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Replace with page 1 of cover PDF Editorial May 2014 RECORDS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS U.S. Center for World Mission 1605 East Elizabeth Street Dear Praying Friends, Pasadena, CA 91104-2721 Tel: (330) 626-3361 If someone were to ask me [email protected] where the last unreached people MANAGING EDITOR groups would be living right Keith Carey before the Great Commission is ASSISTANT EDITOR completed, I would say Brazil. Paula Fern With the possible exception WRITERS of Papua New Guinea, it is Glenn Culbertson the only place on Earth where Patricia Depew there are still undiscovered Patti Ediger Wesley Kawato tribes. Not just unreached or Arlene Knickerbocker unengaged groups, but actually undiscovered peoples! Esther Jerome-Dharmaraj Christopher Lane Th e Church in Brazil is so strong that its members might Annabeth Lewis be able to evangelize the remote tribes in its backyard as Robert Rutz quickly as missionaries reached unknown tribes in Papua Ted Proffi tt Lydia Reynolds New Guinea and Irian Jaya during the 1950s and 60s. Jeff Rockwell Pray that this will occur! But there are serious obstacles Jean Smith which must be overcome for this to happen. Th ere are Jane W. Sveska legitimate government eff orts to protect tribal cultures. DAILY BIBLE COMMENTARIES Th ey also are trying to stop illegitimate eff orts to extract Keith Carey David Dougherty resources from the tribal owned lands and drive these Robert Rutz vulnerable people off their land. CUSTOMER SERVICE One other fact must be noted before we begin our Dan Eddy Diane Tolsma prayers. Most of the sources you will fi nd on the Internet Lois Carey portray the peoples of this region as living in a peaceful GRAPHICS Edenic paradise where all will be well until the outside Matt Anderson world destroys what they have. Th ough we detest the Cover photo: Agência Brasil destruction of lives that is occurring among the tribal PRINTER communities in Brazil, we, as followers of Christ, cannot Diversifi ed Printers , La Mirada, CA fall for the “noble savage” stereotypes that we so often WEB SITE hear about. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of www.globalprayerdigest.org God (Romans 3:23). ISSN 1045-9731 In Christ, Contents of the Global Prayer Digest © 2014 U.S. Center for World Mission Keith Carey, editor, GPD 1605 East Elizabeth Street Pasadena, CA 91104

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For subscription information, call (330) 626-3361. For comments on content, call (626) 398-2241. 2 Feature of the Month

Pray for a Strong Fellowship Among Every People in Brazil

COLOMBIA Macapá Manaus Belém Fortaleza BRAZIL Recife

PERU Brasilia Salvador BOLIVIA Belo Horizonte PARAGUAY Sao Rio de Paulo Janeiro

ARGENTINA URUGUAY

3 To Help You Pray Better 4 —by Keith Carey What Should Be Done AboutThis?What Done ShouldBe businesses, and grocery stores leveled. grocery and businesses, homes, our all to having isequivalent this cities, in who live For of us those survival. peoples’ for local the left is nothing there life, plant the levels and earthmovers, the call sometimes pigs,” they someone as “yellow comes When with needs. in their for all environment relyon their Basin River Amazon Th jungle. virgin the in oil and out minerals seeking those and industry, logging the for way farming, make to destroyed being all are animals, the rivers, the trees, the relyupon, they 2014. in facing interior are Everything Brazil’s what some of peoples native but ismuch like situation the Th fi are some neighbors of your come spaceships closer, yousee the As isdestroyed. building after building as again, and Youthem! again sounds the hear leveling instantly at buildings, beams laser shooting ship aspace see and front lawn your out to you walk Alarmed, outside. some loud sounds hear suddenly phone, you smart on your headlines look upand today’s coff Brazilian A your family and a few belongings before driving away. before driving belongings afew and family your up pack youhastily Finally, beams. laser bythe annihilated

Background science fi asilly like issounds delicious delicious s yousip your ee ring rifl ction movie from the 1950s, the from movie ction es at them, only to be only at them, es e tribes of the of the etribes What Should Be Done About This?

Almost all web sites that deal with the peoples of Brazil’s interior focus on exploitation of the indigenous peoples. But before we judge those who are exploiting the resources of this region, we need to understand some things about Brazil. Traditionally, the Brazilians have had a running joke about themselves: “Brazil is the nation of the future… and always will be.” But now it’s the 21st century, and the people have a chance to make Brazil into a developed nation of the present. Brazilians are building up a strong economy based on the resources they have within their own national borders. Brazil has a population of almost 200 million people, and most of the tribes contain fewer than 500 inhabitants. Should the entire nation remain undeveloped for the sake of a couple of thousand people? After moving the indigenous peoples (the American Indians) to reservations, the United States developed the Midwestern states in the 19th century. Why shouldn’t Brazil do the same in the 21st century? After all, it is their country, and Brazil is a sovereign nation. Developing Brazil’s interior will provide much- needed food and other products that the world needs. Brazil now has the opportunity to become a wealthy nation. However, the cost is very heavy for the peoples of the interior whose homelands and livelihoods are being destroyed. Some will escape further into the jungle. Others will try to stop the intruders, but fail. With no skills for the modern world, many will wind up being beggars and prostitutes in Brazil’s cities. Others will die from diseases introduced by outsiders. Is it right to sacrifi ce these tribes for the sake of “progress”? History teaches us that mankind has a consistent pattern: the strong prey upon the weak. Like the Native Americans in the United States who were easily defeated by American forces in the 19th century, the Brazilian Indians can easily be destroyed by powerful outside forces. As time goes on, these groups will be protected, assimilated or destroyed.

continued on next page 5 What Should Be Done About This? Two Opposing Forces Th ere are two opposing forces in Brazil today regarding the Amazon River Basin. One side wants to modernize the country and develop the nation’s abundant vast natural resources. Members of this group might be cattle ranchers, soybean farmers, oil drillers, or miners. On the other side of the development issue is Brazil’s National Foundation for the Indigenous Peoples (FUNAI). Th ey are trying to keep all outsiders from having contact with the indigenous peoples of Brazil. Survival International is another group which publicizes injustices against the indigenous peoples in an attempt to create international pressure against encroaching outsiders. Despite their eff orts to keep outsiders away from the indigenous peoples, this region of the world continues to be transformed by outside forces. Th e reason is, perhaps, obvious. According to a May 15, 2008, article in the BBC News, there are huge economic incentives to develop the Amazon River Basin. To this day, no one can come up with a realistic economic incentive not to develop this area. Th ose who cut logs illegally in this region are able to become wealthy at the expense of the native peoples. Some of the fastest growing economies of the world are those that border the Amazon River Basin. Brazil is exploiting these resources and gaining great wealth in the process. However, this has grave consequences for the indigenous peoples and the entire world, since the vegetation in this region produces much of the Earth’s needed oxygen.

How Will They Receive the Gospel? Th e Amazon River Basin is the location of the largest number of the world’s unreached, undiscovered and isolated tribes. Th ere are tribes there that are only known by the name of a nearby river, according to Dr. Dale Kietzman of the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL). No one knows the exact number of people groups that fi t this category, but estimates range from 67 to 400. To confuse matters further, some tribes became extinct during the 20th century. In 1900 there were 230 known tribes in Brazil, and some tribes merged. Yet

66 What Should Be Done About This?

today, according to one Christian source, the number of groups in this area is up to 250, and their population is growing. To a follower of Christ, some diffi cult issues exist concerning the saving of the environment and tribal protection in the Amazon. Christ Himself gave us the Great Commission to go into all the world and tell every people group about the saving power of Christ. Th ough God reveals Himself in some degree to even the most isolated groups, it will take outsiders to bring them the knowledge of Christ’s redemption. Ideally, these outsiders will be from tribes that live a similar lifestyle. Th ere are a couple of important rules to follow when approaching these isolated tribes. First of all, don’t contact them if anyone in your team is sick. Even the common cold could be devastating to a tribe that has limited immunities. Believers must ensure that they aren’t spreading contagious diseases. Secondly, allow the tribal people to live in their natural state. Th irdly, use women rather than men whenever possible. Women are seldom viewed as a threat by the tribes. Fourthly, it is important to adapt to their culture. Eat what they eat, and learn their language from the time you make contact. Fifthly, make yourself useful to them. Th is could involve giving individuals useful gifts like metal tools, and teaching them better farming methods and crafts.

Let’s Pray! Pray for God’s intervention on behalf of isolated and vulnerable Brazilian tribes. Pray for God’s ambassadors to help rather than damage the lives of these tribes. Missionary work has had a bad reputation with South American governments dat- ing back to the 17th century Catholics. At times, 20th century Protestant work has contributed to this reputation as well. Pray for the work of the ALTECO network, a group of Latin-American agencies. Th ey hope to develop appropriate strategies and evangelistic eff orts to reach these people for Christ (see day 6). Pray for Christ to reveal Himself to the isolated tribes of Brazil even before they encounter the outside world.

7 Day 1 Isaiah 47:10 Testimony of a Yanomamo Shaman

y father was a shaman. His father was a You have trusted in your shaman. So the spirits chose me to follow wickedness and have said, M on their trails (in their footsteps). When I reached “No one sees me.” Your manhood my training began. I went many days alone wisdom and knowledge without food. Th en fi nally my master blew the drugs mislead you when you say into my nose and began to lead me into the world of to yourself, “I am, and there the spirits.… is none besides me.” Th en I saw two spirits come toward me. My master It is very easy for people told me not to be afraid, just let the spirits come. from unreached people Th ey began to build a house inside my chest where groups like this Yanomamo many more spirits would come and live. Once the house was built, many spirits came. Th e goal of a shaman to think that they are shaman is to get so many spirits in your chest that no accountable to the familiar light can shine in. spirits that have ruined We knew about the greatest of all spirits. We called millions of lives through the him Yai Wana Naba Lawya, meaning, ‘Great centuries. They have heard of Unfriendly Spirit.’ We knew about his beautiful the One True God, but in their land where his beings constantly made noise to him. spiritual lives, they make no And we knew about Shobati Wakka too, the lake room for Him. They falsely of fi re. If you are a stingy person, you go to Shobati think that He cannot change Wakka after you die. We wanted to know more their lives for the better, about the Great Spirit because when our babies and especially since demons are young children died, he would steal them off to his beautiful land. telling them otherwise.

Pray for shamans Pray that the Holy Spirit will give the shamanistic peo- throughout the Amazon ples of Brazil the spiritual discernment to forsake demons. Basin to forsake their human Pray that they will understand that God is truly the reasoning and embrace the Great Friendly Spirit. wonderful God who gave them life.

8 Day 2 Testimony, Continued Jeremiah 32:18

ne day a man came to our village. He wore a You show love to thousands long robe and had white hair and a white beard. O but bring the punishment My father knew that he would be old enough and wise enough to answer some of our questions about the for the parents’ sins into the spirit world. He got out of his canoe and walked up laps of their children after on shore. He handed every child something hard like them. Great and mighty a small stone. Th ey put it in their mouths and it was God, whose Name is the sweet. But then the wise foreigner left without telling LORD Almighty. us anything about the Great Spirit. Notice how the shaman’s When I became older I made a very long trip to a forefathers had aff ected him village where there were some foreigners. Once one of spiritually. This shaman was them tried to tell me about the spirit world. He said almost bound to continue the something that I have never forgotten to this day. same “trade” as his father He said that the greatest of all the spirits loved me. and grandfather. But the When he said that, a strange new feeling went all the One True God was about to way through me. Th e Great Spirit, the creator of all show love to someone whose the spirits loves me? What an amazing thing for him family had invited His wrath to say! Every spirit in my chest shook with fear when for generations. We can learn he said that. that the words of Jeremiah Pray that many shamanistic peoples will recognize the evil hundreds of years ago still spirits for what they are and escape from them into the lov- apply to the nations that we ing arms of Jesus. Pray that they will be so drawn to the will pray for this month. Lord that they will be willing to forsake all other spirits and gods. Thank Him for loving those who have invited His wrath, and have forsaken His ways.

9 Day 3 Ezekiel 36:26 Testimony, Continued

I will give you a new heart ater that same man moved to my village. One day he told me more about the Great Spirit and and put a new spirit in you; L about His Son whom he sent to show us the way to I will remove from you your his beautiful land. My spirits made a great fuss inside heart of stone and give you my chest. I liked to listen to the man talk about the a heart of fl esh. Great Spirit. I explained to him that this spirit was Notice the transformation our enemy, an unfriendly spirit. But he told me that He wasn’t our enemy, that He loves the Yanomamo that came over this shaman people. Th en he said, “You only think he’s your enemy when he decided to follow because your spirits hate him. He’s your friend.” Christ. He was no longer Th en one day the Chief of all our spirits came to me grabbing women like most to win me back to his side. Th en a great light, whiter men did in his community. than the sun, hit us both. Something grabbed me and How does this happen? It’s a voice said, “You can’t have him; he’s mine.” I will the transforming work of never forget the look of fear on that spirit’s face. And the Holy Spirit who changes all the rest of my spirits ran too. our hearts! As He changes From that time to now I have been following Jesus. the hearts of individuals, He Nothing has been the same. In one village where I also changes communities visited, they gave me my own special name. Because like yeast changes bread I treated their ladies with respect, they named me, dough. The few who stand “Doesn’t Grab Women.” Foreigners always laugh up for righteousness make when they hear this story. But it’s not funny to me; it shows how diff erent my life is today. others wonder what they are missing. What was Pray for spiritual leaders among all the unreached people once acceptable becomes groups we pray for this month to have at least one mem- unacceptable as the light of ber who opens his heart to Jesus. the Holy Spirit shines in communities.

Thank the Holy Spirit for transforming you. Think of ways He has given you a fuller life now that you are obeying Christ.

10 Day 4 Apama Lapama People Isaiah 40:17

ather and son stand Before him all the nations naked in the rain forest, F are as nothing; they each holding a hollow fi ve- are regarded by him as Pacific foot bamboo tube and a Ocean few razor-thin arrows. Th e worthless and less than arrows are designed with a nothing. Atlantic Ocean barb-like notch that prevents At fi rst glance, it might the weapon from reversing. seem that the Lord has no Today, the father continues regard for the nations of Bogota Atlantic teaching his young son to Ocean COLOMBIA hunt. “Son, you can see the the world. From our human

PERU BRAZIL circle I carved on the tree. reasoning, we would think Brazilia Now aim your tube at the that He would be completely BOLIVIA circle and blow the arrow out disinterested in tribes as small of the tube.” Patiently, the as the ones we are praying ARGENTINA father passes along the details for this week. This verse is involved in hunting that his sandwiched between ones son will need in future years. that tell of the unmatched Th ese two represent part of the 200 people observers power of the Lord of lords. call the “Lapama.” Such a small group of people, yet And elsewhere in Scripture we God wants to target his “arrows” of life-changing love at them! see Him pleading for the tiny nation of Israel to return to Critics say we should leave this group alone; they are Him when they strayed away happy and peaceful as they are. Th ey claim that there is never a harsh word between husband and wife. Yet like lost sheep. Does such a missionaries who have reached other isolated tribes God regard small nations like testify diff erently. Th ey claim that after tribal leaders the Apama Lapamas with understand and accept the gospel message, they loving-kindness? consistently say to the missionaries, “Why did it take you so long to come to us?” Thank Him that despite His awesome power, His love Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers extends to even the smallest from nearby indigenous tribes to tell the Lapama lead- nations in Brazil that we will ers about the wonderful God who loves them and the good pray for this month. news of Jesus.—GEC

11 Day 5 Habakkuk 1:6 Isolados do Jandiatuba River People

n the eastern foothills I am raising up the of the Andes Babylonians, that ruthless I Mountains many miles and impetuous people, who from the famous Amazon sweep across the whole River, a mother warns her earth to seize dwellings not daughter, “Never leave their own. our home area, especially never leave alone.” Th e To the hapless tribes of Brazil, daughter replies, “But why?” Mother explains, “I’m the seizure of their land must telling you as sternly as I can: If you leave our area, appear like what the Israelis the White man will get you!” were about to experience at For 500 years outsiders have encroached on the the hands of the Babylonians. territories of ancient people groups. Many of these It still seems today that often newcomers cruelly abused the locals. As a result, God is silent while the wicked some groups have chosen to live in such remote swallow up those more isolation that outsiders fi nd it almost impossible to righteous than themselves contact them. (1:13). But as we observe the Such is likely the case with the “Isolados do ebb and fl ow of international Jandiatuba River people.” Th is is not the name of a aff airs through the centuries, tribe; it simply designates an isolated group living we can be confi dent that God along a river in the far western region of Brazil. is wisely and fairly working With an estimated population of 300 people, this group holds memories of mistreatment from White out His purposes until the outsiders. Th us any strategy to bring the message of earth will be fi lled with the Jesus to these people must involve other indigenous knowledge of the glory of the representatives. Fortunately, the Evangelical Lord as the waters cover the movement in Brazil includes a growing number of sea (2:14). people from formerly isolated people groups.

Pray that the rapid changes Pray that the Lord of the harvest will burden believers that are currently happening from other indigenous groups to bring the light of Jesus in Brazil will result in God’s to the darkened world along the Jandiatuba River. Pray purposes being accomplished. that Bible translation teams will target this isolated Pray for God’s truth, justice, group.—GEC and mercy to temper the current situations that aff ect Brazil’s indigenous peoples.

12 Day 6 ALTECO Work in Latin America Zephaniah 3:9

nd the man and his wife were both naked and Then will I purify the lips “A were not ashamed.” (Genesis 2:25, NASB) Critics of missionary activity in the Amazon of the peoples, that all of Basin paint a picture of the life of the indigenous them may call on the Name population as being much like the life that Adam and of the Lord and serve Him Eve enjoyed in the Garden of Eden: naked innocence. shoulder to shoulder. Closer examination reveals a diff erent picture. Like We are already witnessing the rest of humanity, the peoples who live in this the fi rst fruits of this promise! region are separated from God by their sin. ALTECO Brothers and sisters from is a Christian organization that works to bridge the Latin America now serve gap between God and the isolated people groups as missionaries around the without destroying the fabric of their society. world. They have established ALTECO is an acronym for “Amazon & Lowland outstanding mission agencies Tribal Empowerment COalition.” ALTECO’s and mission networks like goal is to “enhance sustainable progress in areas of spiritual guidance, education, health, human COMIBAM and ALTECO. More rights, and economic development.” It is equipping people use this Prayer Digest local indigenous churches and their leaders through in Chinese, Korean, and training and genuine partnerships. Th is, they believe, Spanish than in English. We is the pathway to complete the Great Commission in now have a glimpse of the this region (http://alteco.org). day in which all peoples Th e Amazon and Lowlands region of South America will be praising Him at the is inhabited by more than 400 indigenous groups. Of marriage supper of the Lamb. these, between 207 and 250 are isolated from a clear message of the gospel in their language. Th is area Thank Him for what He covers tribal territory within 11 countries. is doing in all the earth through ALTECO. Pray that Pray for the following ALTECO team families: Goddard, He will speed the day when Ferry, Sprague, and Van Brunt. Th ese couples with their Brazilian believers minister families navigate between our world and the “Green to every unreached people Window” of isolated tribes. Pray for their safety. Pray group in their country. that they will fi nd favor among the leaders they encoun- ter. Pray that they will walk in the power and fruit of the Holy Spirit.—GEC

13 Day 7 Isaiah 45:23 Paiaku People

By myself I have sworn, my t is estimated that there are about 200 Paiaku mouth has uttered in all I people living in the Amazon jungle. Th e Joshua Project web site says, “Th is people group’s population integrity a word that will is unknown or estimated to be very small. People not be revoked: Before me groups with small populations may have assimilated every knee will bow; by me into surrounding groups since research was last every tongue will swear. gathered. Today they may be unrecognizable as a It sounds impossible, doesn’t separate group. However, to ensure that every people it? Every knee will bow before group is represented, the Joshua Project includes unknown and very small population groups until on- the Lord, even those who have site research determines they do not exist.” so few ways to fi nd Him like the Paiaku people? We know It is very possible that the Paiaku people do not even speak their own language anymore. Such a that God is the One who can situation produces a dilemma. Th e loss of a language do the impossible, and He means the loss of one of the world’s cultures which is says in many other parts of tragic. However, since the Paiaku people are listed as Scripture that all nations will speaking Portuguese, some new doors are open for hear and respond to Him. His them. Th ey go from having no Scriptures, no gospel Kingdom will come, and His recordings, no JESUS Film, radio, or TV programs will WILL be done on Earth as to having all of the above. it is in Heaven. Yet as best as we can tell, they remain unreached. But they are more likely to be reached than some other Pray for faith that He will tribes in Brazil. We know that the Paiaku people reach every tribe and nation exist, whereas there are tribes in remote areas that are we intercede for this month. not yet named by the outside world.

Pray for the Paiaku people to hear and respond to the gospel before they become assimilated into the Portuguese- speaking culture around them. Pray that they will love, honor, and worship the One who created them.—KC

14 Day 8 Kabixi People Isaiah 11:9

his morning when I turned on my smart phone, I They will neither harm had three diff erent apps to choose from for either T nor destroy on my holy reading or hearing the Word of God. I can attend any of the dozens of churches that speak my language. mountain, for the earth Many evangelistic materials are at my fi ngertips, will be fi lled with the including Internet sources, radio, television, and the knowledge of the LORD as list goes on and on. Despite the fact that all of these the waters cover the sea. are available to English-speaking Americans, many do The Earth will be fi lled with not have peace with God. Th ey have no excuse. the knowledge of the Lord! All Th e 100 Kabixi people only have general revelations nations will know their holy which reveal God. Th e beauty of the green trees and Creator, even those like the the wonders of His provision tell them that there is Kabixi people who only have Someone out there who must love life and beauty to create so much of it. But if they want to learn about general revelations to go on. the God of the Bible, they must fi rst learn Brazil’s This sounds too good to be trade language, Portuguese. Most of them know true! But when this happens, Portuguese, but it’s not their heart language. Th e the Great Commission will be Kabixi are listed by the Joshua Project as an unreached complete. Will Christ return people group. at that time? Maybe. All we know is that every nation Pray for the Kabixi people to have the chance to fi nd their must be reached before He Savior and to join with others from their tribe to worship Him. Pray that before their language becomes extinct, there returns. Be prepared. Only will be worship and music in their language that will be 7200 more to go! like pleasing incense to God.—KC Come, Lord Jesus!

15 Day 9 Exodus 20:3,5 (Message) Karapoto People of Brazil

t the very tip of the eastern face of the South No other gods, only Me. American continent dwells an indigenous people …and don’t serve them A called the Karapoto. Th ey are a small Portuguese- because I am God, your speaking group; some authorities number them God, and I’m a most jealous at 2200, others at about 700. Th e Lord knows the God… number of hairs on their head, so He certainly knows Have you ever seen an the number of Karapoto people in Brazil. What matters is that most of them don’t know Jesus Christ. insanely jealous lover, a man so completely in love with a Most Karapoto associate themselves with their own woman that he is extremely ethnic religion. In their minds they think that another way of worship disconnects them from their traditions, jealous when he sees her ethnicity, and society. Th ere are a handful of Karapoto aff ections drifting off from who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, but no church him and toward others? In planting has transpired among them for many years. the Old Testament, Jehovah marries Israel, divorces her Pray that the Holy Spirit will fi ll the hearts of the few for leaving Him for a life of Karapoto believers with love for their unsaved tribal whoredom, then moves friends and relatives. Pray that He will renew their faith heaven and earth to get her and ignite their souls with the desire to see their people group know the One True God Who created them. Pray back. In the New Testament that the veil would drop from the spiritual eyes of the we see God in Christ paying unsaved tribesman, and they would recognize and joy- a huge price to redeem and fully accept Jesus Christ as the Savior of their souls. Pray perfect us into a bride able to urgently that their lives will soon be abundant and full of receive His unending love. worship and praise for Almighty God in their own, cultur- ally distinct way.—PE Pray the Karapotos will see and understand His jealous love for them.

16 Day 10 Kaxixo People Hosea 1:2 (Message)

osea 2:23 tells us that God spoke through the The fi rst time God spoke prophet saying, “I will say to those who are not H to Hosea He said, “Find a my people, you are my people….” whore and marry her. Make Th e headband encircling Xixo’s head holds colorful this whore the mother of feathers standing as straight and tall as he is. your children. And here’s Armbands, bracelets, and a shell necklace adorn his why: this whole country muscular body. According to some in Brazil, this has become a whorehouse, young man doesn’t exist, along with the 307 other unfaithful to me, God.” Kaxixo people. Th ey are invisible and unwanted by the local landowners. If they would receive the rights of a For 13 chapters Hosea details protected people, they would have to be better treated Israel’s X-rated behavior and by their employers. its punishing consequences Th e Kaxixo people don’t know the God who loves and … but keeps on pleading, “O cares for them, who knows their struggles and sent Israel, come back! Return to His Son to die for them. Th ey don’t know that there is your God!” (14:1) Intercessor, a Great Physician who longs to heal their malaria and have you begun to see the protect them from the ills of society that threaten to encroach upon their hidden and isolated existence. depths of His love and the price He has paid for us and Th e last part of Hosea 2:23 tells us that the people said, the urgency of His message “You are my God.” Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal to peoples like the Kaxixo? Christ to the Kaxixo people. Th eir language is Portuguese Satan’s most eff ective lie may so there are many Scriptures, fi lms, tracts, and ministry be, “See who you are, what helps available to them if only someone will take the Word you’ve been doing? How could to them. Pray that God calls workers to stand in the gap for God possibly love you?” the Kaxixo. Pray that the Lord of the Harvest will gather them to His service and worship.—PE Pray that the Kaxixo people will understand God’s response: “Repent! Return! In Jesus I’ve taken all that on Myself, and I will keep on loving you forever!”

17 Day 11 Jeremiah 3:20 Korubo People

Surely, as a faithless wife aya cradled the leaves her husband, so have M infant in her lap you been faithless to me, as she sat cross-legged on the dirt fl oor of her O house of Israel, says thatched hut. Th e chubby the Lord. baby boy nursed while So why doesn’t He just give she busily prepared the up on mankind? Why this spider monkey and fi sh relentless pursuit of such an for the family meal. Th e jungle outside her door ungrateful, worthless people? is deceptively beautiful

It’s because they are very, Condit Bernice and tranquil, yet holds a very special to Him, originally myriad of dangers from created in His image to anacondas to other wild predators. mirror His glory. He appears Th e Korubos are known as the “Head Bashers” to be insanely jealous of among the indigenous tribes of Brazil. Th e clubs they every display of aff ection not carry for battle killed several Brazilian government directed toward Him. If I were offi cials trying to make contact with them. Th e translating Genesis 1 today, I Korubo people kill babies born with birth defects. would say that He gave us in As a matter of fact, Maya killed her previous baby, a daughter, when she was ill with malaria. Some babies His holy DNA, containing His are sacrifi ced for various reasons. image, in order that we could receive the fullness of His love Red dye from a local plant decorates the naked bodies of both men and women. Th eir hair is cut as if and joy. a bowl had been placed over their heads. Th e men use Pray for the Korubo people poisoned darts which are their weapon of choice for that His messengers will hunting, an activity that they engage in several hours bring the good news of Jesus of the day. Christ to them soon. Give praise that the 175 Korubo people were discov- ered before they became extinct. Pray that God will send workers to build trust and friendship with them in order to share the gospel. Pray that these ambassadors of Christ will help the people adjust to the massive changes in their lives that will inevitably come. Pray for a great harvest of Korubo souls for the kingdom of God.—PE

18 Day 12 World Missions Associates (WMA) Isaiah 6:8

tones, a pouch, and a sling are all David had when Then I heard the voice of S he killed Goliath, but he was willing, eager, and the Lord saying, “Whom highly motivated. shall I send? And who will World Missions Associates (WMA) uses this battle go for us?” And I said, “Here described in 1 Samuel 17 as a model when they off er am I. Send me!” training and counseling to indigenous missionaries all over the world. Th ey are trying to point out that David Isaiah had seen the glory of was relying on God for the victory over Goliath and the Lord, and he was willing did not depend on good armaments. to go as His prophet. He knew According to WMA, one of the greatest problems that the Lord is precious, and confronting today’s missionaries can be a total nothing can take His place. dependence on foreign money and assistance. Some Now it was time for him to of them have become captive to false assumptions lead a long life of suff ering, that they are unable to function without this help. ridicule and rejection for the Dan Carl, a WMA coach, encourages indigenous only Name that can save us. leaders to trust God with the provision of their needs, Today there are people who using resources they already have. Another coach urges them to build up their local confi dence and will go to the isolated tribes of dependency on God and one another. A third coach Brazil as ambassadors for the asks them to use indigenous forms of worship, not an same God that Isaiah spoke imported form of Western Christianity. for. Who will go? Th is concept was the vision of seven missionaries Pray for many who are being from seven diff erent organizations targeting tribes trained by WMA to share the in the Amazon Basin. Th eir stated goal was “To see same burden as Isaiah when existing believers in Peru send out missionaries to the they see the lost sheep of 200 least reached tribes in the Amazon Basin.” Th ey South America. want them to use methods in a way that, “encourages and empowers both indigenous missionaries and newly started churches to be local-supporting and reproducing.” WMA is assisting them in realizing their vision.

Pray that the model of David’s fi ve smooth stones, a pouch, and a sling will be an example for the indigenous groups in the Amazon Basin to believe the good news, share it, and take ownership of the entire evangelization and church planting process.—JS 19 Day 13 Isaiah 66:18b Tapuia People

esus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all And I, because of what they the nations, baptizing them in the name of the have planned and done, am J Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching about to come and gather them to observe all that I commanded you…” the people of all nations (Matthew 18:19-20). Th is is the missionary task of and languages, and they the church—to go, to baptize, and to teach. will come and see my glory. Does that mean that we need to make that concerted It’s interesting to note that eff ort with a group only numbering 150 people? many people think that the Jesus didn’t set numerical boundaries on the size of a mission of extending God’s nation. His command says, “all the nations.” Th e 150 kingdom began with the New Tapuia of the Brazilian Amazon Basin are precious to Him. Testament. Not so! Take a look at this verse in Isaiah. In fact, Th e language of the Tapuia people is Curripaco, you can read all of Isaiah 66 and their primary religion is listed as “ethnic.” Th is means that their religion probably involves an eff ort and see one prophesy after to appease the spirits that is common in such belief another about how the Lord systems. Yesterday, we read about the vision of will be glorifi ed by all nations. missionaries targeting the Amazon Basin to reach all of the indigenous tribes for Christ. Today let’s pray Thank Him that His glory is that believers trying to contact the Tapuia would do not just for one nation, but so in a manner that respects their indigenous culture for all of them. Thank Him and empowers the native believers to reach their own that just as He revealed His people with the good news. glory to the nation of Israel, He will also reveal Himself to In every people group there are gate-keepers that can the Tapuia tribe of Brazil. restrict or allow the gospel to get to the people. Pray for God to prepare the hearts of the Tapuia gate- keepers so that they will welcome those believers who want to tell them about the true and living God. Th en we can look forward to the day when the Tapuia tribe, along with others, will kneel before the King of kings.

Pray for God to open the hearts of the Tapuia peo- ple so that they will joyfully receive Christ into their hearts.—JS

20 Day 14 Papavo Isaiah 64:8

nother very small indigenous tribe in Brazil’s Yet you, LORD, are our A Amazon Basin is the Papavo. Th ere are only 200 known members of this group. Th eir primary Father. We are the clay, you language is Portuguese, and just like the Tapuia we are the potter; we are all read about yesterday, they have an “ethnic” religion the work of your hand. that involves the worship of spirits. Th e Papavo live in God created every individual the Amazon area close to Peru. and nation for a purpose. A major threat to this group and many others in the The Papavo people are no Amazon Basin is the commercial exploitation of the exception. Do they have Amazon’s natural resources. Th is region is one of the the ability to adapt to new world’s last areas which contain tropical hardwoods like mahogany. It is also one of the last strongholds situations like certain other of isolated indigenous people in Peru and Brazil. tribes in Brazil? As their Anthropologists and environmentalists understand situation changes, will the fragility of these small indigenous groups as they the Papavo people allow face outside society. Unfortunately, some indigenous themselves to be clay in the groups have caused their own victimization by hands of the potter? accepting the lure of money off ered to them for their precious territories. Pray that they will have the Th e January 2014 edition of National Geographic fl exibility and humility to addresses these issues and tells of the Kayapo tribe in allow God to direct them in the Amazon Basin that has beaten back commercial this time of change. Pray for threats to their way of life. So far they have God to shower them with successfully defended their culture. “From shotguns His abundant mercy as they and motorized aluminum boats to Facebook pages, face new challenges. they have shown a canny ability to adopt technologies and practices without compromising the essence of their culture.” Will the Papavo be able to do the same?

Pray for the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Papavo tribe when they hear the gospel. Pray for them to see and understand that Christ loves them and that Christ’s sacri- fi ce is for them.—JS

21 Day 15 Jeremiah 2:11 Kuruaya People

ow do you Has a nation ever changed save a dying its gods? (Yet they are not H language? Deep in the gods at all.) But my people jungles of Brazil the have exchanged their Kuruaya tribe struggles glorious God for to survive. In their worthless idols. villages most people speak Portuguese. This verse from Jeremiah Only fi ve people who is ironic when we think of are old enough to be frontier mission work. What grandparents, can we want is for the nations Condit Bernice speak their traditional to change their gods from Kuruaya language. Th ose who are young or middle- ones that are not gods at all aged speak Portuguese. to the One Who created the Th e Kuruaya are like many tribes in Brazil. Th ey Universe! Many tribes like have been contacted by Portuguese-speaking people the Kuruayas are coming from the coast. Th e allure of modern civilization into contact with the outside tempted the young to abandon their traditional world. It often means much culture and language. Soon a generation was born that didn’t speak Kuruaya at all. suff ering will come their way as they try to adapt to radically But there is one thing this people group didn’t learn diff erent surroundings. from those who had contacted them. Th ey didn’t hear the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Few, However, it also gives them if any Kuruaya have come to know the One who can the opportunity to turn from save their souls. Th ey still rely on the same fallen the powerless gods their spirits that their ancestors depended upon. ancestors worshiped to the all-powerful One. Pray for faithful workers to reach out to the Kuruaya people with the message of salvation. Ask God to lead Pray for God’s mercy to a mission agency to send believers to this people group. surround the Kuruaya people Pray that those who reach out to the Kuruaya would have as they adapt to a new God’s wisdom and anointing. Pray for God to prepare the world. Pray that they will hearts of the Kuruaya people so that they will be drawn to change their old gods for the Him.—WK One who can save.

22 Day 16 Miranha People Isaiah 24:16

he missionary hacked From the ends of the earth his way through the T we hear singing, “Glory to South American jungle with Pacific the Righteous One.” Ocean a machete. He stopped for a moment to check his compass If there is such a place as the Atlantic Ocean and read a map. Th at’s when “ends of the Earth,” it would he knew he’d crossed the be the Amazon Basin. This border from Colombia into Bogota Atlantic Ocean is one of only two spots on COLOMBIA Brazil. Footsteps sounded, and he saw a group of the globe where there are PERU BRAZIL Brazilia Amerindian approaching him tribes that have not yet been BOLIVIA on the trail up ahead. discovered by the outside “Greetings, I come in peace,” world. Are some of them ARGENTINA said the missionary. Th e leader singing of the glory of the of the local men asked, “How did you learn to speak Righteous One? It’s possible Miranha?” He replied, “I’m speaking Bora, a language that there are some who very similar to yours.” “Why were you visiting the have responded to general Bora?” “To deliver a message that will change their revelation as they see the lives for the good.” “Come to our village and tell us beauty around them. But what you told the Bora.” Th e missionary followed the men to their village. most of them are doing what the vast majority of mankind Th e Miranha people group once had much contact has done ever since the fall of with the Whites. During the 1800s they sold people captured in battle into slavery. When the slave man: they settle for gods that trade ended in South America about 120 years ago, are imposters. the Miranha lost most of their contacts with the Whites. In recent years this people group has been Pray that as the Miranha rediscovered. If they had any knowledge previously of people see the evidence of the message of salvation, it has been lost. God’s creation all around them, they will praise and honor the Righteous Creator. Pray that God will soon open the hearts of this people group to Christ. Ask God to lead Christian reading teach- ers to reach out to the Miranha. A complete Bible already exists in a language very similar to Miranha. Th is people group can come to a knowledge of Jesus Christ once they have heard the word of God.—WK

23 Day 17 Isaiah 32: 17 Metyktire People of Brazil

n the 1950s an author named Orlando Villa Boaz The fruit of righteousness came to the Kayapo Indians of the Xingu River in will be peace; the eff ect I the Amazon Basin in Brazil’s northern state of Para. of righteousness will When Boaz arrived, a group of Kayapos fl ed into the be quietness and forest where they remained cut off from the outside confi dence forever. world until 2007. Trust in God develops Today there is an off shoot of the Kayapos called the righteousness, which means Metyktire. Th ey number fewer than 90 people, and quietness and confi dence in apparently they are living in only one village. Th ey the Lord. Those who have are under the protection of FUNAI, the Brazilian government agency charged with protecting the always put their faith in gods indigenous peoples. that are not real and in fallen spirits that deceive and harm Th e Metyktire people speak an “archaic” dialect of Kayapo. Th ey wear almost no clothing. Women people will live in fear and shave the front of their hair. Th e Metyktire fi sh and unrighteousness. But the are probably foods gatherers. Although there are One True God, the One who Catholic missions among the Kayapo, there are none created the heavens, off ers as yet ministering to the Metyktire, nor are there righteousness, peace, and likely to be any in the near future. In order to prevent confi dence. Which would you the people group from being exposed to diseases, prefer? Which do you think FUNAI has closed off their territory to all outsiders unreached nations like the except a medical team. All too often, exposure to viruses and bacteria have decimated indigenous Metyktire people would prefer peoples in the Americas. if given a choice?

Pray that this year many Pray that Christian Indians or medical personnel will from Brazil’s unreached reach the Metyktire and that the people do not run away tribes will put their trust in from the gospel message concerning their true Savior. the One who takes away our Pray for genuinely transparent and honest discussions fears and gives us quietness between the Kayapos and the Brazilian government and confi dence. concerning the Belo Monte Dam project that would fl ood their lands and those of the Metykires. Currently the dam is planned under the right of eminent domain as a na- tional necessity.—TP

24 Day 18 Morerebi People Isaiah 43:7

n Genesis 18 we see the fi rst intercessory mission Everyone who is called by prayer in the Bible. Abraham asks God to spare I my Name, whom I created Sodom and Gomorrah if they contain as few as 10 righteous people. Alas, they did not. So, just how for my glory, whom I many individuals must a people group contain to formed and made. be evangelized? And what if they do not want to be One of the things that we evangelized as was clearly the case of the people of the forget way too easily is that plains in Genesis? we were all created for His Th e Morerebi consist of 100 persons living in glory. God created each Amazonas, Brazil. Th ey may be a separate ethnic individual and every nation, group or related to two others. Either way, their even the small ones like the language is listed in Th e Catalogue of Endangered Languages due to their few numbers. Th e Ethnologue Morerebis. It is not about says that they do not want contact with any outside us; it IS about God! This cultures. Th ey appear to be an extended family group changes how we should living in two villages along one or two rivers. Th e pray. We know that God is Morerebi, like those we prayed for yesterday, are compassionate, so we must animists who believe there are spirits in nature. pray for people to turn to Despite linguistic affi nities with two other indigenous Him so that they can have the languages, there are no gospel resources for them. abundant life He off ers. But Th e JESUS Film, gospel recordings, radio, television more importantly, we pray broadcasts, or printed portions of Scripture are not that people will turn to Him so available in their language. Th ey are unreached, unengaged, and nearly extinct! that He will be glorifi ed. Ask Him to help us to Pray that God will open them up to the outside world. remember to pray for His will Pray that He will raise up persons of peace among them to be done as we intercede who will receive the gospel. Pray that churches will adopt for the nations that were the Morerebi as their unreached people group and share created by and for Him. Christ’s compassion with the tribe as they learn about the outside world.—TP

25 Day 19 Micah 6:8 Nahukwa People

esterday we prayed for a group of Brazilians who He has shown you, O want nothing to do with other peoples. We also mortal, what is good. Y asked just how large should a group be in order to And what does the LORD be evangelized. Today’s group is even smaller than require of you? To act justly yesterday’s. Th ere are fewer than 100 of them; but and to love mercy and Jesus told the story of the shepherd who left 99 sheep to walk humbly with in order to fi nd just one lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14). your God. He loves everyone. This is the message that Like the Morerebi for whom we prayed yesterday, the Terena ambassadors for Nahukwas likely practice slash-and-burn horticulture, Christ can take to their and they fi sh for a living in the Xingu Reserve. But unlike the tribe we prayed for yesterday, the Nahukwa neighbors: be just, Nahukwas are open to outsiders, so long as they are be merciful, and be humble Native American teachers or nurses. Th e Terena tribe before the Lord Almighty. which lives near the Nahukwa has sent teachers and What a radical idea for this nurses to establish a Medical Training Center outside part of the world! Without the Xingu Reserve; the Nahukwa may go to it if the infl uence of Christ, the they are sick. Th e Terena people are about 20 percent tribes so easily wage brutal Evangelical according to the Joshua Project web site. warfare against one another. Believers from this group can now reach out to the Nahukwa tribe. Though there are many other wonderful verses in Pray that a good relationship will grow into an excellent Scripture, this one off ers a relationship between the Terena and the Nahukwa concise description of how peoples. Pray that Terena believers will go to the God wants us to live. Why Nahukwas with both medical and spiritual help. Pray make it complicated? for local believers to support Terena eff orts to bless their Nahukwa neighbors. Pray for persons of peace to open the Pray that soon there Nahukwa tribe to a gospel witness.—TP will be Native American missionaries going to the Nahukwa people with the simple gospel.

26 Day 20 Jews in Brazil Isaiah 42:6b

here is a saying in Brazil that ‘If a town “I, the LORD, have called you doesn’t have a Jewish and a Lebanese “T in righteousness; I will take merchant, it doesn’t deserve to be called a town.’” Mario, a Brazilian Jewish banker, was explaining to a hold of your hand. I will visiting businessman from Israel about life for Jewish keep you and will make people in Brazil. “We have done well; many are you to be a covenant for involved in professions, others own businesses with the people and a light for only about 10 percent employed in labor. My wife is the Gentiles…. Lebanese, and she comes from a Christian family. God has called the Jewish We enjoy the blending of our cultural backgrounds and celebrate traditional religious holidays, both people in Brazil to a life of Jewish and Christian. We are not strict followers of righteousness. They can be our religions.” a light to the Gentiles (in Th e estimated 130,000 Brazilian Jewish people this case, tribal peoples), live their lives with full religious freedom. Th eir but fi rst they must humbly schools, synagogues, cultural centers, kosher stores acknowledge the Savior. How and restaurants are found in all major cities and will they hear? In some cases, towns across Brazil. According to several Jewish Jewish people in Brazil are scholars, the only threat facing Judaism in Brazil is married to Christian Arabs. intermarriage which is estimated to be at 60 percent. Mixed Christian-Jewish Th is intermarriage, interestingly enough, is especially families celebrate high among the country’s Jewish people and Arabs, primarily Lebanese and Syrians. one another’s festivals together. Could these events God’s message to them in Hebrews 8:11 is, “No be used of God to call His longer will they teach their neighbor or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know children’s attention to His only me, from the least of them to the greatest.” begotten Son? Pray for the Jewish people Pray that the Brazilian Jewish people will come to know in Brazil to have ears to hear their Messiah and know their God.—PD about the Christ. Pray that they will embrace Him with all their hearts, minds, and souls.

27 Day 21 Isaiah 40:13 Turks in Brazil

s a result of the close Who can fathom the Spirit relations that we have of the LORD, or instruct the “A developed in a short time LORD as his counselor? with Brazil, we have found TUR KEY Muslim peoples like the Turks a trustworthy friend both in typically misunderstand the political and strategic terms and a perfect partner in Holy Spirit. They understand commercial and economic that God is one and that God Istanbul Black Sea terms. Th e Republic of is a spirit, but they cannot Turkey is renewing itself fathom that His Spirit inhabits Ankara TURKEY fast. I think the private His followers in such a way sector should make good SYRIA that they are transformed into use of this renewal and Mediterranean His likeness, extending His Sea IRAQ hurry in entering new markets in a more organized Kingdom. Thus they EGYPT and courageous way. Our try to work their way to Embassy and Consulate heavenly rewards by obeying in Sao Paolo are at the service of our businessmen laws that cannot save or 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Th is speech by transform them. Turkey’s Ambassador brought loud applause from all attending the meeting. A Brazilian commented, “We Pray that believers in may be separated by distance, but this has no infl uence Brazil will tell their Turkish on the great relationships we have developed. Both our neighbors about their countries are committed to democracy, human rights, wonderful Heavenly Father and respect of law.” so they can experience the presence of His goodness Th ere are only an estimated 150 Turkish people living and light. in Brazil, and most of them are involved in business positions associated with trade. Th ey feel welcome in Brazil. Brazilians are warmly receptive to them. Religious tolerance allows the Turks to practice their Islamic faith without interference.

Pray that the Brazilian believers will develop lasting friendships with Turkish Muslims so that they can experi- ence Christ’s mercy and love. Pray that soon Turkish people in South America will become the Lord’s ambassadors to Turks throughout the world.—PD

28 Day 22 Matis People Isaiah 25:7-9

nce semi-nomadic, moving their villages every The Sovereign Lord will few years when game ran low or fi elds became O wipe away the tears from infertile, the small number of Matis people now live in only two villages, Aurelio and Beija Flor. Contact all faces…. In that day with the outside world has decimated their population, they will say, “Surely this is and many have died from contagious diseases such our God; we trusted in Him, as hepatitis. Th e Brazilian government no longer and He saved us.” permits visitors to go to their villages except by special There is plenty of reason for invitation, though some outsiders go to them with tears to be shed by peoples medical care. like the Matis. They suff er Th e Matis people live in rudimentary shelters, and most from contagious diseases of their food is obtained through hunting game such and from both internal and as monkeys that they kill with blowguns. Fishing and some agricultural foods supplement their diet. external abuse. The 21st century will most likely be a Ritual ceremonies are a major part of their lives. harsh time for them. But we Preparations for the rituals involve painting bright pigments on their unclothed bodies, wearing masks also know that some from the and sometimes covering themselves with clay. During Matis tribe will put their trust the “Marvin” ceremony, they dance and carry sticks in Christ. Those that do will normally used to discipline children. One agonizing be comforted by the One who ritual involves the giving of “energy” from one person holds the future. to another. Typically an older male gives his “energy” to a younger boy. Some of the methods of giving energy Pray for the Matis people are whippings and the injection of frog venom. Some to look to Christ for physical younger Matis desire a better life including education, and spiritual salvation but their elders want traditions to be maintained. during these diffi cult times.

Pray that God will open a way for believers to be involved with the Matis people in the areas of health and education. Pray that the Matis people will open their hearts to the God who loves them and experience “life to its fullest.”—PD

29 Day 23 Isaiah 45:9 Kalapalo People

ave you ever seen people arguing in public? Th e Woe to those who quarrel 500 to 600 Kalapalo people who live in Brazil’s with their Maker, those who H Xingu National Park fi nd public fi ghting or arguing are nothing but potsherd to be so off ensive that banning it is at the top of their among the potsherds on code of behavior. Ironically in the past they were the ground. Does the clay noted for being fi erce warriors who knew how to say to the potter, “What are defend themselves from outsiders. you making?” Does your Th e Kalapalos have very limited contact with the work say, “The potter has outside world. Th ey are known to collectively share no hands?” their food. For the most part they refrain from Imagine the audacity of hunting land animals; their diet is primarily fi sh, fruit, arguing with the eternal, all- vegetables, and maize. Th e Kalapalo live in oval- shaped houses arranged around a central clearing. knowing, all loving God. In a Th ey specialize in making shell necklaces, belts and way that is what we all do at gourds that they use to trade with other tribes. times, isn’t it? We don’t stop Th e Kalapalo people believe in a creator of all things to think that it is foolish to (Kwatini) and a female savior fi gure named Sakefenu. believe that we know more Th ey believe that after death all men go to a village than He does. Then why is it in the sky. Although this is a small people group so hard to accept His will? and our knowledge of the Kalapalo is limited, we do know one thing for sure: our Lord and Savior Pray that the Kalapalo Jesus Christ wants them to be saved and to come to a people will have such faith in knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). the Living God that they will embrace His will, leaving the Pray that they will turn from darkness to light, and from rest of us an example the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive for- to follow. giveness of sins and a place among those who are sancti- fi ed by faith in Jesus Christ. (Acts 26:18).—JWS

30 Day 24 Kantarure People Revelation 22:2

here are people groups that have received a lot of ...and the leaves of the attention from us simply because of their large T tree are for the healing of size and easy access. Th ere are other groups that are few in number, and we know little about them because the nations. they are hard to reach. How can we evangelize these Many of the small, vulnerable little groups with the gospel? How do you pray for a tribes of Brazil need the tribe that lives in a remote part of the world when you healing of the Lord. They know little about its spiritual condition? are defenseless against the Th e Kantarure are a tribe of about 500 people living modern world that wants to in Brazil, and they have been elusive to anyone outside gobble up the resources that their region. Th ey are indigenous to Brazil and have lived in their particular region for well over 100 years. they depend upon. They are Th e area they call home is semi arid forest-land, and infl icted with a fresh wound they make their living from farming the land that they every time the outside world dwell on. brings a disease to a tribe or Th e Brazilian constitution offi cially recognizes the levels the land by chopping right of indigenous people to their lands and to pursue down the trees. It’s only a their various ways of life. But in practice, the small matter of time before the minority peoples have not been well protected from outside world penetrates the outside world. the entire Amazon Basin. Will these tribes have to Pray that the Brazilian government will do what it is wait until the end of time bound by law to do and respect the rights of the Kantarure. Pray that the neighbors of the Kantarure will make eff orts described in Revelation 22 to bring the gospel to them. Pray that their hearts will be before deliverance from these receptive to the good word of God.—JR troubles comes?

Pray for the Lord’s physical and spiritual healing of tribes like the Kantarures.

31 Day 25 Isaiah 58:10 Shananawa People

ooking for If you spend yourselves on a needle in behalf of the hungry and “L a haystack” is an satisfy the needs of the expression we have oppressed, then your light all used at one time will rise in the darkness, or another when and your night will become referring to valiant like the noonday. eff orts to fi nd an

Bernice Condit Bernice elusive object. Jesus Today there is a powerful, compared the work mission-minded Church in of God to a woman looking for a lost silver coin, Brazil. They would like to sweeping the house and searching carefully, not reach out to the unreached giving up until she fi nds it (Luke 15:8,9). tribes in their country, but Th e Shananawa people of Brazil are a distinctive, they face obstacles like small, precious people that live in the west-central government agencies and part of the country. Th ey total 400 people. As of this economic interests. How writing only about two per cent of them know Jesus. do they get the chance to Th ey primarily practice ethnic religion; they believe satisfy the needs of the that if one were to abandon these practices, he would oppressed tribes? no longer be a true Shananawa. Portuguese is the language they have adopted, and Pray for God to open the fortunately, there are many Scriptures and Scripture doors for Brazilian believers related materials available in this language. Th ese to act as advocates for the include everything from the JESUS Film to Bible unreached tribes that are translations, radio broadcasts, and other printed being oppressed by outside materials. However, there have been no church forces. Pray that these planting eff orts made among the Shananawa for believers will show the over two years. world the Kingdom of God in action. Pray that God’s people will be freshly burdened to go to the Shananawa people. Pray for new understanding to come to the Shananawa so that will comprehend that they will not lose their national identity by coming to Jesus.—JR

32 Day 26 Trumai people Jeremiah 29:11, NRSV

or surely I know the plans I have for you, says the For surely I know the plans I Lord, plans for your welfare, and not for harm, to F have for you, says the Lord, give you a future with hope (Jeremiah 29:11, NRSV). plans for your welfare, and As we go through life there are times when we not for harm, to give you a feel a hopelessness, and there are even those who future with hope. actively oppose us and work toward our detriment. Th e Trumai people of Brazil experienced opposition God off ers hope and a future and hopelessness during the 19th century when a for every nation, but some neighboring people group drove them out of their do not experience it as He traditional area. Since then they have established intends. The Trumai people themselves in four separate villages inside Xingu are experiencing opposition National Park in south-central Brazil. Th eir language, Trumai, is very nearly extinct, as almost everyone and exploitation from among the Trumai use Portuguese, Aweti, or Suya. stronger peoples. As you can It is not certain that they are classifi ed as a distinctive see from today’s entry, their people today because of their small population and the language is nearly extinct, lack of available research. and with it, their culture is in Brazil’s constitution makes provision for the protection danger of disappearing. But of indigenous peoples, but practically speaking, despite today’s grim reality, very little is being done to advance the interests of God has a plan and a hopeful the Trumai. All too often outsiders manage to take future for the Trumai people. resources from Trumai homelands, just as they do to other vulnerable tribes. Pray for God to come to the aid of this group in such a Pray for greater access to the Trumai people, so that we can way that they will see that better know about their lives, customs, and needs. Pray He has a plan for them as a that the Church will be burdened to bring the gospel to the nation and a people. Pray Trumai. Pray for soft hearts open to the gospel among this for them to put their hope in tribe.—JR the Lord.

33 Day 27 Isaiah 40: 28 Naua People

an you imagine stepping out of the world you Have you not heard? The know into the world of the future, like in the Lord is the everlasting God, C 1980s fi lm, “Th e Gods Must Be Crazy”? Th at’s the Creator of the ends of what 250 people of Brazil’s Naua tribe did in 2000. the earth. He will not grow Some believe the Naua were once the most populous tired or weary, and His tribe in the Amazon Basin. Th ey lived deep in the understanding no one rainforest tapping rubber from the trees and hunting. can fathom. Th is remote tribe began to be enslaved, diseased, and chased out of their homes with the arrival of Imagine the excitement the Portuguese colonialists in the 1500s; they were of those who hear of their thought to be extinct by the 1900s. But this “long lost” Creator for the fi rst time. His tribe reemerged from obscurity 14 years ago; sadly power resulted in the Universe they learned that they were still not safe. Th eir new being created out of nothing. threats came from loggers, developers, oil companies, No god can boast of such a gold hunters, and guerillas just to name a few. And thing! And there’s more: His the worst problem was that their homeland was understanding no one can designated a national park and therefore decreed free of human occupancy. fathom. By giving allegiance to this Creator, people are One third of the Naua people are under age 10. Th e joining with the One whose Naua tribe is animistic; but portions of the Bible have been translated into a language they know, and there understanding is far beyond are gospel recordings available for them. anything mankind can imagine. What a hope! What Pray that the large believing community in Brazil will a privilege! grow in compassion for the indigenous tribes like the Naua, and that the work Christian agencies perform will be Pray that when the Naua well received. Pray that groups like the National Council people hear of the one true of Evangelical Indigenous Pastors and Leaders will be God who created them and strengthened in their eff orts to bring freedom to oppressed loves them, they will worship tribes like the Naua. Pray that this “lost” tribe will fi nd Him in spirit and in truth. their Savior.—LR

34 Day 28 Pitaguarí People Isaiah 30:21

he Pitaguarí youth continued to plough the Whether you turn to the Tfi eld. He had been working since he came to the plantation that morning. Later that evening he right or to the left, your would return with the other Pitaguarí workers to their ears will hear a voice crammed reservation. behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Driving the pitchfork into the hard ground with all his strength, he mumbled under his breath, “All this land The prophets often spoke was ours before these farmers took it from us.” Th e of an ideal time when God irony of working land that no longer belonged to his would be in control, and evil people made him smile wryly. He mumbled, “I can’t would be eliminated. Every wait to get to ‘the land without evil.’ However, I wonder tear would be dried up, and if it is but a fi gment of my grandfather’s imagination.” joy would be everywhere. It’s While still a small boy he had heard his pious noteworthy that the Pitaguarí grandfather talk about “the land without evil.” In his people have a concept of a deep, commanding voice, his grandfather would say, “It is a place where people can live without pain or “land without evil.” Could it suff ering.” He would ask his kindly grandfather where be that God can use this to it was and the old man always replied, “We will fi nd it prepare them to become part soon, my boy, we will fi nd it soon.” of His Kingdom? Th e Pitaguarí are a very spiritual people. Th ey have Pray for workers to use been searching for a place where people live without Pitaguarí concepts to pain and suff ering which they call “the land without prepare their hearts for the evil.” Over the years they have traveled far and wide in ways of the Lord. Pray for search of this place of “immortality and perpetual ease.” soft, open hearts. Pray that the Pitaguarí people fi nd in Jesus Christ hope for life everlasting and rest eternal. Pray that their present situ- ation improves.—EJD

35 Day 29 Isaiah 43:10-11 Zo’é People

“You are my witnesses,” he strapping Zo’é lad lumbered beneath the load. declares the LORD, “and T His heart pounded with excitement and exertion. my servant whom I have Th e canopy of thick foliage provided respite from chosen, so that you may the scorching, noonday sun. Lugging the heavy load, know and believe me and he smiled, quite pleased with his accomplishment. understand that I am He. When he returns to the village, he would be greeted like a victorious Roman general returning from the Before me no god was battlefi eld. He had been hunting with the men since formed, nor will there be he could remember. He had seen fathers, brothers, one after me. I, even I, am and uncles return triumphantly with a tapir or the LORD, and apart from peccary. But this was the fi rst time he had hunted and me there is no savior. killed an animal. Like all the other tribes of the Th e Zo’é of northern Brazil are skilled hunters. Th ey Amazon Basin, the Zo’é people have managed to live isolated from the rest of the look to various spirits to “save” world till recently. In 1975, a mineral survey plane them from various hardships. came upon a small clearing in the dense Amazon rain forest. Th ey spotted rectangular houses surrounded by They depend on these so vegetable gardens. called “gods” to be their savior. How would you like to In the early 1980s, the New Tribes Mission set up base near the Zo’é. More and more the Zo’é be in their position? They do made contact with missionaries, and they began not know the One who holds to exchange broken arrowheads for goods that the all the power, so they give missionaries had. Soon, however, the Zo’é began to their allegiance to spirits that fall ill; they were becoming vulnerable to diseases want to harm them. They are such as the fl u and malaria. Th is already small in a pitiful situation. That is all people group began dwindling, forcing FUNAI, the the more reason to pray for Brazilian government’s Indian aff airs department, them today! to restrict the Zo’é people’s interaction with the outside world. Pray that the Zo’é people will forsake the false “gods” Pray that the Zo’é people will soon be able to safely inter- that were formed by their act with believers who would bring the love of Christ to imagination and receive the them.—EJD good news about the true and living God who loves them and gave His life for their salvation. 36 Day 30 Matses People of Brazil and Peru Isaiah 61:8

he old man paced “For I, the LORD, love T back and forth justice; I hate robbery along the rain forest trail, and wrongdoing. In my muttering to himself. His Pacific Brazil faithfulness I will reward Ocean grandson watched from my people and make an a nearby rock wondering everlasting covenant Atlantic what was happening. He Ocean with them. fi nally asked, “Grandpa, what’s the matter?” Th e The gods worshipped by the old man glanced up at peoples of the Amazon Basin him and frowned. “We BRAZIL cannot say this. Injustice, are being invaded.” Th e PERU Brazilia robbery, and wrongdoing— BOLIVIA youth stood up. “What PARAGUAY these are the common enemies Asuncion tribe?” Grandpa shook his head and answered, “Not of the people groups that live URUGUAY ARGENTINA Montevideo a tribe, a government.” there. If you think that everyone When he saw that the boy lives in harmony, read the didn’t understand, he said, “Brazil thinks we are their testimony of a Yanomano citizens. Peru thinks we are their citizens.” “Are we, shaman in “Spirit of the Grandpa?” “Of course not; we are Matses!” “You look Rainforest.” Do not read this to worried, Grandpa,” the boy commented. “Remember what you once told me about worrying? You said small children; I have studied that hunting was the cure for our biggest problems.” it with college students who Th e boy went over and lifted up two bows and some were shocked. In one chapter, arrows. “Let’s go hunting!” Th e old man grinned. the shaman describes rejoicing “You are a wise boy and you will be a wise man.” with one of his goddesses Th ough they live in Brazil and Peru, the Matses after his tribe slaughtered their consider themselves independent of both nation neighbors. No one is safe in states. Th ey have about one million acres and guard such an environment. Do you their territory against other tribes, as well as loggers think that the God of Isaiah and government offi cials. would be welcome in such a situation? Pray that missionaries to the Matses will fi nd a way to communicate the gospel so that it will be understood and Pray for the Matses people embraced. Pray for the hearts of the Matses to be open to to hear of the One who hates their Creator and the One He sent to save them.—CL robbery and wrongdoing.

37 Day 31 Isaiah 66:2b Guayaki Ache (Ah-chay) People of Paraguay

or centuries, we have These are the ones I look been mistreated and on with favor: those who “F abused, relocated against our are humble and contrite in Pacific Brazil will, confi ned to reservations, spirit, and who tremble at Ocean our homeland stolen from my word. us by outsiders,” the Ache Atlantic Unfortunately, there have Ocean man told a missionary. “Here you come, another outsider, been many “Christian” trying to convert us to your missionaries in the past who religion. Unless you can tell are not good ambassadors for BRAZIL me of a God who cares about Christ. As we read in today’s PERU Brazilia the Ache people and wants entry, some have arrogantly BOLIVIA to bless us rather than curse PARAGUAY gone to the Ache people with Asuncion us, I will not listen to you.” an agenda that is not in line URUGUAY Th e Guayaki Ache people ARGENTINA Montevideo with what God wants. Will have lived in the rain there be some believers in the forest in Paraguay for thousands of years. However, 21st century who will go to they have been treated poorly by developers and missionaries, each with their own agenda for this this tribe with humility and region. Jesuits captured and held bands of Ache show the people the love of in the 1600s. All of them died within months the true and living God? Will from disease. In recent years they have suff ered at there be some Ache who the hands of Paraguayan colonists and Brazilian will receive the good news developers desiring the Ache land. with joy when they hear Th ere are estimated to be less than 2,000 Guayaki God’s Word, including His Ache living in Paraguay. To industrialists this may commands to live by justice seem like an inconsequential number that can be and mercy? easily moved. But each of the Guayaki Ache is highly valued in the eyes of God. Pray for such missionaries to be raised up and sent out to Pray for this tribe to understand that although developers the Guayaki Ache people! do not value them, God treasures them. Pray for the Lord to send workers into this harvest fi eld. Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully among this people group and draw many into a relationship with Christ.—CL

38 Front Cover of second month

[Do not print]

Replace with the cover PDF Editorial June 2014 RECORDS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS U.S. Center for World Mission Dear Praying Friends, 1605 East Elizabeth Street Pasadena, CA 91104-2721 As we looked for a theme for Tel: (330) 626-3361 this issue of the Global Prayer [email protected]

Digest (GPD), we noticed that MANAGING EDITOR the larger people groups of Keith Carey Southeast Asia remain un- ASSISTANT EDITOR reached. Th at is true for both Paula Fern Buddhist peoples like the Th ai WRITERS and the Bamars and also for Glenn Culbertson Patricia Depew Muslim groups like the Malays and the Buginese. So Patti Ediger we decided to feature these large groups this month. Wesley Kawato Arlene Knickerbocker For those of you who would like to continue praying for Esther Jerome-Dharmaraj Christopher Lane these large unreached people groups when the month is Annabeth Lewis over, there is the new Light the Window Campaign. Light Robert Rutz Ted Proffi tt the Window (LTW2020.org) features the largest un- Lydia Reynolds reached people groups throughout the year, one people Jeff Rockwell Jean Smith group for each day of the year. I urge you to take a look Jane W. Sveska at what they have to off er. DAILY BIBLE COMMENTARIES Th ere is also considerable overlap between what we have Robert Rutz Keith Carey been doing in the GPD offi ce and what is being done by the Joshua Project’s People Group of the Day (http:// CUSTOMER SERVICE Dan Eddy www.unreachedoftheday.org/). In fact, for many years Diane Tolsma the Joshua Project has provided us with a litmus test as Lois Carey to whether or not a people group is actually unreached. GRAPHICS Joshua Project also has a new, more user-friendly Matt Anderson web site. You will be amazed at the information they PRINTER have available. Diversifi ed Printers , La Mirada, CA In Christ, WEB SITE www.globalprayerdigest.org

Keith Carey, editor, GPD ISSN 1045-9731 Contents of the Global Prayer Digest © 2014 U.S. Center for World Mission 1605 East Elizabeth Street Pasadena, CA 91104 PS--Frontiers recording artist, Perry LaHaie, released a Contents of this booklet may be new CD “AHEAD” that pulses with the amazing-ness reproduced if appropriate credit and subscription information are given. God’s grace and his heart for the nations.Here’s the link for the free 11 song download: For subscription information, call (330) 626-3361. www.perrylahaie.com/ahead. For comments on content, call (626) 398-2241.

40 Feature of the Month

Pray for a Church Planting Movement Among Every Large People Group in Southeast Asia

India China Bang. Myanmar Laos Bay of Bengal Thailand Cambodia

Andaman Vietnam Sea

South China Sea

41 To Help You Pray Better 42 Prayer Campaign Vision: Introducing theLightWindow the unfi the of parts central to the about exposure not bring only will least-reached Th peoples. 2,500 grouped be will 365clusters these Around clusters. group people 365 key and regions into geographical 12 divided be will Region To 10/40 the years. this, seven Window next facilitate the in group major unreached every among breakthroughs Th 2020. year the 10/40 of the peoples through Window Region unreached introduction to Light the Th an and peoples, unreached and pray for missionaries how to realities, spiritual task, state of remaining the emphasismissions (with on an prayer for missions), the Th period. seven-year major throughout this in cities organized be To people eff mobilize Light the Window Prayer Seminars: impact. havestrategic will of that prayer T Background to doso. challenged be it, will and to teach capacity havethe will graduate Every seminars. people to up set more encourage frontier missions and isto getpeople interested in of seminars the purpose campaign is to mobilize believers to pray daily for the to daily pray believers isto mobilize campaign prayer Window (LTW) Light of the the he purpose nished task, but will also unleash asignifi unleash also but will task, nished e seminars will include the biblical basis for basis biblical the include will eseminars e anticipated outcome is to see kingdom outcome eanticipated kingdom isto see ectively, one-day seminars will will ectively, one-day seminars e Window Campaign. Th eWindow Campaign. e campaign cant cant force e Light The WIndow Prayer Campaign

Mobilization Tools: Th e campaign will create prayer mobilization tools that will help participants spread the vision, stay informed, and pray eff ectively. Th ese include: 1. A one page, front and back prayer calendar. Go to: (http://ltw2020. org/LTW_Calendar.pdf) 2. A book, which will have one page for each day. Th e page will show how to pray eff ectively for the people-cluster in focus for that day. Th is book will be updated annually. It is not yet in print. 3. A weekly email that gives updates and prayer requests for each of the clusters in focus for that week, as well as links to online articles and other resources related to prayer for these groups. Th ere will also be an app component of this which will send updates daily. Go to: http://ltw2020.org/ums_register.php 4. Monthly “concerts of prayer” in which participants will gather together to pray for the geographical regions assigned to that month.

Adoption: Each participant will be encouraged to adopt one or more of the groups on the LTW list. Th is will mean a commitment to pray daily for the group until a breakthrough occurs. A voluntary online accountability program will enable a participant to log-in and register their prayer faithfulness each day. Additionally, we will challenge large denominations to adopt an entire people-cluster for concerted prayer over the next seven years. Th e goal will be to see at least one such denominational adoption for each large people group.

Sponsorship and Ownership: We will mobilize denominations and church-networks to endorse the campaign and promote it among their churches. We will also challenge prayer networks and other inter-denominational structures to regularly promote the campaign in their magazines, newsletters, and websites. It is important that we communicate that this campaign is God’s campaign.

43 To Help You Pray Better 44 volunteers into multiple languages. fi the prayer updates from regular byenabling gap is to this bridge Th Portuguese. in available be may nothing and work to getconnected the there, can they way islittle there for China, Uighursprayer requests in the up to want for date example, Brazil, intercessors in present if from the fi of prayer updates dissemination and translation collection, regular the created to isbeing streamline clearinghouse” eff To mobilization global this facilitate Clearinghouse: of campaign. the or “controller” “owner” the as wedonot ourselves see moving, eff It isaKingdom Background to: Go LTW2020.org started! Get forcoordinators released translation. before are they by evaluated be Updates worker will or anational. expatriate an whether or to person ministry, any back traceable be ever should reported nothing rule: Stated ageneral as revealed. and specifi of used be never people or names should places actual the Even public. so, general bythe or viewable not searchable be will they thus password, and login auser accessible through be only uploaded updates will Prayer into system the Guidelines Security eld to be securely uploaded online and then translated by translated then and uploadedeld online to securely be eld. Th c details about a particular ministry should not should be ministry about aparticular c details e necessity of the clearinghouse is that at isthat the of clearinghouse the enecessity ort. Th ort. ough we are the catalysts to getit catalysts the weare ough e purpose of the clearinghouse of clearinghouse the epurpose ort a“prayerort WILLIAMLight The WIndow CAREY Prayer Campaign LIBRARY

NEW RELEASE

Communicating Christ In the Buddhist World

This is the fourth and latest volume in the Buddhist World series which includes Sharing Jesus in the Buddhist World, Sharing Jesus Holistically with the Buddhist World, and Sharing Jesus Effectively in the Buddhist World. Compiled from papers presented at the annual SEANET Missiological Forum in Thailand, Communicating Christ in the Buddhist World delivers fresh insights from mission theologians and practitioners.

The first four chapters reflect on the theological framework by which Christians can fulfill the biblical mandate to evangelize and transform peoples. The next five chapters consider the significant sociological issues that have arisen in the Christian encounter with Buddhist peoples. The final three suggest some strategic ways forward for effective evangelism in the Buddhist world. May this book challenge the international Christian community to find better ways of relating to and approaching people of other faiths!

ISBN: 978-0-87808-510-1 List Price: $19.99 Paul De Neui and David Lim Our Price: $15.99 WCL | Pages 296 | Paperback 2006 3 or more: $10.99 www.missionbooks.org

1-800-MISSION 45 Day 1 John 14:27a Shan Testimony

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Peace I leave with you; My (Matthew 5:8) peace I give to you. n a Saturday morning, in 2012, Sai Kham and As the hymn writer says, O I did what we often do on a weekend: go and “When peace like a river visit our local “Shan Grandma.” attendeth my way…it is Our Shan Grandma, or “Miu” (in Shan) is in her well with my soul.” Rivers 70s, a widow, and completely alone. She lives in a of peace fl ow through God’s dingy bedroom at the back of the community center ambassadors bringing this in our village. We met her a year ago, when a short- good news of peace with God term Christian team did an eyeglass clinic in our to men of peace waiting to village. We began to visit her weekly. Immediately after our fi rst visit, the “ghosts” that had not been hear it. The Buddhists that allowing her to eat properly or sleep well for years we are praying for this month left her. We did not know she had this problem; we crave peace. Let’s pray that think it was simply the presence of Jesus in us that they have the true peace brought her peace. Th en Sai Kham started telling the off ered by our loving Savior. Shan Grandma Bible stories, and we started praying diligently for her. We had also been taking her food Pray that the men and as well as taking her to doctor’s appointments. women of peace among the As we walked to her room recently, we expected Shan people will quickly be this visit to be like all the other ones we have had found and will open their with her. We were wrong. After the customary small homes and hearts to receive this good news from Christ’s talk, she said that she had seen God a few times. Sai ambassadors. Kham and I looked at each other. For the next hour we asked the Shan Grandma questions, and she had some amazing answers, which we will describe in tomorrow’s entry.

Pray for people from a Buddhist background to discern which spirits are from God and which ones are not. —LL, Guest Writer

46 Day 2 Shan Testimony, Continued John 20:21

his is what she told us. Late at night on two or Again Jesus said, “Peace be three occasions, when she was already asleep and T with you! As the Father has the door was locked, a man with shining white hair, a beard, a shining face, and a white robe that shone sent Me, I am sending you.” unlike any clothes she had ever seen before, came into After His resurrection, Jesus her room. His presence lit up the room. She said his appeared to His disciples in appearance reminded her of a Buddha statue, but He the upper room and greeted was much more radiant and glorious. them with this commission. She asked Him who He was and He said He was the Jesus was sent into the world Lord Jesus Christ. He said that she was His daughter, to demonstrate God’s love for and He was her Father, and that He loved her and would take care of her. She felt deep joy and peace. He all peoples. While on earth spoke in her dialect of Shan (Mung Yong, or Tai Lue). Jesus showed many how to He took His shoes off at the door, which humbled me impart His life to the world. that He honored her Shan custom. As the Father sent Him, so Before leaving He said He would visit her again. Th e He sends us often to diffi cult fi rst time He came, she felt a little bit afraid since she places. But with the promise did not know who He was. Th e next time she was not of His peace and His presence, scared. She does not remember the exact sequence of we have nothing to fear. events or what happened at each visit, so I have just lumped it all together in one account. Thank the Father that He counts us worthy to bear She found it amusing that we pray every day, while the gospel of life to all she often forgets to pray. We have never seen Jesus, peoples. Pray that we will be but Jesus came to visit her. faithful to this great cause for rejoicing. Pray that her testimony will draw many from the Shan peoples to the Lord.—LL, Guest Writer

47 Day 3 Matthew 28:19, 20 Shan Testimony, Continued

learned some things from this incident. One All authority in heaven is that I have always struggled with a desire to and on earth has been I be able to do more for this Shan Grandma. When given to Me. Therefore I heard that Jesus was visiting her even when I go and make disciples of couldn’t, I felt a sense of wonder. God is God, and all nations. I don’t have to pretend to be God. I just have to be Jesus’ words which were faithful to do what I can to help her. God knows what each one of us needs. She needed to know that spoken to His disciples God will take care of her. She is illiterate and unable following His resurrection to read the Bible, and there are no churches in this were the claims and city that speak her language. Her knowledge of the commands of One who has things of God is limited to the hour a week that we proved His authority on spend with her. Th ankfully, God is not limited by her earth. He had healed the limitations or by ours. sick, forgiven men’s sins, and God also knows that our students needed to hear conquered death itself. Who this story. Th ey will soon be studying Acts, and they else could He be but the needed to be encouraged by hearing that He still Lord over all mankind? Since works miracles. He is the Lord, is there any Finally, I feel like this story reveals so much of other reasonable response the mercy of God. An illiterate, toothless old lady than to become His faithful became our teacher yesterday. She led us into a sense disciple? And if we do of wonder and worship of God. He does things far beyond our ability to imagine, and He is with his respond in faith, we must people, even the very least of these. then call others to become His disciples as well. Pray for the Lord to raise up believers from every people group we pray for this month to have open hearts just like Pray that new Shan this Shan Grandma.—LL, guest writer believers will recognize and submit to His loving rule by honoring His Name and obeying His command to make disciples of each of the world’s unreached peoples.

48 Day 4 Shan People of Myanmar Luke 6:23a

hong, my Rejoice in that day (when housemate’s P persecuted) and leap for sister, arrived at our doorstep, sick, tired, joy, for behold, your reward hungry, and confused. is great in Heaven. We took her in. Over Even under persecution, rivers the next few days of joy will continue to pour my housemate Jing Corlett through new Shan believers. Shan Boy took care of her sister Phong, led her to the Lord, and baptized her. Listen to the mighty roar of the rivers of joy pouring Phong told us her story. She had been smuggled over from the Scriptures: “Rejoice the border from Myanmar to Th ailand at a very high price. She had come to Th ailand to fi nd work, fi nd her with exceeding great joy,” sister Jing, and to begin a new life. She started to work “enter into the joy of thy in a noodle shop where she met and fell in love with Lord,” “receive the word with Jai, a devout Shan Buddhist man. She brought Jai to joy,” “joy shall be in heaven visit with us, and Jing, Phong and I shared the good over one sinner who repents.” news about Christ with Jai. We told him that Christ For years every time I have is the fulfi llment of what Jai had been searching for in prayed for an unreached Buddhism. We saw how Jai was transformed as Christ entered his life. He was also baptized, and for a while, people, I’ve asked that the joy Jai and Phong were very happy. of the Lord be their strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) That’s the Jai eventually went to Bangkok where his parents were working. When they found out he had become a Lord’s Hebrews 12:2 joy, “Christian,” they took his ID card and phone away and NOT whatever little scraps locked him in a room by himself for weeks. Th ey told of joy we might have on our him he couldn’t come out until he renounced Christ. own. Will you join me today Eventually Phong and Jai split up. in praying for Him to give the Shan His abundant, life- Pray for God to shower His mercy on Shan people like Jai changing joy? and Phong who come to Th ailand in search of hope, but sometimes only fi nd hardship and injustice. Pray that those Pray that these rivers of the who turn to Christ and undergo persecution will remain Joy of the Lord continue to faithful to Him.—MB, guest writer fl ow from His harvesters through the Shan people.

49 Day 5 John 7:37-39 Bamar People of Myanmar

ho put the … Jesus stood up and water in the proclaimed, “If any one “W river for you to use?” Th e thirsts, let him come to me villagers out washing and drink. He who believes clothes in the river had in me, as the Scripture has never thought about said, ‘Out of his heart shall this. Mr. Soe continued, Create International Create fl ow rivers of living water.’” Bamar People “Who put the fi sh in the Now this He said about the river for you to eat?” Th ey admitted they did not know, Spirit, which those who and Mr. Soe proclaimed, “It is the creator God. He believed in Him were to put water in the river for you to use and fi sh in the receive…. river for you to eat because He loves you!” He went on to announce the glorious truth of Christ to these Intercessor, as you are in Bamar villagers. Jesus, so His Spirit in you is Mr. Soe is one of 33 million Bamar people in springing up rivers of love, Myanmar. Upon receiving salvation by grace through life, light, joy, peace, healing, faith in Jesus, Mr. Soe has been unstoppable in his blessing, wisdom, and mission to proclaim the truth to the other Bamar. knowledge of Him. Th e greatest joy in Mr. Soe’s heart is to follow up and disciple new believers. Pray that as His Spirit intercedes through you, A few months later, Mr. Soe went back to see the those rivers of God fl owing clothes-washers. Th ey invited him to their village. through you will accomplish Th ey wanted to hear more about this creator God, and everything He has purposed they wanted other villagers to hear as well. Mr. Soe for the Bamar and all the began to share. Passersby stopped to listen. Mr. Soe’s other unreached peoples. voice grew stronger and louder while the crowd grew larger. Before long, Mr. Soe was sharing the gospel with nearly 40 villagers!

Pray that the Bamar people will hear, understand, and embrace the gospel. Pray that your Bamar brothers and sis- ters like Mr. Soe will press on, operating in the power and fruit of the Holy Spirit.—GB, guest writer

50 Day 6 Dawei Burmese People of Myanmar John 13:34

he rain kept coming; in fact, it never stopped in A new commandment I monsoon season. Just like the rain, the Dawei T give you: Love one another. man thought, the fi ghting never stops, and his people are caught in the middle. It used to be fi ghting As I have loved you, so you between Myanmar and Th ailand. Now it is fi ghting must love one another. over economic development. Th e Dawei people Jesus really knew how to wonder if their children will ever live to see peace. set the bar high! Love one Th e Dawei are a subgroup of the Burmese (aka, another like He loves us? How Bamar) people we prayed for yesterday. Th ese 150,000 can anyone love us like the people live along the southernmost coastline of Lord? We know from later Myanmar. Th ey have inhabited this area for so long verses that this can be done, that the region is called by their name. Vying for the wettest lowland tropical region of the world, Dawei but only with the power of is rich with mango and other fruit plantations, rice the Holy Spirit, the “counselor” paddies and lobster. Th e Dawei are not an educated (14:17) that came on the people, and they rely on trading local goods. day of Pentecost. When you In December the Myanmar government agreed to think about it, only the true, allow international investors to begin building a devoted, unconditional love large deep-sea port, an industrial zone, a steel plant, of the Lord can draw men a fertilizer plant, a coal and natural gas-fi red power to Him. As I Corinthians 13 plant, and a water supply system in the Dawei Region. points out, we can do all the Local people have protested as pollution and industrial right things, but without love, accidents have damaged their land, their way of life, and their health. it will be meaningless. The unreached Dawei people have Th e Dawei are Buddhist and dot their land with experienced religion, but they pagodas and a large statue of Buddha. Th ough they speak Burmese, there is no Bible, JESUS Film or haven’t experienced the love Christian radio station in their language, and the of the One True God. language they speak is unintelligible to other people Pray for God to thrust out groups in the area. loving ambassadors to the Dawei people so Ask God to protect the Dawei in this crisis and send them they can experience His messengers of His love.—LR supernatural love.

51 Day 7 Luke 6:39 Rohingya People of Myanmar

Can a blind man lead a atima saw 29 of blind man? Will they not Fher relatives get brutally murdered by both fall into a pit? rebels. Th e rebels who Without the humanly attacked their boat impossible kind of obedience killed her children,

that comes only from the Kim Sørensen her daughters and A Rohingya family sons-in-law and her Holy Spirit, teachers and 18 grandchildren. “When I walk down to the river disciples will both fall into a I think I can hear the voices of my grandchildren spiritual pit. Religious leaders calling me, and I want to join them,” she sobs as often teach good morals. If she recalls what happened to her family. Th e rebels you read some Buddhist and attacked survivors of the capsized boat with swords some Muslim teachings, for and spears killing a total of 98 people. She wishes she example, you will fi nd many had died with the rest of her family. What is the point of living now? good moral laws that agree with biblical teachings. These In May 2012 sectarian violence broke out in Arakan are rules to follow, but there State in Myanmar between the Buddhist Rakhine people and the predominately Muslim Rohingya. is no spiritual transformation Despite recent assertions from Myanmar’s government for the disciple. Without that the situation has returned to normal, violent transformation of the heart, it confrontations continue to occur. Th e UNHCR (the is very easy for Buddhists and UN High Commission for Refugees) has said that Muslims to fall into the ways about 80,000 people have been displaced in this of the wicked that you read area. Th e UN and other organizations consider the about in this prayer entry. Rohingyas to be some of the most persecuted people in the world. Pray that Rohingya in Myanmar will understand Pray for protection for the Rohingya as they are facing that they need the power of violent threats every day. Pray that aid organizations the Holy Spirit to have a true will be allowed to work in Rohingya areas. Pray that the spiritual heart-changing Rohingya people will be granted citizenship by Myanmar transformation. authorities. Without citizenship they are without the most basic rights. Pray that the Rohingya will experience the love of God in a very tangible way.—Oddny Gumaer, Partners Relief and Development

52 Day 8 Rakhine (aka, Arakanese) People of Myanmar John 1:4

hough the Rakhine man’s heart warmed when he In Him was life, and the Theard about the character of Jesus, he could not life was the light of men. separate Buddhism from his identity. To cultures like the Rakhine (Arakanese), religion is not a concept to be In the Book of John Jesus compartmentalized and embraced; it is who you are! states that He is the Light Th e Rakhine established their kingdom in 3325 of the world. Now He has BC. Th eir ancient history written in the “Rakhine admonished His followers Chronicles” claims the people began following the to be intercessors (that’s teachings of Gautama Buddha while he was still alive. you) and spread His light Th e Rakhine still preserve this morality and heritage. to all remaining unreached When the Buddha visited their kingdom in 554 BC, peoples. How would you like the Rakhine king asked him to leave an image of himself. Th e legend states that he cast an image and to have this light spread to breathed on it, creating an exact likeness of himself in the Rakhine people? Does their homeland! this possibility excite you? If it Today there are about three quarter of a million didn’t, you wouldn’t be using Rakhine people. Most are fi sherman and this prayer material. agriculturalists who live along Myanmar’s coastline. Th ey grow rice which is the main staple of their diet. Pray that God’s light will Th ey enjoy meat rarely, as most cannot aff ord it. shine fi rst to the believers among the Rakhine people Almost all of this group remain staunch Buddhists who group, and through them to have never heard the gospel. Th e few who follow Christ all the unreached peoples have not tried to reach their own people. Th e Rakhine of Southeast Asia. Pray for have no scripture or Christian literature in their own them to turn from death to language. God’s Word in the language of their identity the One who is life. could speak powerfully to them, and they could receive the blessings and peace that only the God of the Bible could give them.

Pray for the Scriptures to become widely available to the Rakhine people. Ask the Lord to open Rakhine hearts to His word.—LR

53 Day 9 Luke 9:1-2, 6 Northern Thai (aka Muang) People of Thailand

aeng looked anxiously at the frowning spirit priest. And He called the 12 Th e priest told Daeng, “Red is bad luck for you. together and gave them D Blue is better.” A day later Daeng’s bright red pickup power and authority over truck displayed a prominent sticker proclaiming, “Th is all demons and to cure car is blue.” diseases, and He sent them out to preach the Kingdom Like all Th ai Buddhists, northerners invite monks to of God and to heal…. bless their weddings, deaths and births, and they make merit at the temple on major holidays. Yet Northern And they departed and Th ai Buddhists like Daeng are deeply concerned with went through the villages, luck. Th ey frequently look beyond the temples, seeking preaching the gospel and out shamans who will divine fortuitous numbers and healing everywhere. colors to protect and help them in everyday life. What were they proclaiming? Th e Northern Th ai have been very “lucky” because they They proclaimed that the have inherited fertile land from their ancestors along kingdom of God was near! And with a good climate which makes fruit orchards and what were they demonstrating other agriculture ventures prosper. Overall Northern Th ai Buddhists are fi nancially secure and increasingly by casting out demons and well educated. curing diseases? They were demonstrating that the Northern Th ai Buddhists, also called the Muang people, live in the plains area of north Th ailand. Th e kingdom of God was near, and kind eff orts of Christians in larger cities across north God will heal the nations of Th ailand and among tribal people who live on nearby sin and death. The Northern mountainsides have produced positive feelings toward Thai people no longer have to Christians among the Muang. Jesus is a reasonably depend on luck. They can safely well-known, respected name. Yet few Northern allow a good and loving God to Th ai have felt any need to personally embrace Christ take charge of their lives. as Savior.

Pray that rivers of healing Ask God to stir nearby tribal believers to pray diligently and will fl ow through His share the message of Christ with Northern Th ai households. harvesters to the Northern Pray for a discipleship movement among the Muang people Thai believers and to all in this generation which would result in a church within other Thai groups. walking distance of every northern Th ai speaker. —Saeng Fisher, guest writer

54 Day 10 Central Thai People of Thailand Matthew 28:18

ai ben rai,” Noi told her friend. “Never mind. Then Jesus came to them All religions teach people to be good.” “M and said, “All authority in “Mai ben rai” is heard often on the lips of Central Th ai heaven and on earth has Buddhists. Roughly translated it means “Th at’s not an been given to me.” issue.” Th e phrase expresses a deeply held Th ai belief that things are not worth getting agitated over because This is an inconvenient truth that would cause one to leave the “middle path” of for anyone who wants to calmness as taught in Buddhism. “Mai ben rai” is used believe that all religions every day to excuse a friend’s tardiness, cover up a hurt are the same. The Central feeling, or, in Noi’s case, to display a complete lack of Thai people might want to interest in discovering spiritual truth. believe this, and there are Noi is not alone; 20 million Central Th ai Buddhists some similarities in the moral have been lulled into sleepiness toward their eternal teachings of various religions; destiny by the Buddhist doctrine that their present but there is only One who life is governed by an accumulation of past karma (actions). As for the future, ordinary Th ai Buddhists can truthfully say that He say only monks can hope to reach nirvana. Most has all authority on heaven monks, however, say they can’t escape their karma and earth. either. Despite this lack of spiritual assurance, a strong national identity equates being Buddhist with Pray for the Holy Spirit to being Th ai. Despite nearly 200 years of gospel witness open the spiritual eyes of in Th ailand, less than one percent of Central Th ai the Central Thai people to Buddhists have received Christ. understand that Jesus does hold all authority, and for Pray God would awaken the hearts of Central Th ai that reason, they must trust Buddhists to embrace the unshakeable, urgent truth that this and obey Him. life is all they have. Ask for a signifi cant turning of entire families to Jesus. Pray that strong churches will grow in every village and city where Central Th ai Buddhists live. —Saeng Fisher, guest writer

55 Day 11 Mark 1:15 Thai Isaan People

“The time has come,” He less this baby! Keep said. “The kingdom of God “Bthe 32 resident spirits fi rmly with him! is near. Repent and believe May his soul live long!” the good news!” As she spoke, Auntie Jesus is announcing a new era; Gaew tied a white cotton

He is ushering in the kingdom International Create thread onto the one- An Isaan woman month-old infant’s wrist. of God. Our response should Neighbors waited to speak similar blessings over the be to repent and believe the child at his one-month-old “coming out” ceremony. good news in such a way In some ways Isaan Buddhists of northeast Th ailand that it leads to a new life are indistinguishable from the majority Central Th ai that will draw others to Him. people. Isaan are educated in the standard government This is exactly what we are curriculum and speak Central Th ai at work. At home, calling the unreached Hindus, however, they are quite diff erent from their Central Buddhists, animists, and Th ai cousins. Th ey speak the same language as the Muslims to do. Your prayers Lowland Lao and share a common cultural heritage are a part of extending His with that people group. Th ey eat sticky rice as their Kingdom. What a joy and a staple food, and they observe the animist practice of string tying for spiritual protection. privilege you have! Th ere is a perception among the Central Th ai Pray for His Kingdom to Buddhists that the Isaan Buddhists are “ignorant extend into the hearts of all country folk.” However, poor soil and a dry climate the unreached peoples of have created economic disadvantage for the Isaan, Thailand! causing them to seek work across Th ailand. For that reason your taxi driver in Bangkok or waitress at the beach is likely to be an Isaan Th ai. Although Isaan people are deeply in bondage to folk Buddhist practices, whenever believers have shared Jesus with them through personal relationships, they are usually open to Christ.

Ask the Lord to set whole families free from spiritual bond- age. Pray that God will raise up local believers who will bring in a spiritual harvest of tens of thousands of Isaan in this generation.—Saeng Fisher, guest writer

56 Day 12 Southern Thai People Luke 6:46

ith his last energy, Chaisai (meaning Victory) Why do you call me, “Lord, entered his tiny home, dropped his travel bag, W Lord,” and do not do what and collapsed on a bamboo stool. “Hard trip?” his wife asked with a slight grin. “Yes,” he answered, “it always I say? is. If we could aff ord the ticket for an air-conditioned When we invite people to bus, it would still take 12 hours. But with my income, become part of the Kingdom I had to take the non-air-conditioned bus which of God, we usually mention stopped at every crossroad with people crammed inside, hanging on outside and even sitting on the Christ’s salvation and His top of the bus. It took 20 hours to cover 500 lordship. They need faith that miles from Bangkok! Why do we have to serve a Jesus is the Savior. But they government so far away? Why can’t those people also need to learn what the up there understand that we Southern Th ais are the Bible says about God’s rules original people of Th ailand?” for living. Lordship means His wife waited. Chaisai had gone to Bangkok many just that; Jesus is the Lord, times; she could tell something else bothered him. or “boss” so to speak, of His Finally he admitted, “Th en when I arrived here at the followers. Jesus is calling seashore in Phuket, I had to walk by some of those the nations to a purposeful Westerners at the resorts. One of them tried to talk obedience that brings spiritual to me about Jesus Christ. I swear, if another of those tourists talks to me about Jesus, I will point to those transformation to both resorts. If those debauched tourists are Christian, I the individual and don’t want anything to do with their religion. I’m not the communities that a devout Buddhist, but at least I don’t do the things are aff ected. those Westerners do.” Pray that this very month Pray that the Southern Th ais will meet genuine follow- Southern Thais will allow ers of Jesus, not confuse debauched Western tourists with Christ to transform their kind and decent Western believers. Christian relief agencies lives. Pray that He will have served this region for 10 years since the tsunami. Pray become Lord of many people that genuine followers of Christ will introduce Chaisai’s within their group. people to the love, kindness, and decency of the true and living God. —GEC

57 Day 13 Mark 11:17 Pattani Malay

Philippine rshad stopped suddenly My house will be called South Sea China A when he saw men a house of prayer for Sea pushing a statue through all nations. the river. On the shore other Did you know that all over men lifted the statue to the world “houses of prayer” continue in a procession to a golden shrine. He looked are springing up fi lled with up at his father and asked people who want to worship him what these people were the King of kings and pray THAILAND doing. His father explained, for the nations? Often they Bangkok “Th is is a Buddhist ceremony are led by young believers honoring a princess from who know that Christ is the long ago, Chao Mae Lim victorious King worthy of the Ko Niao. Buddhists honor her memory.” “Why don’t adoration of the nations! Here we push a statue through the is one web site that might river?” Arshad asked. His father explained, “We are help you fi nd a network to Pattani Malay. Th at means we are Muslims. We do get involved with: (http:// not make images of anything like those Buddhists. www.ihopnetwork.com/). We only worship Allah. Buddhists worship their ancestors. Always remember our motto: ‘To be Malay Pray that soon there will be is to be Muslim.’” numerous houses of prayer throughout Southeast Asia, Th e Pattani Malay people live in the southernmost tearing down spiritual provinces of Th ailand bordering Malaysia. For strongholds that keep centuries the Buddhists and Muslims lived peacefully Buddhists and Muslims together. But in recent years growing violence has outside of the kingdom created animosity. of God and away from the King. Pray for God’s peace in southern Th ailand. Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal Christ to Pattani Malay leaders. Pray that God the Son, Jesus Christ, will come to them in dreams. Ask the Lord to raise up “persons of peace” among the Pattani Malay who will receive the gospel of the true and living God and pass it along.—GEC

58 Day 14 Lowland Lao People of Laos Matthew 3:9

r. Nitt sighed as he told And do not think you can M his son, “I am already say to yourselves, “We have deeply in debt. You’ll have to Abraham as our father.’ I borrow from your uncles to tell you that out of these fi nance your wedding.” stones God can raise up Although borrowing and children for Abraham. debt are a normal feature of John the Baptist harshly CHINA Lowland Lao culture, spending beyond one’s means has risen scolded people for thinking VIETNAM that their Jewish heritage was LAOS sharply in the last decade. MYANMAR Vientiene After the communist revolution the source of their relationship of 1975, money was scarce and with God. Somehow they THAILAND religious fervor was offi cially had been lulled into the belief CAMBODIA discouraged. However, when that their ethnicity and their Laos reopened her doors to the traditions were all it took to world in the late 1990s, economic growth loosed greed live a righteous life. John and a desire for prestige that was accompanied by a rise in expensive weddings and funerals. At the same the Baptist pointed the way time the Lao government promoted Buddhism as “the to Jesus, the One who broke good cultural tradition of Lowland Lao people.” Mr. man-made traditions and Nitt and his countrymen have since poured much provided the only way to God money into temple refurbishments to make merit with the Father. the gods. In this tiny country of seven million inhabitants, Pray that the Lao peoples thousands have come to Christ in the past decade, will understand that their mostly people from tribal animist backgrounds. But traditions will fail them few Lowland Lao Buddhists have turned to Christ on the Day of Judgment. from the idols found in their temples or on their Pray that they will seek spirit shelves. Th e race to gain wealth and follow the and fi nd Jesus! traditions of Buddhism continues to hold Mr. Nitt, his son, and their entire people group tightly captive.

Pray that Lowland Lao Buddhists will reject the deceit of riches and false hopes in temples and seek true riches in Christ. Pray for a turning to Jesus that would include many heads of households, as well as village, district, and provincial leaders.— Saeng Fisher, guest writer

59 Day 15 John 4:35 Central Khmer People of Cambodia

ddressing worship and prayer meeting, the Do you not say, “Four missionary said, “I heard from Kalianne. She is months more and then the A returning to the Khmer people in the Chbar village in harvest”? I tell you, open Cambodia with her husband and another lady, trained your eyes, and look at the in our evangelism program. Th ey need your prayers! fi elds! They are ripe for harvest. “Th is is what Kalianne wrote about their fi rst visit: ‘When we arrived, the people fl ooded to see us. We Jesus likened the spiritual immediately knew that the Lord wanted us to share responsiveness of the His gospel with them from creation to Jesus. Among Samaritan woman and her them were four older people, including a spirit leader, who said that they wanted to accept Jesus. Right then community to fi elds ripe for and there all four made commitments to follow Christ, immediate harvest by alert and they renounced idolatry and witchcraft. After workers. These words to His praying with them, the spirit leader said, “I feel so light disciples are still applicable to and free! You may not know how serious the spiritual us today. Are our eyes opened situation is here. Th e demonic control of this village is to the ripe harvest going on very strong. Freedom in Jesus is wonderful!” right now in Cambodia? We Th e Khmer account for about 90 percent of Cambodia’s must recognize the spiritual estimated population of 15 million people. Most receptivity of hundreds upon Khmers remain loyal to their style of Buddhism which hundreds of human societies. blends elements of Th eravada Buddhism, Hinduism, Are we eagerly looking for animism, and ancestor-spirit worship. Angkor Wat (City Temple) is the religious pride of the Khmers. But ripe harvests or do they catch the Word of God is spreading. In 1990, there were us unaware? only 10 Khmer Evangelical churches in Cambodia. Pray that the Church’s eyes Today there are more than 200,000 believers in over will be open to see how to 2000 churches! bring in a complete harvest, especially among the Khmer Th ank the Lord for the extension of His kingdom among the people of Cambodia. Khmer people. Pray that the power of God’s Holy Spirit will lead many non-believing Khmers to receive Him. May the Khmer soon be freed from Satan’s grip.—PD

60 Day 16 Muong People of Vietnam Matthew 9:38

ranh bowed his Ask the Lord of the head to the family T harvest, therefore, to altar and mumbled some words of prayer to his send out workers into His great grandfather. Soon harvest fi eld. he would be tending his This is the other side of what rice fi elds in the hills of we prayed for yesterday. northern Vietnam. After When the fi elds are ripe, we the prayer, Tranh walked www.corlettimages.com out of the hut wondering must have workers. This is, if his great grandfather had heard his request. Like perhaps, Jesus’ most direct most members of the Muong people group, Tranh prayer request for those who worships his ancestors. It is the only form of worship want His kingdom extended he has ever known. to the unreached nations. Th e Muong people live in the Ma River Valley near For this reason you, as a GPD the border with Laos. Centuries ago Chinese invaders reader, are constantly praying entered northern Vietnam and infl uenced many for workers. Could it be that neighboring people groups. But the Muong resisted He is calling some prayer those infl uences. Th ey clung to ancestor worship and warriors to the harvest fi eld, refused to mix it with Buddhism. When northern Vietnam turned Communist after 1945, the Muong and people are either not were cut off from the outside sources that could have listening or unwilling to go? told them about Jesus Christ and the true way of Pray that those believers salvation. Today Vietnam is still under Communist God calls will have receptive rule, but the door for Christian outreach is starting to hearts to His kingdom work. open. In recent years the Vietnamese government has become less hostile towards religion.

Pray that the laws that bar missionaries from operating freely in Vietnam will be repealed. Ask the Lord to create a hunger among the Muong for the true God. Pray that a mission agency would target this people group for prayer and outreach. Pray that the Lord will use dreams and visions to draw the Muong people to Jesus Christ.—WK

61 Day 17 Matthew 9:36 Tay People in Vietnam

When he saw the crowds, a sat in the hut and heard a voice come out he had compassion on M of the radio. She didn’t understand what was them…. They were being said, but strained her ears, hoping to catch harassed and helpless, like a few familiar words. Someone had told her the sheep without a shepherd. broadcasts were about God. Ma was from the Tay tribe in Vietnam. She had When God sees peoples like worshipped her ancestors, listened to the teachings the Tay, He sees lost people of Buddhist priests and tried to learn the sayings of who need a shepherd. He Tao teachers. None of this fi lled the emptiness in knows that they are helpless her heart. without someone to save Th e Tay people live in Vietnam. Reports coming them from the attacks of out of that country have confi rmed that members Satan, who seeks to devour of this people group have heard gospel radio them. Do we see them this broadcasts, but those radio messages are in a way? Do we pray for them language the Tay don’t understand. Only fi ve percent of this people group can read in any with this in mind? language, so printed outreach materials are Pray that the Tay people will not useful. Vietnam is a closed country, and turn from what they have missionaries can’t operate freely there. But in recent depended upon and cling years the laws against religious activity have been to the compassionate relaxed, creating cause for hope for a new day. shepherd who alone can save them from the attacks Ask God to raise up faithful workers to reach out to of the enemy. the Tay with the message of salvation. Pray for the development of gospel radio broadcasts in the Tay language. Pray for the Tay people to fl ee the darkness and enter the light of Christ. Pray that the lives of believers in Vietnam will be transformed in such a way that unreached peoples like the Tay will be drawn to their message.—WK

62 Day 18 Malay People of Malaysia I John 4:16-17

hairi and Binti So we know and believe Mulia have been K the love God has for us. God sitting proudly upon is love, and he who abides their raised wedding platform for hours, in love abides in God, and allowing the crowd God abides in him. In this is love perfected with us, that

Create International Create of guests to stream by Rural Malay women admiring their henna we may have confi dence painted hands. Th ey are dressed in clothes that are for the Day of Judgment, ornate with traditional designs of an earlier era when because as He is, so are we Hinduism was the cultural religion. But they are in this world. now also resplendent with the trappings of a Muslim arranged marriage. Rings of young boys surround Intercessor, see how the them playing sepak raga, keeping a rattan ball aloft incredible power of God’s with any body part except their hands or arms. agape love sets you free! You Laughter and excited chatter fi ll the jungle setting. don’t have to cook up or fake Both Khairi and Binti Mulia qualify as Malay by your own love for God or their constitution because they are Islamic in their neighbors. All you have to do faith, speak their national language, and practice is abide in God’s agape love Malay customs. Binti Mulia is from a rural area and as you pray for the harvesters, her family is dressed in the traditional cloth wrap- senders, and intercessors for around skirt; Khairi’s family is urban and wears the Malay people and all the denim jeans and t-shirts. Th ey also carry cell phones. other unreached groups you “Khairi, ask your mother to summon a bomoh will soon be meeting in glory. (witchdoctor) to bless our ceremony,” Binti Mulia You will joyfully share in whispers to her groom. And thus the blending of the the victory celebrations of original animist religion with the Hindu infl uence from India and the trader-introduced Islam religion these overcomers! manifests itself at the wedding. Th is intermingling Pray that you will abide in of religions is practiced among 99 percent of the Him as you await His fi nal Malay people. victory. Pray that the true Lord of lords, Jesus Christ, may be revealed to the Malay people. Pray that the Word of God might penetrate the veiled hearts and minds of the Malay people.—PE

63 Day 19 James 1:17 (NIV) Kedah Malay People of Malaysia

Philippine he Kedah Valley is Every good and perfect South Sea China T known as the rice gift is from above, coming Sea bowl of Malaysia. Rice down from the Father of the fi elds stretch across an heavenly lights…. area of 25,000 square In 1956 I worked for an miles, including the Satun Province of Th ailand and engineering fi rm involved in the three northern states of putting the fi rst electrifi cation Malaysia. For this reason projects into Iranian towns THAILAND the people prefer to call and villages. I had asked God Bangkok themselves Orang Utara to bring the whole of Iran to MALAYSIA or “northern people.” Th e Jesus … and He has been Kuala Lumpur only diff erence between SINGAPORE doing this magnifi cently ever the northern and southern since! On a recent business trip Malaysian people is the dialects they speak. In the I was fl ying at night down the northern states there are many dialects; most of western border of Iran. The them are very diff erent from one another. entire country, as far as I could Th e Joshua Project states that the Kedah Malay are see, was fl ooded with lit-up 100 percent Islamic. Th ere are no New Testaments villages, and each of those or Bibles in their dialects. Yet young Kedahan lights, to me, was a picture people familiar with computers are making contacts of a new Iranian believer and communicating with young people in other becoming a light in his world! lands. Some speak multiple languages. Is this an Some who are working in this opportunity to introduce Jesus Christ to a people part of the world consider the who do not know the One True God? Perhaps new technology can be a medium by which the Kedah Iranians to no longer be an may get to know about Christ. We must remember unreached people group! the biblical saying, “how can they know if they don’t Pray for a massive Christ- hear (the gospel)?” ward movement in Malaysia Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring new and bright ideas just like the one we are now into the minds of believers to help them spread the gospel seeing in Iran. of Jesus Christ into dark areas of the world like the Kedah Valley. Pray that advances from new technologies can be brought into the arsenal of tools that can be used to bring the “Rice of Life,” Jesus, to the rice bowl of Malaysia.—PE

64 Day 20 Orang Pantai Timur People of Malaysia John 21:6

lease do not confuse Timor with Orang Throw out your net on the Pantai Timur,” said the government worker, “P right side of the boat and shaking his head when a visitor didn’t make a you will fi nd some. distinction between the two. “Timor is a Catholic nation that gained its independence from Indonesia John’s gospel ends with an in 2002. Th e Orang Pantai Timur is a people group account that in many ways located on the east coast of Malaysia, a region rich gives us a vivid picture of in petroleum. Th ey are Muslims and number about Jesus’ commission. The two million people. Th ey speak their own regional dialect of Malay. Th ey wear distinctively Muslim obedience of the disciples clothing and stress animal sacrifi ces at Hari Korban, to Jesus’ word not only the day of sacrifi ce. If there are any Catholic or other gave them a great catch of Christians among them, I don’t know of any.” fi sh, but also opened their Some Orang Pantai Timur people work in eyes to recognize Him. In government offi ces. Others are fi sherman, or farm that recognition was deep rice or tobacco. Unfortunately, the oil reserves are not fellowship. And out of that benefi tting the people of the east coast. Families are fellowship, as it did for Peter, usually nuclear or patrilocal (father centered). Th ey comes our commission to are large, having three to seven children, and the feed and care for others, men often have more than one wife if they can aff ord to do so. including the Orang Pantai Timur people. Pray that the Orang Pantai Timur will put their faith Pray that we will know Him in the sacrifi ce of Jesus, the Ultimate Sacrifi ce. Pray that and follow Him, no matter God will send His witnesses to this unreached people what He tells us to do. Pray group and this will result in a fellowship of believers in that He will reveal Himself Jesus. Pray for churches to adopt them and for boldness to afresh to us as we bring His witness on the part of the few isolated believers that live revelation to others. Pray among them. Pray for the Orang Pantai Timur people for Orang Pantai Timur to be monetarily blessed by the oil reserves under their fi shermen to embrace the land.—TP message revealed to Peter centuries ago.

65 Day 21 John 8:12, Matt 5:14 Maguindanao People of the Philippines

he extended family group I am the Light of the world. T paused from cleaning up Since you invited Jesus, the after their meal to consider Light of the World, to come this riddle: “It is here, it is and make His home in you, there.” Th e riddler, young Njhay, smiled at their inability the Father of Lights now to come up with the answer. pours streams of light through He had tried to tell the riddle you, so that any place you before the meal, but hadn’t PHILIPPINES walk is suddenly lit up by His Manila delivered it correctly. Th is had Presence. A whole string of drawn ridicule, part of the believers are winning Miss Palawan riddling tradition. Mindanao Is. America contests. They have Davao A woman fi nally answered, the same good looks as the “Th e sun.” Another said, “No, other competitors, but they the wind.” Th e group turned and looked to Oj, the win because the Lord is oldest and wisest man in the region. Oj nodded and said, “Th e wind.” Th e group cheered, and Njhay, the lighting them up. Christian riddler, celebrated the success of his riddle. ladies in their 60s and 70s continue to outshine women “Th e people of the plains,” which is what Maguindanao means, have a long history of half their age with twice the story and riddle telling. Th is is how they pass on makeup. He changes believers traditions and values. It also helps unify them as a into light-givers! people. With over a million inhabitants, they are the largest Muslim people group in the Philippines. Pray that the Light of the Unfortunately, they do not have the Bible or even the World will shine through New Testament available in their language. the Harvesters and new Maguinanao believers until Pray for the Bible to be translated into their language. the rest of this people group Pray for God to send workers to the Maguindanao who is attracted to Jesus! will share His love and gospel message in a way that they can understand and receive it. Pray for Jesus Christ— the answer to life’s biggest riddle—to be made known to this people group. Ask God to draw the Maguindanao out of the darkness of Islam and into the light of His only Son.—CL

66 Day 22 Maranao People of the Philippines Matthew 24:14

ook, Grandpa!” the six-year-old boy said And this gospel of the thrusting a picture he had drawn in the old “L Kingdom will be preached man’s face. It was a picture of a bird with colorful wings and a fi sh in its mouth. Grandpa nodded and in the whole world as a said, “Ah, such a fi ne Sarimanok! One day, you will testimony to all nations, be a great Maranao artist.” Th e boy nodded vigorously and then the end will come. and replied, “Th is is the bird of our people.” “Yes, Jesus pointed to the fact that indeed,” the old man agreed with a slight grin. “Th e the gospel will be preached Sarimanok was found by Mohammed in the fi rst heaven. Its crowing awoke every creature except man. to the whole world as a When it stops crowing, judgment day will come.” testimony to all nations. Along with other verses, this one is Th e Maranao people (“people of the lake”) are known for their creative artwork, as well as for being one an indicator that points to the of the largest Muslim groups in the Philippines. fact that after the gospel has Although a church was established among them in been preached to the whole 1902 and there have been other missionary eff orts, the world, Jesus will return to Maranao do not have the full Bible in their language earth and it will be the end of and are still considered an unreached people group. the age. World evangelization surely is the bedrock purpose Pray for the Creator of the universe to reveal Himself to the for which the Lord and His Maranao. Pray for these gifted people to have the opportu- nity to receive the gift of eternal life in Christ. Ask God to Church are working before send workers into this harvest fi eld to establish His church. He returns. If there was ever Pray for the small number of Maranao believers that exist a truth to which all mankind to be encouraged and to share the gospel with their friends, will one day be exposed, it is family, and other Muslim groups in the Philippines.—CL the gospel of the Kingdom. Can there possibly be a cause more worthy for the dedication of our lives?

Pray that the Savior will show us as individuals and as bodies of believers how to participate with Him in the central plan and purpose of history.

67 Day 23 Luke 6:27-28 Acehnese People of Indonesia

But I say to you that hear, n many ways you love your enemies, do good I could not ask for a to those who hate you, better living situation than that of the Aceh bless those who curse people of Indonesia. you, pray for those who Th ey have what is abuse you. believed to be some According to Romans 5:10 of the largest oil and while we were yet enemies Sue Garges natural gas reserves in A devout Acehnese Muslim East Asia, as well as of God, we were reconciled a long, steady history of independence from foreign to God by the death of His powers. And the climate is very livable, not straying Son. As the Acehnese people far from 80 degrees F year round! come to Him, they will be But in other ways there might not be a worse region surrounded by enemies to live in. Th e land near the ocean was decimated who will curse, abuse, and following the horrible 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake persecute them. Jesus’ and tsunami which killed 167,000 people. Th ey still command? Bless them! How haven’t fully recovered. Th ere is also an on and off can the persecuted do this struggle between Indonesia’s government and the Free impossible thing? Answer: as Aceh Movement, which wants complete independence they open their mouths and from Indonesia. Th e Acehnese people are willing to fi ght and die for independence from a government start pronouncing blessings, that they believe robs them of their natural resources. God’s rivers of blessings will fl ow through the believers, Th ey are also fi ercely dedicated to Sunni Islam and have done much evangelistic work on its behalf. Some changing them, teaching Acehnese people have opposed with violence those them, strengthening them who turn away from Islamic beliefs. As a result, there and nourishing them. are but a handful of Bible believing Christians among them. Pray for God’s Spirit to fl ow through His messengers Pray that the Aceh people will be dissatisfi ed with their and soften the hearts of the spiritual lives and seek out His truth. Pray that the neigh- Acehnese people so that they bors of the Aceh who love the Lord will reach out to them, can receive His blessings. resulting in a massive movement to Christ.—JR

68 Day 24 Jambi Malay People of Indonesia Luke 5:5

raditions: are they Simon answered, “Master, good or bad? Th ey T we’ve worked hard all are both! Traditions are night and haven’t caught common in every culture, anything. But because providing a stable basis for life-making decisions. You say so, I will let down But sometimes clinging the nets.” to traditions can be Can you relate to what Simon crippling and threaten Peter was saying here? I’m sure A Jambi Malay man progress. Th is is the case with the Jambi Malay people of Indonesia’s island that many missionaries can. of Sumatra. Th ey occupy a lowland basin of dense There are times when it really jungles, peat bogs, swamps, and rivers. Th e area is doesn’t seem that the fi elds are drained by the mighty Batang Hari River and its ripe for the harvest, and we are many tributaries. Th is river is important to the Jambi wasting our time. Years may Malay both as a means of transportation and for go by before someone working fi shing which is their main livelihood. among the unreached people However, the Jambi Malay are feeling threatened group might see visible fruit and exploited by migrants from other islands that from their work. Experienced have come to the Jambi area during the past decades. missionaries tell us that it Th ese migrants enjoy a higher standard of living sometimes takes more than 15 than the local Jambi people, who are unwilling to accept modernization and reform. Th e Jambi pride years to plant a church among themselves on a very strict Islamic lifestyle. Every an unreached people group! It village has a mosque or prayer house, and typically appears that the Lord is waiting they also have an Islamic religious school called for one more attempt or one a madrasa. Much of their lifestyle centers around more prayer before He begins traditional Islamic ceremonies and rituals. to pour out His Spirit. Are you willing to let down the nets Th e Jambi Malay people feel threatened by anyone who one more time? comes to them from the outside. Pray for Christ’s ambas- sadors to break through this wall of distrust by off ering Pray that missionaries among the people good-paying jobs and educational assistance unreached peoples like the that will make them more competitive with other ethnic Jambi Malay will not grow groups in their area. Pray that this trust will open Jambi weary, but will persevere. Malay hearts to hear about Jesus Christ who off ers them a full life.—JS

69 Day 25 John 10:11 Lampungese People of Indonesia

I am the good shepherd. ampungese people say, ‘It is better to die The good shepherd lays “L than lose face,’” explained an down His life for the sheep. Indonesian Christian living Few people, including the among the Lampungese of disciples before the Day of Sumatra. He adds, “Th ey are very proud. Guarding Pentecost, clearly understood your personal family and the reasons behind Jesus’ tribal honor at all cost is crucifi xion. A major emphasis paramount.”

of Christ’s ministry was to International Create Lampungese woman Like the Jambi we read show the Jews that He came about yesterday, the Lampungese are feeling to pay for the sins of the threatened by outsiders moving into their area, Gentiles as well as the Jews. especially the Javanese. Th e churches that exist in This passage in John 10 points Lampung Province are mostly made up of Javanese, to Jesus’ death for both the the dominant ethnic group in Indonesia. Th ere Jews and the Gentiles (v. 16). are churches all over the province, but fear and pride keep the Lampungese from the truth. Th e Thank the Father for His Lampungese see these churches as a threat to their shepherd’s heart. Thank Him culture and identity, and pride keeps them away from that we experience His love the followers that want to reach them for Christ. and care daily. Pray that the Community is everything to the Lampungese, Holy Spirit will remind us and it’s not a question of what a person wants, but each day to pray for those what brings uniformity to the group. When a unreached peoples who Lampungese is won to Christ, he is usually kicked still have no opportunity out of his village and sometimes threatened with to become part of His fl ock. death. Because of their fears and their traditions, Pray that the Lord will fi ll our they are a very diffi cult people to reach for Christ. hearts with His love for them. Pray that the Holy Spirit will encourage missionaries among the Lampungese who are seeing little fruit to wait upon the Lord. Pray for the few Lampungese believers in the area to persevere despite persecution. Pray for them to share the gospel with their friends and family. Pray that they will have boldness and be willing to forsake all for Christ’s sake.—JS

70 Day 26 Minangkabau (aka Minang) People of Indonesia John 10:16 (NIV)

ho me? Submit to I have other sheep that him? Are you crazy?” “W are not of this sheep pen. exclaimed the Minangkabau wife after the missionary I must bring them also..... explained the biblical view of and they shall be one fl ock marriage found in Colossians 3. with one shepherd. In a culture where traditionally The four gospels provide us a young man must wait for with four perspectives on the a marriage proposal from a woman’s family, this Lord Jesus, each emphasizing some particular aspect of Bernice Condit Bernice sounded like nonsense! Th e A Minang mother Minangkabau, also known His person. Yet each gospel as the Minang, are the largest matrilineal society in clearly presents His command the world. Money and property pass from mother to to take the good news to daughter. In the past, married daughters remained in the entire world. Here we their parents’ home; their husbands were considered read Jesus’ gentle reminder merely welcome “visitors.” of the global nature of the Boys as young as seven were sent to live in a surau good news. “Other sheep” (a prayer house and community center) where they may be understood as “other learned religious and cultural teachings until they nations,” or “other peoples.” were teens. Th en they were encouraged to leave and seek worldly knowledge, business experience, and Let us exhort each other wisdom in larger towns and cities. Th en they returned to remember all the other to their villages more qualifi ed to participate in village sheep—of “every tongue, administration, and presumably, they were more tribe, people, and nation that attractive candidates for marriage. Today husbands are not yet in His fold!” Let us and wives often migrate to urban areas to seek think and pray about how education and jobs. Th e Minangkabau are virtually we can share the news 100 percent Muslim. Th ere are few, if any known believers in Jesus. of Jesus with the “other sheep”—the unreached Pray that the Minangs in the urban areas will come in peoples of the world. contact with the gospel of Jesus Christ, become believers, and take their faith back to the villages. Pray that village Pray that we will be headmen will accept Jesus as Lord and lead many villagers faithful to reach out to to faith in Christ.—JWS these other sheep.

71 Day 27 Mark 16:15, 16 Buginese (Bugis) People

o you know the origin of Go into all the world and South Philippine China Sea the name “boogeyman”? preach the good news Sea D to all creation. Whoever During the Spice Islands trade of centuries past, the believes and is baptized Bugis people were known will be saved, but whoever as marauding sea-faring does not believe will be Indian Ocean pirates. Parents would tell condemned. their children that they must Celebes Sea INDONESIA Jesus did not say to pray fi ve behave or they would be given times a day, though that is a Gorontalo over to the “boogie-man.”

noble thing to do. He did not Sulawesi Th e present day Bugis people Island say to go on a pilgrimage. depend upon their own good Unlike Muslim peoples like deeds to gain access to heaven. According to their worldview, the Buginese, our salvation is if they pray fi ve times daily not dependent upon obeying and make the pilgrimage to Mecca, they will have a certain laws. We are simply 99 percent guarantee of going to heaven. told to believe in His death Th ere are over fi ve million Buginese people spread and resurrection as payment out over southern Sulawesi Island. Due to their for our sins. Good works will hostility towards Christianity and the intense follow as we allow the Holy spiritual warfare in this group, few Christian Spirit to transform us. workers have stayed focused upon them for a long time. While on a prayer drive a couple of years ago, Pray that the Buginese church planting mission teams learned that prayer is people will understand that crucial. After two years of sharing Christ, follow up their works will not earn and prayer, only one household had become believers. them a place in the Kingdom. Th ree other households had received Christ through Pray that they will put their this network, bringing the total to 17 people that faith in the Risen Savior. came to the Light. With a population of 5,010,000, there are now only 10 known Bugis churches, and they are presently not reproducing.

Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out more workers into his harvest fi eld. Pray that the eyes of the Bugis will be opened to see Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Pray that many Bugis households will turn from strongholds of Islam to freedom in Christ.—SS, Guest writer 72 Day 28 Madurese People of Indonesia Matthew 9:11

adura, one of Why does your teacher eat Indonesia’s 1,300 M with tax collectors and islands, is home to the sinners? Madurese people. About 4,000,000 Madurese live Jesus had just called Matthew, on their home island. It a tax collector, a despised is estimated that about “sinner” and an outcast like

Create International Create 9,000,000 have migrated the Madurese people, to A Madurese man to Java, Indonesia’s most populated island. While many other ethnic groups follow Him. This disturbed have blended in with Indonesian society, the the Pharisees who would Madurese have maintained their own distinct culture. not associate with such Th e Madurese tend to be short with dark-brown people. But Jesus’ response skin and curly hair. Some scornfully call them was as convincing as it was the “cowboys of Indonesia” because they typically clear: “It is not the healthy herd cattle. Th ey have a reputation for being easily who need a doctor, but the off ended, hot-tempered, and violent. sick.... For I have not come to Although they are devout Sunni Muslims, the call the righteous, but sinners Madurese also believe in good and evil spirits, to repentance.” This is the amulets, black and white magic, and ancestor worship. state of countless millions of Th ey are feared and shunned by other Indonesians, people in our world today. partly because of their use of black magic, and also Outcasts, despised minorities, because of their custom of carok which involves oppressed peoples: they grabbing their enemies from behind and slitting their throats or stomachs with a knife. are all within God’s scope of concern. Since our Lord Th e Bible and the JESUS Film have been translated focused His concern on them, into Madurese, and some Christian radio programs are broadcast in Madurese. should we not do the same? Pray that the Savior will Pray that these resources will result in an abundant give us His sacrifi cial love harvest among the Madurese people. Pray that the Lord for despised people like the will change the hearts of Madurese leaders, lead them to Madurese of Indonesia. accept the gospel, and turn them from darkness to light. Pray for persons of peace to open their households and seek after the Lord. Pray for a disciple making movement of Madurese worshippers who will obey Jesus because they love Him.—JWS 73 Day 29 John 4:32 Makassarese People

I have food to eat that you ince fresh water was in know nothing about. S short supply, it seemed to the foreign missionaries By addressing the spiritual that a Makassarese needs of a Samaritan woman, community would want Jesus was refreshed in a way their help. Th ey were in the disciples knew nothing for a surprise when they approached the village about. Doing the will of His Create International Create elders about a possible Father and fi nishing His work A Makassarese elder well-digging project. Th e was what truly satisfi ed and terse lipped Makassarese leader rubbed his chin and refreshed Jesus. The Lord glared at them. He said, “We refuse to lift a fi nger is encouraged, satisfi ed, for the digging of your water wells. Furthermore, sustained, and refreshed if others choose to help you, we shall not allow them when we, as His hands and to benefi t. We will block their ability to obtain clean water.” feet, point the lost to Him! Th is Makassarese community has been without clean Pray that believers will lift up water for generations. Quite commonly they make the Makassarese to the Lord trips to the mainland in order to obtain drinking asking that He show the way water. Why would they refuse help with such an to those who are now lost important matter? Th e Makassarese operate with the without Him. world view that there are only limited blessings from Allah. Th eir human leaders are perceived to have the power, and no one else is allowed to combat this reality. Such a world view hinders their development as a community. Th ere are less than 600 followers of Christ among this people who number over two million.

Pray that more people will desire to see a church plant- ing movement launched among this unresponsive people group. Pray for the safety of persons of peace from among the Makassarese who are presently being taught the Word of God. Pray that they will have wisdom as they begin to minister to their people.—RA

74 Day 30 Sasak People Luke 3:3

am your new He went into all the confession of faith!” “I country around the Jordan, were the words Jakir, a preaching a baptism devout Sasak Muslim man, of repentance for the heard Jesus say to him in a dream. After a specifi c forgiveness of sins. dream detailing baptism, This is what baptism is about: Jakir awakened that same repentance! In today’s reading Create International Create morning and took himself we are introduced to a Sasak A Sasak youth to the river. When he was sure that no one was around, he dunked himself man who was so eager to under the water. A few weeks later Jakir still did not be baptized that he did it understand salvation in Jesus. Even so, he dreamt himself! It seems obvious again of Jesus baptizing him. In obedience to this that this man was truly unknown God, he went down to the creek and knelt repentant of his sins. He later in the water and baptized himself again to make sure showed fruit in keeping with it was done properly. repentance (see Luke 3:8). Before he had these dreams, a church planting Among unreached peoples movement worker had shared with Jakir about the like the Sasak, it is often hard Savior during multiple visits. He shared with him to fi nd people who are willing through Discovery Bible Study (DBS) stories, through to be baptized. the JESUS Film in Sasak, and through a contextual movie entitled “Irun’s Dream.” After Jakir truly Pray for boldness and acknowledged that salvation is through Christ alone, a willingness to take a he wanted his friend to baptize him as the statement stand for Christ among of his new heart condition. the unreached peoples of Th ere are 100 followers of Christ among this people Southeast Asia. group of 2,600,000 Muslims, and a church planting movement is in eff ect.

Pray that God will continue to go ahead of missionaries with undeniable signs and wonders that point to Christ. Pray that local and foreign missionaries will be fi lled with boldness to start more Discovery Bible Study story groups among Sasak households that will reproduce rapidly and cause a movement to Christ.—JK, guest writer

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