-giving love to Kazakhstan’s Ingush.
Radio faith: In the 1980’s radio broadcasting of the gospel in Morocco brought in a lot of interest, particularly from young men, and Bibles were distributed to those who wanted to learn more. Families of believers have since grown out of these roots, working among the Moroccan people, with some of the men becoming leaders of local fellowships. Pray for the fledgling Moroccan church, that believers would grow in boldness and faith. Pray for the leaders to increase their vision for the spread of the gospel.
New Patterns of Family: The legacy of the Soviet Union's brutal approach to family values lives on in Kazakhstan. Divorce is normal, parenting centres on control rather than love, and many millions have grown up without a stable father-figure, let alone one who shows them what love looks like. Fatherlessness is the root of so many social problems here, and the good news of God's Kingdom for families is desperately needed. Cry out for the fatherless of this nation, that they would be drawn to the healing love of their Heavenly Father. Pray for those working in discipleship and family focussed ministries here, that new patterns of family would be learned and godly Fathers emerge.
Tribal Unrest, Civil War: Libya is experiencing tribal unrest, civil war, multiple governments claiming authority, poorly resourced medical care, and is the epicenter of human trafficking across the Mediterranean Sea. It is also facing pockets of extremism, including IS. There are very few national Christians and most foreigners have had to leave the country. In a hopeless situation, we know that God can change hearts, allow people to forgive, bring about healing and bring eternal hope. Pray that Libyans who are seeking answers would find hope and peace in Jesus Christ. Pray for peace and stability in Libya, allowing the gospel to spread freely.
Praying for revival: Turkey is the land of Noah, Abraham and Paul, of Mount Ararat, Antioch, Haran, Ephesus, Galatia and the Seven Churches of Revelation. Yet today in this land of 79 million people, 98% are Muslims and the number of Turkish believers is very small. Turkish Christians asked for prayer that God’s will be done in their beloved country and for his kingdom to come there. For many regions have no church and no believers. They ask that the Lord’s hand be with them and that a great number of people will turn to the Lord.
A Smartphone Culture: The wave of cheap smartphones has crashed over Mauritanian cities. Teenage boys occupy the street corners with all their friends peering over their shoulder at music videos or YouTube. Foreign cultures seem closer than ever. Sometimes there’s disgust, but often there’s a hunger for the wealth and more liberal lifestyle they see demonstrated online. They’re faced with the same decisions online that we are – to use the internet sinfully or selfishly, or to use online tools and communication for our encouragement and for the well-being (even eternal well-being) of others. Pray that smartphones would be used for God’s glory in Mauritania. As the world is opened to isolated places through the Internet, pray that He would guide isolated people to His words and into communication with His people. (Frontiers)
An Instinct for Survival: The Karachai people are a testament to mankind’s will to survive. Their history includes being driven into the Caucasus Mountains by invading Mongols, forcible conversion to Islam, revolts against Russia, occupation of their homeland, and deportation to Central Asia. If God did not have a plan for the Karachai, they certainly would not have persevered through these and other violent acts. But He does have a plan and many Karachai have now returned to their homeland in the Russian province of Karachai-Cherkessia. As a people group the Karachai are proud, but demoralised; spiritually they are lifeless with little interest in anything beyond immediate physical needs and family honour. Pray that the wind of God’s Holy Spirit would blow there, drawing the Karachai to Him. For God plan for them is not in vain after all this time. May their hearts be opened.
What do you see?: When you look at India what do you see? A huge mass of people, poverty, extreme heat, vibrant colours, chaos, spicy food? When you think of India what religion comes to mind? Probably most of us will think Hindu, yet incredibly India is now just about equal with Pakistan as the second most populous Muslim nation on earth. There are 300,000 active mosques in India, more than any other country. Yet only 1% of it’s languages have any scriptures. If the Muslim people of India are becoming open to learning about Christ then it would be a tragedy to miss the opportunity. Just as Jesus encouraged us in (Luke 10:2), let’s ask the Lord of the harvest to raise up more workers from our Churches to go to the Muslims of India, live among them, learn their languages and bless them with the good news of the Saviour.
Creative Grace: Whenever women step out the front door in Northern and Eastern Chad, they wear a garment called a lafaya over their dresses; a rectangular cloth, which is elegantly draped and wrapped around the whole body. Lafayas come in all colours and many patterns. As women walk around town, their lafayas create splashes of colour against the background of the dusty brown streets. Pray for more workers for Chad and for Chadian women, that one day soon their hearts would be adorned in the salvation and righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Gospel to the Gaaliin: Like so many other Sudanese people groups, the Gaaliin follow the Islamic faith, and are generally very committed Sunni Muslims. Only a small percentage of the Gaaliin have been exposed to the gospel in a positive way. This has mainly been accomplished through penetrations by Sudanese believers into the Gaaliin areas. Churches comprised of Southern Sudanese members and evangelistic outreaches led by national Christian groups have helped reach the Gaaliin. They are a people who are critical in reaching the whole of Sudan, for they are the pulse of the cities and a key stone in breaking through the Islamic grip that holds the nation of Sudan. Ask God to strengthen, encourage and protect the small number of Sudanese Arab believers. Pray that fear of persecution from Islamic relatives will not hinder Sudanese Arabs as they consider the Gospel.
The Kanuri Muslims: The Kanuri people live in the southern province of Sudan. Many of the people work as farmers but will practice other occupations during the dry season. The Kanuri have been Muslims since the eleventh century. The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of the family and the supreme authority of the father. Women are considered inferior to men in the Islamic scriptures, and are treated as such in Kanuri society. With less than 2% Evangelicals and no active efforts in this unreached Muslim community, the needs are great. Ask God to call people who are willing to go to Africa and share the love of Jesus with the Kanuri. Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Kanuri towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the gospel. Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through intercession.
the Dari dialect: At age 14 Zia already had memorized the entire Qur’an, even though he was blind. He mastered English by listening to Christian radio broadcasts, which led him to accept salvation in Christ. He eventually shared with a few people that he had received Jesus as Saviour. Zia wanted to study Islamic Law so that he could defend fellow believers who might be persecuted for their faith. He therefore entered the University of Kabul, from which he graduated with his law degree. Zia also translated the New Testament from Iranian Persian into his own Afghanistan Dari dialect. Pray for the peoples of Afghanistan to experience these blessings when they seek and find Him.
Unreached India: India receives only 6% of the world’s full time Christian workers, including 8000 foreign missionaries (7 missionaries per million people) most of whom work with the Indian Christian population. By contrast Latin America (with less than half the population of India) receives over 100,000 foreign missionaries or 172 missionaries per million people – 25 times as many missionaries per person as in India. Africa receives over 90,000 missionaries or 90 missionaries per million people – 13 times as many! Only 10% of the languages of India have any Scriptures. Pray for a team to go to every Muslim people group in India. Pray for the Scriptures to be translated into every Indian language.
Poverty in Bangladesh: The tiny country of Bangladesh is the home of Bengal tigers, beautiful beaches and a lush, green landscape. It is also a land of brutal poverty, corruption and wave after wave of unrelenting natural disasters. Once among the wealthiest areas of the Indian Subcontinent, Bangladesh is now one of the poorest. More than a third of its people live below the poverty line. Bangladesh has a young population, with more than half of its people under age 15. Pray for young people in Bangladesh to have their eyes opened to the truth of Jesus. Pray for Bangladeshis seeking asylum around the world to meet with believers in Jesus who would share Him with them. Pray for more workers to go out and work in the harvest fields of Bangladesh.
Refugees from Syria: With the increase of civil and religious war, Syrians are fleeing their country and crossing borders into Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon. Workers report that multitudes of refugees are disenchanted with Islam due to the abuses they have experienced at the hands of other Muslims. They describe the eagerness among Syrians to embrace the secure hope that we have in Christ. A team recently reported, “God is moving in an unparalleled way among the Syrian people. As we went from home to home, visiting families we shared the good news of Jesus, explaining how his sacrifice covers all sin, and in every single home we visited, God opened eyes and hearts…every single home yielded fruit. The harvest in this part of the world is ripe and we must pick now. It cannot wait!” Pray for Syrian refugees, that many would have the chance to hear the gospel as workers minister to them with compassion and love. Ask God to send more labourers who will courageously follow Jesus to love refugees and displaced peoples.
The Eastern Baloch: Many of the Baloch people in Pakistan live in harsh climatic living conditions, cut off from any large civilisation. Educational levels are low and many are illiterate. Governmental development schemes have largely been of little effect to the Baloch people. Ask God to raise up believers in Pakistan and overseas to reach out to the Baloch. Pray for believers, that they would fearlessly stand firm in their faith against persecution.
The Bilala: Chad has been ripped apart by civil war, and 80% of the population now lives below the poverty line. Medical care and services are greatly lacking in this Central African nation, and with the prevalence of HIV / AIDS, life expectancy in the Republic of Chad is just 40-42 years (Prayercast.com). Pray for workers to go to Chad to effectively share the good news with the Biblala people and for the hearts of the people to be open to it. Pray too that humanitarian aid would be brought to the country and to this people group.
The Bangka: The Bangka people live east of Sumatra on Bangka Island in the South China Sea. They include people of both Malay and Chinese descent. They are predominantly Muslim, though some ethnic Bangka people mix Islam with traditional animistic practices. The Bangka economy was impacted by drastic declines in the prices of pepper and tin in the 1990’s, and the people continue to struggle financially. Ask God to do amazing things through the lives of the few believers in this region; pray too for believers who will be willing to live and work among the Bangka. Pray for the Word of God to be distributed among the Bangka and for open hearts to the gospel.
Persians in Pakistan: Although many Persians in Iran and the West have come to faith, there are more than 150,000 Persian people living in Pakistan who have yet to hear the gospel. Most Persians are Shi’a Muslims of the Ithna Ashari branch and are radical in their adherence to Islam. Persian culture is strongly based around the nuclear family. Pray that the traditional Muslim culture of the Persians will soften, creating open doors for the gospel. Pray for teams of believers, including Iranians, to be raised up who will share the love of Christ with Persians in Pakistan.
The Berber: Having been forced to leave the more prosperous regions of Libya, the Berber people are now numerous in Morocco and Algeria. Approximately 270,000 remain in Libya; the majority are Sunni Muslims who belong to a tiny Islamic sect called Ibadaya. Berber villages in Libya are small and difficult to reach. Many of them live underground in cave-like houses carved vertically or horizontally into the soft limestone and marlstone. Ask God to provide the resources needed to reach the Berber, both geographically and spiritually. Ask God to soften the hearts of the Berber people toward the gospel and pray for teams of believers to be raised up who will live and work among them.
The Dar Hamid: The Dar Hamid people of Sudan are a confederation of about nineteen tribes and several sub-groups (population 695,000). They are a nomadic group who share a common culture and are led by a single chief. Traditionally, the Dar Hamid are Sunni Muslims. However, as a rule, most are not religious and know very little about Islam. Very few can read or write, and the written word is actually considered a source of magical power. Pray for chiefs and key leaders to be saved and to boldly share the gospel with their own people. Pray too for teams of believers to be raised up who will live and work among the Dar Hamid.
The Mappila: The Mappila people live in the inland state of Kerala, as well as on the Lakshadweep Islands off the southwestern coast of India. Arab traders brought Islam to Kerala during the time of Muhammad. The Mappila are thought to be the earliest Muslim community in India. In spite of their Islamic beliefs, the Mappila have maintained a matrilineal society. Even priesthood is inherited through the females. Pray for teams of believers to be raised up who will live and work among the Mappila. Pray that women will be open to the Gospel so that the words of Christ will penetrate deep into Mappilan families.
The Mararit: The Mararit are one of several ethnic groups collectively referred to by the term Tama. They live along the Chad/Sudan border, and their language (Mararit) is a dialect of the Tama language. The Mararit people are Muslim and, like many Muslims, they practice Sufism, a mystical form of Islam. A small minority also practice more fundamental forms of Islam, such as Wahhabism or Salafism. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to the Mararit and pray for teams of believers to be raised up who will live and work among them.
The Kolai: Nestled between five of the world’s highest mountain peaks, in the north of Pakistan, live the Kolai people. The vast majority of the Kolai are Sunni Muslim and some also practice Shamanism. Shamanists believe there is an unseen world of gods, demons, fairies, and ancestral spirits, and thus they depend on shamans to cure the sick, communicate with the gods, and influence events in the human realm. Pray that God will raise up teams of believers to go to the Kolai people and share the love of Christ with them. Ask too for the hearts of the Kolai to be open to the Gospel.
The Gayo: The Gayo people (population 300,000) live in the northern region of the Island of Sumatra. They speak two local dialects but have no written language of their own. Instead, they pass down folk tales and oral stories in the form of poetry. While predominantly Muslim, most Gayo also worship and make offerings to spirits, saints, and ancestors. Opportunities exist for those with medical skills to work in this region. Pray that God will raise up teams of believers who will go to the Gayo people and share the love of Christ with them.
The Kimr: The Kimr people of Sudan (population 143,000) live along the border of Chad and Sudan. Although they adhere to Islamic teachings, they also mix animism and witchcraft with their Islamic practices. Ask the Lord to bring a team of believers to the Kimr people to share the love of Christ with them. Pray that they would be released from the spiritual powers which are keeping them bound. Pray too that key leaders, both in the Sudanese government and among the Kimr, would be come to know Jesus and would boldly share the gospel.
The Rawther: The Rawther people of India (population 267,000) live in Rajasthan, India’s largest state, which is located in the west of the country and which borders Pakistan. Within Rajasthan, the majority of the population is Hindu, though more than 4.5 million are Muslim. Ask the Lord to bring teams of believers to the Rawther people to share the love of Christ with them. Pray that God will reveal Himself to the Rawther and make them receptive to his truth. Pray too for strong local believers and leaders, and for fellowships of Jesus followers to be raised up among the Rawther.
The Mamak: The Mamak people of Malaysia (population 106,000) find their roots in the Tamil people of India. Mamak people value their culture and tradition but are still highly tolerant and respectful of other cultures. They enjoy talking about the glory of their past but are eager to look to the future. Pray for teams to be raised up to live and work among the Mamak. Pray for a widespread response to the Gospel and for strong local leaders and churches to emerge. Pray especially that current religious leaders would come to faith in Jesus.
The Kuka: Virtually 100% Muslim, the Kuka of Chad are strongly influenced by the nearby Muslim Arab merchants with whom they trade on a regular basis. Although the Kuka number around 148,000, the Scriptures and other Christian resources have still not been translated into their own language. Pray for teams to be raised up to take on this work of translation and church planting. Ask God to open up doors for believers to be able to share their faith in Jesus with the Kuka.
The Wanesti: The Wanesti people are a group of Muslims in Pakistan who speak Waneci and number over 120,000 people. As no gospel material is available in their own language, the Wanesti are only able to hear about Jesus through the trade languages of the larger people groups that surround them. Pray for the Scriptures to be translated into their own language. Pray too for teams to be formed who are willing to go, live and work amongst the Wanesti people. Ask God to open doors of opportunity for believers to be able to share their faith.
The Lembak: The Lembak people of Indonesia are Muslims, but like many other groups in Southeast Asia, they practice animism along with Islam. The people often seek the help of a shaman to perform ritual healings and exorcisms. The Lembak are commonly known as the Bulang or ‘turban people’ and have their own language. Pray for teams willing to go, live and work amongst the Lembak. Local leaders have significant influence in the region; pray that these leaders will come to know Jesus and for local communities of Jesus followers to be established.
The Qizilbash: The Qizilbash people in Afghanistan live in urban areas such as Kabul, Herat and Qandahar, as well as in certain villages in Hazarajat. They are an important and politically influential element of society and many are involved in some form of trade. Much prayer is needed for the Qizilbash people; there are very few gospel resources available in their language and there are currently no known believers. Pray for workers willing to go and minister to the Qizilbash and for opportunities to share the truth of Jesus.
The Tigre: The Tigre people converted to Islam as a result of Arab missionaries in the 1800s. They profess to be Sunni Muslims, although most practice a form of folk Islam which includes extra-Islamic practices such as sacrifices and rain-making rituals. Pray that the Lord will strengthen, encourage and protect the few known Tigre Christians in Eritrea. Ask too for more long-term workers to go and live amongst them and for strong, local fellowships of Jesus followers to be formed.
The Kerinci: The Kerinci people live on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Like many Southeast Asian peoples, they practice a mixture of Islam and animism. They have been isolated for some time, but the government is now relocating many groups to make use of the rich farming soil. A national park is also being created which will bring many foreigners into the area. Pray that as tourism opportunities open up, Christian workers may be able to live and work alongside the Kerinci. Ask that many may hear the Gospel and find faith in Jesus.
