August Southern Pashtuns 1 in Iran

he Sunni Muslim Pashtun were Tthe traditional rulers of Afghanistan for over 250 years, from founding of the country in 1747 to 1973. Since the overthrow of the Afghan king, the Soviet invasion in the 1970s, and the overthrow of the communists in the 1980s, Afghanistan has faced constant conflict. Many Pashtuns joined other tribal groups and fled Afghanistan during the 1980's conflict. They settled in refugee camps in the border provinces of Iran and Pakistan, and most returned to Afghanistan when things were more settled. However, some Pashtun men have continued to sneak into Iran to escape poverty and the ��pahsh-TOON constant fighting. Younger Pashtun POPULATION: 160,000 men try to go directly to Tehran to LANGUAGE: Pashto, Southern find work in construction, where they RELIGION: Islam are more accepted. Many send BIBLE: Portions money back to Afghanistan to help their families. STATUS: Unreached

Ministry Obstacles construction and other areas where Pashtuns are isolated from Iranian Pashtuns commonly work, so they believers; they speak a different can have contact with them. language and are in entirely different social circles. Prayer Focus Pray for a Disciple Making Movement Outreach Ideas among Pashtuns in Iran that will Iranian believers can take up jobs in spread to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

SCRIPTURE Therefore, I will teach them—this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the Lord. Jer 16:21

PRAY that today’s people group will understand from the heart that God is all powerful, and He can give or withhold blessings.

Unreachedoftheday.org August Western Baloch 2 in Iran

he Baloch people live in several Tcountries. Although most live in Pak- istan, many live over the border in Iran. They are nominally Sunni Muslims. The Western Baloch are evenly divided be- tween those who live the lives of rural farmers/herdsmen and those who live in urban centers, where many of their young men migrate to find work. They are closed to change thanks to illiter- acy, tribalism and traditional ways. As a result, most are poor with a high infant mortality rate. Some were once slaves (emancipation came in the 1950s).

Ministry Obstacles There are many man-made obstacles that only God can overcome. They in- clude Iranian government policies, ��bah-LOACH Illiteracy, tribalism and Muslim tradi- POPULATION: 750,000 tions that work against openness to LANGUAGE: Balochi, Western the gospel. RELIGION: Islam BIBLE: Portions Outreach Ideas STATUS: Unreached Christian schoolteachers and medical professionals can go to the Baloch the cross and the empty grave. Pray people and have regular contact with that the Church would recognize the them. There is also the JESUS Film and need to evangelize the Western Baloch gospel recordings that can plant and design strategies to reach them. gospel seeds. Pray that urban Baloch youth would open themselves to the gospel and Prayer Focus that believers will deliberately go with Pray for a spiritual hunger among the the purpose of establishing Christ's Western Baloch that will lead them to presence among them.

SCRIPTURE But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. Jer 17:7

PRAY that today’s people group will put all their trust and confidence in the Lord only.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 3 Bakhtiari in Iran

ormer Zoroastrians, the Bakhtiari Flive in the Zagros Mountains of Iran as shepherds and carpet weavers, although some engage in agriculture and commerce. They are Shia Muslim like the Iranian majority. Oil has helped them have some con- tact with the outside and some live in urban centers. Otherwise, the tribe and clan are central to their lifestyle. Their women have more freedom than do most Muslim women.

Ministry Obstacles There are many reasons why the Bakhtiari have not responded to the gospel. They are geographically iso- lated by rugged terrain. Clan divisions keep them socially isolated, so ��bahk-tee-AR-ee gospel efforts might need to be done POPULATION: 1,247,000 on a clan by clan basis. LANGUAGE: Bakhtiari RELIGION: Islam Outreach Ideas BIBLE: Portions There are many gospel tools in a lan- STATUS: Unreached guage the Bakhtiari people can un- derstand. There are radio and TV reach them via oil workers and broadcasts, gospel recordings, Scrip- women's commercial enterprises, ture portions and the JESUS Film. clan by clan. Pray that women would become believers who teach the Prayer Focus gospel to their children. Pray for a Pray that the church would intercede Disciple Making Movement among for these people and would plan to the Bakhtiari this decade.

SCRIPTURE Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jer 17:14

PRAY for this people group to seek and find the Lord’s healing touch.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 4 Central Kurds in Iraq

ran's Sorani speaking Kurds have Ifamous ancestors: The Medes! A tribal people, they have only recently been urbanized. Most are nominally Sunni, while some are Shia. Coupled with other Kurds in Turkey, Iran, Syria, Armenia and Azerbaijan, they are the world's largest stateless eth- nic group, often hated and under- mined by Arabs, Turks and Iranians. Their unwillingness to unite has worked against them. They have two mutually hostile political-military fac- tions which keep them weak.

Ministry Obstacles In Iraq, the Kurds have been much more open to the gospel than those in Iran. Iran's Sorani speaking Kurds ��kerds have few if any opportunities to hear POPULATION: 4,652,000 about the sin free, risen Savior. Be- LANGUAGE: Kurdish, Central lievers will need to reach them clan RELIGION: Islam by clan, which will be very difficult. BIBLE: Complete STATUS: Unreached Outreach Ideas Their biblical past is a bridge to open Prayer Focus them to the gospel. As it stands, they Pray that the Kurdish church will be associate the gospel with the West; it increasingly evangelistic in ways can be associated with Darius the that are meaningful to Sorani Mede or perhaps the wise men. The speaking Kurds. Pray they will most effective ambassadors for welcome missionaries. Pray that they Christ may be non-Westerners. There will become increasingly dissatisfied are several gospel tools in Sorani: TV, with Islam and open up to the ways radio, and Scripture portions. of Jesus Christ.

SCRIPTURE “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jer 29:12 PRAY that this blessing will reach today’s people group soon.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 5 Urdu in Saudi Arabia

rdu speakers who live and work Uin Saudi Arabia are not exactly a people group in the usual sense. They are collection of peoples from many countries who share the common language of Urdu. Some Urdu language users work at the highest level of Saudi society. Others are day laborers who do not read. All come to Saudi Arabia looking for economic opportunities. Many send money home to support their families.

Ministry Obstacles If it becomes known to the Saudi government that an Urdu speaking Muslim has become a Christian, he will be arrested. He may be tortured, ��OOR-doo expelled or killed for his belief. POPULATION: 764,000 LANGUAGE: Urdu Outreach Ideas RELIGION: Islam Radio broadcasts in Urdu can share BIBLE: Complete the news about Jesus. Believers who STATUS: Unreached are working in Saudi Arabia can very discreetly tell the Urdu speakers Saudi authorities. Ask the Lord to about Jesus in small social settings. use radio and literature to bring many Urdu speakers in Saudi Arabia Prayer Focus to Christ. Pray for a Disciple Making There may be no Urdu speaking Movement among the Urdu speaker believers in Saudi Arabia. If a few peoples. Pray for a spiritual hunger exist, pray that they would grow that will drive them towards the spiritually and be hidden from the only Savior.

SCRIPTURE You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer 29:13

PRAY that today’s people group will seek the Lord will all their hearts and find Him to be merciful, loving and powerful.

Unreachedoftheday.org August Northern Kurds 6 in Turkey

hat do you know about the WKurds? Almost everyone knows about Arabs and Turks but not so many people are familiar with the Kurds. There are approximately 40 million Kurds living in at least 33 nations across the globe. Over 50,00 now live the USA and over a half of million reside in Germany. Most Kurmanji-speaking Kurds live in Turkey. For centuries the Turks have tried to make the Kurds into Turks by stamping out their Kurmanji language and culture.

Ministry Obstacles Deciding to follow Christ would bring serious consequences to any Kurdish person. They are Sunni Muslim. ��kerds POPULATION: 8,960,000 Outreach Ideas LANGUAGE: Kurdish, Northern Christians can build relationships RELIGION: Islam with Kurds who live in the West and BIBLE: Complete share the good news with them. STATUS: Unreached Kurdish believers can take the gospel to their people in Turkey. peaceful and just end to the violence in Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Prayer Focus Lebanon where many Kurds live. There is a small number of Kurmanji- Pray that Kurdish refugees would speaking Kurds who follow Christ. have their spiritual and physical Pray that they find each other and needs met. Pray for a Disciple Making receive solid Bible teaching so they Movement among the Kurds of can grow spiritually. Pray for a Turkey in this decade.

SCRIPTURE “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Jer 31:33

PRAY for today’s people group to become the Lord’s people!

Unreachedoftheday.org August 7 Alawite in Turkey

ou may have never heard the Yword "Alawite" before, but they have power in some parts of the Middle East. The Alawite sect is considered an offshoot of Shia Islam. Thousands of Alawites have fled the turmoil in Syria and now live as refugees in Turkey. The Alawites in Turkey hope that they can someday return to Syria.

Ministry Obstacles The average Alawite will not discuss his or her religion or religious topics due to fear of persecution by majority Sunni Muslims. If an Alawite receives Christ, there will be serious social con- sequences from family and neighbors. ��AH-lah-white Outreach Ideas POPULATION: 554,000 Ministries to refugees can help meet LANGUAGE: Arabic, North Levantine the physical needs of the Alawites. RELIGION: Islam This help may bring an openness to BIBLE: Portions the gospel if the Alawite sees the love of Jesus demonstrated to them in STATUS: Unreached practical ways. The Christian workers can pass out literature and the JESUS have access to Bibles and correct Film as they provide food and water. teaching. Ask the Lord to send medical and educational teams of Prayer Focus believers to the Alawite refugees. A tiny fraction of the Alawites in Pray the Alawites in Turkey would be Turkey are believers. Pray they will receptive to the good news of Jesus. find other believers and that they will Pray for a movement to Christ among persevere in the faith. Pray they will the Alawites in Turkey.

SCRIPTURE He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for He is the Maker of all things, including the people of His inheritance—the Lord Almighty is His name. Jer 51:19 PRAY for today’s people group to soon become part of the Lord’s inheritance.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 8 Hazara in Afghanistan

an you name a Muslim people Cwho have been persecuted by other Muslims within their own country? The Shia Hazara of Afghanistan have been the recipients of attacks by Afghan Sunni Muslims for centuries. At one time the Hazaras formed half the population of the nation whereas today they make up only about one tenth. Some Hazara have settled in cities, but the majority still carry on their traditional, nomadic lifestyle of seasonal migration with their herds of goats, sheep, cattle and horses.

Ministry Obstacles The areas where the Hazara live are difficult to reach in summer and ��huh-ZAH-ruh nearly impossible to enter in winter. POPULATION: 3,891,000 Also, if a Hazara person becomes a LANGUAGE: Hazaragi follower of Christ, their community RELIGION: Islam will see them as a traitor to their BIBLE: Portions people and treat them as such. STATUS: Unreached Outreach Ideas Teams of medical professionals fellowship with others and they will can visit the Hazara and encourage grow in the Holy Spirit together. Pray them to allow the Great Physician to for peace in Afghanistan and that heal them. Hazara parents will be able to provide for their children. Pray for a Prayer Focus movement to Christ among the A tiny fraction of the Hazara has Hazaras this decade. become believers. Pray they find

SCRIPTURE Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait. Lam 3:21-24 PRAY that soon members of today’s people group will embrace the love and compassion of the Lord. Pray that they become part of His portion. Unreachedoftheday.org August 9 Bade in Nigeria

n a country with a king, he is Icrowned when he assumes the throne. But what about the supreme leader of the Bade people known as the emir in Nigeria? He is turbaned! The Bade people are mostly farmers who practice some other occupation during the dry season. They live mostly in Nigeria's northern Yobe and Jigawa states, which are subject to the terrors of Boko Haram.

Ministry Obstacles The Bade people practice a mixture of Animism and Islam. Audio and video resources, but not the Bible, are available in the Bade language. Though there are Bade believers, their churches worship in Hausa, the ��BAH-day trade language, which most of them POPULATION: 394,000 understand with their heads but not LANGUAGE: Bade with their hearts. RELIGION: Islam BIBLE: Portions Outreach Ideas STATUS: Unreached The Bade often rely on the protection of amulets. The cross is Prayer Focus not an amulet but a symbol and Pray that these people who live with reminder of the Lord's work on terrible uncertainty—for they behalf of lost, sinful humanity. Since depend on the weather, and they live the Bade people have a strong in an area subject to terrorist connection to visual reminders, they attacks—will respond to the certain may respond quickly to the symbol of future that God promises. May He the cross. give them faith to entrust their present lives to Him.

SCRIPTURE I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; He will tend them and be their shepherd. Ez 34:23

PRAY for today’s people group to submit to the one true shepherd, Jesus Christ.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 10 Kyanga in Nigeria

here are four subgroups of Kyanga, Tthe people who can be identified by their different facial scars. Many of them are bilingual. They speak their own language, Kyanga, along with the dominant Hausa language. Animism is the belief that everyday inanimate objects, places and animals contain a distinct spiritual essence or form. In the last 70 years Islam has become the main religious affiliation of the Kyanga people, though animism lies beneath the surface of their form of Islam.

Ministry Obstacles Northwestern Nigeria is heavily populated by Islamists, so reaching the Kyanga people can be difficult because of heavy resistance by Muslims who ��key-AHNG-ah falsely believe that embracing Christ POPULATION: 23,000 means rejecting their own people. LANGUAGE: Kyanga RELIGION: Islam Outreach Ideas BIBLE: Translation needed Because of the prevalent Muslim STATUS: Unreached environment, medical care centers could be a good way to build bridges of love. willing to lose their lives for the sake of Followers of Christ with medical skills can Christ. Pray that the Lord will send offer their services to Kyanga people. workers into the harvest field to help build His Church and begin a church Prayer Focus planting movement among the Kyanga Pray that the few believers will be people. Pray that the Lord will convict spiritually comforted in a dark and lonely the souls of the Kyanga Imams so that world. Pray that their spirits will be lit they embrace the Savior and encourage afire for the gospel and they will be others to do the same.

SCRIPTURE I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ez 36:25-27 PRAY for this people group to find spiritual cleansing in Jesus Christ.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 11 Wandala in Nigeria

he Wandala people get some of their Tincome from trading arts and crafts with other peoples, but they receive most of their income through farming. They are a conservative male dominated society, residing in northern Cameroon and Nigeria. Polygamy is common, with the first wife being the "head" wife over the others. They live in small villages or groups of huts that have a particular elder residing among them (usually in the center hut) who leads that village.

Ministry Obstacles They are rigid Muslims, and Islam infiltrates much of their life. With this heavy influence of Islam, they are not very open to the claims of Christ, which they associate with other ��wahn-DAH-la people groups. POPULATION: 20,000 LANGUAGE: Wandala Outreach Ideas RELIGION: Islam The Wandala have the New Testament, BIBLE: New Testament but a translation of the Old Testament STATUS: Unreached could be of help. It is possible for linguists to live among them and yet faced persecution. Pray that the produce a Wandala Old Testament and Lord would lift the veil of deception and other gospel materials. that they can see their need for the free gift of salvation in Christ. Pray that the Prayer Focus Lord would move the hearts of local Pray that Wandala followers of Christ elders, so that they may influence those will shine their light by their lives and they lead. Pray for a Disciple Making words. Pray that the Lord would Movement among the Wandala people continue to protect them; they have not this decade.

SCRIPTURE The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” Dan 2:47 PRAY that leaders among this people group will understand that God alone can reveal truth to them. Pray that they will cease to look to any other.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 12 Duwai in Nigeria

ow would it feel to be part of the HDuwai people—a small ethnolinguistic group in northeast Nigeria with no resources or group members to reveal God's saving love? The Duwai live mainly in Nigeria's Yobe State. They have been Muslim since the 11th century, though their Islam is mixed with African traditional religions. They dwell in harsh, hot conditions, with some residing in remote places.

Ministry Obstacles The Duwai language contains no Christian resources—no Bible portions, JESUS Film or gospel recordings. It is possible there are no Duwai believers. Nigerian missionary efforts have been rejected, and a Duwai who accepts Christian literature may be persecuted. ��doo-WYE POPULATION: 20,000 Outreach Ideas LANGUAGE: Duwai Nigerian missionaries, along with those RELIGION: Islam equipped from Western countries, need BIBLE: Translation needed to persevere in attempts to pray for and STATUS: Unreached reach out to the Duwai people. Bible translation is a high priority, along with impossible would prepare Duwai hearts producing other Christian materials that to receive Christ. Pray for ongoing speaks to the oral Duwai culture. intercession from Nigerian churches. Pray anointed witnesses would continue Prayer Focus to reach out to Duwai families and Pray for effective production and community leaders. Pray for a harvest of distribution of Scripture and other souls and disciples leading to a Disciple Christian materials in the Duwai Making Movement to transform and language. Pray that the God of the bless Nigeria's Duwai people.

SCRIPTURE Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent His angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in Him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Dan 3:28 PRAY that leaders of this people group will be as amazed at the works of God as this Babylonian king. Pray that they will worship God alone. Unreachedoftheday.org August 13 Sokoto Fulani in Niger

he Sokoto Fulani, who are a Tsubgroup of the greater Fulani tribe, are on the border of Niger and Nigeria. The Sokoto comprise the ruling class (Toroobe) as well as semi-nomadic shepherds (Bororo). The ruling class live in towns and cities, are educated, and fill leadership positions at the municipal and state level.

Ministry Obstacles The Fulani believe that to be a Fulani is to be a Muslim. Many Fulani are revered teachers of Islam, who get much respect for their Islamic pedigree. Some are participating in jihads (holy wars) in an effort to eradicate Christian people from their midst, which adds a layer of enmity with believers. ��SOH-koh-toh foo-LAH-nee POPULATION: 723,000 Outreach Ideas LANGUAGE: Fulfulde, Central-Eastern Niger Polluted water is a problem for the RELIGION: Islam Sokoto Fulani, who suffer from malaria BIBLE: New Testament and other water-carried diseases. STATUS: Unreached Missionaries and engineers might be welcomed in their efforts to make water anyone cleanses himself from what is potable in overpopulated cities. dishonorable, he will be a vessel for Because many Sokoto Fulani are among honorable use, set apart as holy, useful the ruling class, they would be in a to the master of the house, ready for position to influence their constituency every good work." (ESV) Pray that they to consider the claims of Christ. would become "useful" to the one true Holy God. Pray that this would be the Prayer Focus decade when the Sokoto Fulani have an 2 Timothy 2:21 says, "Therefore, if unstoppable movement to Christ.

SCRIPTURE Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble. Dan 4:37 PRAY for leaders of this people group to repent before the Lord Almighty like this king.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 14 Muslim Yao in Malawi

hough they originated in Mozam- Tbique, the majority of Yao people now live in Malawi. The Yao people mi- grated in the 1800s due to famines and tribal divisions, and befriended their new neighbors. These neighbors, the Swahili Arabs, drew the Yao into the trade of ivory and slaves for guns and cloth. Through this trade agreement, the Yao became one of the most pow- erful tribes in southeastern Africa. This empire was not to last, however, and work by David Livingstone closed the door to slave trade in British protec- torates. The Yao lost their major ex- port but retained the new religion they had found – Islam – which was adopted, though not completely, around the turn of the 20th century. ��yow POPULATION: 1,999,000 Ministry Obstacles LANGUAGE: Yao Perhaps due to the fact that a Christian RELIGION: Islam played a hand in ending their economic BIBLE: Complete empire, the Yao have intentionally insu- STATUS: Unreached lated themselves against Christianity. In the process, they have also insulated cational outreach might have a signifi- themselves against the only Savior. cant impact.

Outreach Ideas Prayer Focus Perhaps if the Yao were reached in Pray that their cultural walls would be their own language, Ciyawo, they lowered and that they would know the might respond. They also have signifi- true love of God. Pray for invested cant medical challenges (nutrition, HIV/ workers and discipleship movements AIDS and malaria), so medical and edu- to spring up among them in Malawi.

SCRIPTURE He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. Dan 7:14 PRAY that many from today’s people group will understand and respond to the fact that Jesus Christ has an eternal kingdom. Pray for them to worship their eternal King of kings! Unreachedoftheday.org August Muslim Yao 15 in Mozambique

hink of our planet, Earth. Zoom in Ton the continent of Africa. Next, the country of Mozambique and finally, the small village of Chiconono. This is the geographic center of the Yao people, once one of the richest and most pow- erful in Southern Africa, thanks to a lu- crative trade with the Arabs in slaves and ivory. In addition to cloth and guns, the Yao people obtained the reli- gion of Islam from the Arabs. The "Christian" British were viewed in a negative light due to their anti-slavery stance and their readiness to impose their own culture and religion upon their colonial subjects. The Yao people chose to reject the colonialist's Chris- tianity and adopt Islam, integrating it with their own traditions and beliefs. ��yow Ministry Obstacles POPULATION: 197,000 The Yao have hardened themselves LANGUAGE: Yao against Christianity to the point of re- RELIGION: Islam sisting even the many efforts of their BIBLE: Complete neighbors. Folk religions are difficult to penetrate, due to the heavy traditional STATUS: Unreached and cultural ties. Prayer Focus Outreach Ideas Pray that Yao hearts would be opened The Yao have maintained their own tra- to the gospel and that they would dis- ditional language. Workers who would cover the power of the true God. Pray spend the time to learn this language for loving, patient and respectful work- might be received. Signs and wonders ers to show the love of God, leading would also be highly impactful for a them into a vast Disciple Making Move- people with a spiritual mindset. ment in Mozambique.

SCRIPTURE Yet the time will come when Israel’s people will be like the sands of the seashore—too many to count! Then, at the place where they were told, ‘You are not my people,’ it will be said, ‘You are children of the living God.’ Hos 1:10 PRAY that this people group soon become children of the living God.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 16 Somali in Ethiopia

he Somalis scatter their population Tacross the Horn of Africa, but many live in Ethiopia. In this neighboring country, they mostly live in the SRS (Somali Regional State), which borders their homeland. However, deep griev- ances over uncounted atrocities that continue between Ethiopians and So- malis remain embedded in their cul- ture. The SRS contrasts greatly from other Ethiopian states in its different language, segregated social system and justice efforts.

Ministry Obstacles Christianity can be associated with Ethiopia, where Orthodox Christianity is the dominant religion. At times, Ethiopian Somalis have suffered ��suh-MAH-lee human rights abuses by Ethiopian POPULATION: 7,280,000 forces, so they have resisted LANGUAGE: Somali Christian teaching. RELIGION: Islam BIBLE: Complete Outreach Ideas STATUS: Unreached Being that the entire Bible and many Christian resources have been trans- and that they will lead a movement for lated into Somali, experts in reconcilia- him in the SRS and beyond. tion and a deep understanding of East African issues can introduce Christian Prayer Focus thought and strategies for forgiveness Pray for loving and culturally sensitive and healing. A mere handful of Chris- workers to be thrust out to the Soma- tian Somalis live in the SRS. Pray that lis. Pray for spiritual openness that they will allow Christ to show his for- would lead to a Disciple Making Move- giveness for oppressors through them, ment for Somalis in both countries.

SCRIPTURE Then I (God) will return to my place until they admit their guilt and turn to me. For as soon as trouble comes, they will earnestly search for me. Hos 5:15 PRAY that the troubles of this people group cause them to seek the Lord and find Him.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 17 Rashaida in Eritrea

he Rashaida are a Bedouin people, Twho populate either side of the Red Sea and came from a major tribe in mainland Arabia about 150 years ago. They are a nomadic people who live in tents made of goatskin, and they are herdsmen, raising primarily goats and sheep. Since many do not read, they memorize in great detail the pedigree of their animals, keeping mental records of their herds over seven or eight preceding generations of the flock.

Ministry Obstacles A nomadic lifestyle makes it especially difficult to build relationships with people. ��ruh-shah-EE-dah Outreach Ideas POPULATION: 51,000 The gospel message needs to come LANGUAGE: Arabic, Hijazi Spoken to these people orally, using stories RELIGION: Islam from Scripture, videos, recordings BIBLE: Audio online and similar means. Bridges of friendship need to be built. STATUS: Unreached

Prayer Focus Pray Rashaida families would be able There may be a few followers of to live peaceful lives. Pray for Christ among the Rashaida stability and prosperity in Eritrea. community. Pray for them to become Pray for bold and loving workers to loving ambassadors of Christ to their go to the Rashaida people to build families and communities. God's Church in Eritrea and beyond.

SCRIPTURE That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” Joel 2:12

PRAY that this people group turns to the Lord and repents of their sins.

Unreachedoftheday.org August Bengali-speaking South 18 Asians in United Kingdom

ost Bengali speakers in the UK Mhave been somewhat absorbed culturally in the UK. Some immigrated there to escape the harsh lifestyles of Bangladesh while others have come in search of better educational or economic opportunities. Yet most retain their traditional Islamic religion as a cultural anchor.

Ministry Obstacles Despite the abundance of Christians and churches in the UK, Muslims remain unreached. Muslim communities in the UK are highly organized. They feel that they have ��AY-zhunz sacrificed their languages and cultures. Thus, they really do not POPULATION: 352,000 want to lose their religion as well. LANGUAGE: Bengali RELIGION: Islam Outreach Ideas BIBLE: Complete UK Christians have been apathetic or STATUS: Unreached fearful of witnessing to Muslims. It might take the efforts of believers from other parts of the world to awakening leading to genuine reach UK Bengalis. responses to the Savior. Pray that this would be the decade when there Prayer Focus is a movement to Christ among the Pray for openness and spiritual Muslim Bengalis in the UK.

SCRIPTURE “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. Joel 2:28 PRAY that this people group receives the gift of the Holy Spirit as they turn to the Lord.

Unreachedoftheday.org August Gujarati in 19 United Kingdom

ujaratis in the UK have taken on Gwestern dress, speak the English language and strive for the Western level of success. Yet, most have retained their traditional religion, Hinduism. Gujaratis feel connected to their mother country, India, and stay in contact with their relatives there. Most of the immigrants to the UK are concentrated in large cities where they face problems such as crime and drug abuse.

Ministry Obstacles Gujaratis are Hindus, and their religion offers them some connection with their homeland, India, while Christianity is one foreign element they can avoid. Gujaratis are famous ��goo-jah-RAH-tee for running successful businesses, POPULATION: 635,000 which can sometimes become LANGUAGE: Gujarati an idol. RELIGION: Hinduism BIBLE: Complete Outreach Ideas Bible resources exist in the Gujarati STATUS: Unreached language. Followers of Christ have opportunities in the workplace to discipled and to lead others to the pass these along to Gujarati saving gospel. Pray for a spiritual coworkers in hopes they will share hunger among Gujarati Hindus that them with their families would lead them to the only Savior. Pray for people who have the right Prayer Focus background to go to them. Pray that Pray for the small remnant of true the UK would be an incubator for a believers among Gujaratis to be Gujarati movement to Christ.

SCRIPTURE For the Lord is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveal His thoughts to mankind. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads on the heights of the earth. The Lord God of Heaven’s Armies is His name! Amos 4:13 PRAY that this people group seeks and finds the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Pray that God’s Word become available to those who are seeking Him. Unreachedoftheday.org August Malay in United 20 Kingdom

he sun never sets on the British "TEmpire," used to be a true saying until the late 1950s. By that time, many lands controlled by the UK were independent, including Malaysia, which was established as a nation in 1957. Colonized people were allowed to migrate to Great Britain, and the Malays were no exception. As a result, there are a small number of Malay people in that country. Many of these are college students.

Ministry Obstacles The strongest characteristic of Malay identity that remains consistent regardless of their location is their adherence to the Islamic faith. ��muh-LAY Though they mix ancient beliefs with POPULATION: 36,000 their form of Islam, being a Muslim is LANGUAGE: Malay a central part of the Malay identity. It RELIGION: Islam is very difficult for them to allow BIBLE: Complete Christ to penetrate this mindset. STATUS: Unreached Outreach Ideas Prayer Focus The Malay can be reached in Great Pray for the Holy Spirit to penetrate Britain, where there is freedom of the wall of religion that keeps them religion. The Malay are often from accepting the Savior and give gregarious and friendly. Believers them a desire for Jesus Christ. Pray can make friends with them through for loving and persevering workers to social networks preferred by go to them. It is often very difficult to Malay Muslims. be allowed into their social networks.

SCRIPTURE Instead, I (God) want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living. Amos 5:24

PRAY that God’s justice and righteousness prevail in the society of this people group.

Unreachedoftheday.org August Northern Kurds 21 in Germany

t may be surprising, but there are un- Ireached people groups in Germany. The Northern Kurds migrated from Tur- key and Iran, fleeing the wars between Ottoman Turkey and Tsarist Russia. In the early 1950s, Germany had a labor shortage, and they allowed temporary "guest workers" from Turkey to enter. Among the peoples from Turkey, there were Kurmanji-speaking Kurds, other- wise known as the Northern Kurds. Although some Northern Kurds farm, most live in German cities and have access to houses, medical facilities, schools and political opportunities.

Ministry Obstacles Conforming to their strong Muslim tradi- tionals, Kurds are resistant to religious confrontation and change. To them, ��kerds Islam is one of their cultural anchors that POPULATION: 546,000 they can keep in marginally Christian Germany. They also view Islam as the LANGUAGE: Kurdish, Northern religion that brings about social justice. RELIGION: Islam BIBLE: Complete Outreach Ideas STATUS: Unreached As many Kurds are urbanized, Christ's ambassadors can become schoolteach- hearts of Kurmanji-speaking Kurds in Ger- ers and health workers in Kurdish neigh- many so that the Lord can show them borhoods. This can be a platform for the limitations of man-made traditions reaching these unreached Kurds. and religious customs. Pray that God would convict their hearts of the true Prayer Focus prophet, priest, and King, leading to a Very few follow Christ. Pray for these movement to Christ. Pray that God will few believers to reach out because of convict their hearts of the true prophet, love for those without a gospel witness. priest, and King, leading to a movement Pray that the Holy Spirit would stir the to Christ. SCRIPTURE The time is surely coming, says the Sovereign Lord, when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord. Amos 8:11 PRAY that the Bible becomes available to this people group. Pray that they listen to and obey the words of the Lord.

Unreachedoftheday.org August Zaza-Alevi 22 in Germany

o you know what it's like to not fit Din? The Zaza-Alevi people in Ger- many do. They consider themselves Muslims but have retained some an- cient beliefs, giving them the label "heretic" by Muslims. They consider themselves to be Kurdish, but their lan- guage is different from any Kurds. Hav- ing migrated from Turkey, they are not considered German, setting them apart from the German majority.

Ministry Obstacles Because of being rejected and set apart, the Zaza-Alevi tend to be protec- tive of their culture. This is a wall that believers will have trouble penetrating.

Outreach Ideas ��ZAH-zah AH-lah-wye Evangelicals in Germany and elsewhere POPULATION: 31,000 can be united in reaching them LANGUAGE: Zazaki, Northern through friendship evangelism. There RELIGION: Islam may be no followers of Christ among the Zaza people. If there are, pray that BIBLE: Portions the Lord would bring them together STATUS: Unreached under the banner of Christ. Pray that the Lord would unite them and in their sorrowfulness over their sin. strengthen their souls as they must be Pray for the Zaza people residing in spiritually lonely. Germany to find gainful employment and for a lessening of persecution. Prayer Focus Most of all, pray that our Father would Pray that the Lord would convict the become their Father and that they hearts of the Zaza. Pray that God will would begin their own church planting reveal Christ as the only one to turn to movement in Germany.

SCRIPTURE No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 PRAY that this people group learns to walk humbly with the Lord.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 23 Turk in Germany

he majority of Turks live in Turkey, Tbut several million live in Germany and have adapted to Western cul- ture, pursuing professional careers such as engineering, medicine and law. They began to establish them- selves there soon after WWII, so that period of time when immigrants are open to new ideas is long gone. But God can still do miracles! The Turks are Sunni Muslim, believing in one God, heaven and hell.

Ministry Obstacles The goals of the Turks in Germany are conflicted. They want to earn a good living, but they also don't want to lose what remains of their culture and religion in this secularized land. ��terk This can cause them to automatically POPULATION: 1,566,000 reject the gospel. LANGUAGE: Turkish RELIGION: Islam Outreach Ideas BIBLE: Complete Prayer is always needed. Prostitution STATUS: Unreached exists among the Turks, so missionar- ies could set up recovery ministries Muslim Turks the need for a sin- for the hurting women as a base for forgiving Savior. Pray that God will gospel work. Alcohol rehabilitation convict the Turks of their sin, seeing homes can be another opportunity Christ as the only way to reconcile for followers of Christ to serve and with God the Father. Pray for share the gospel. spiritual openness among the Turks in Germany. Pray for a spiritual Prayer Focus awakening that would lead to a Pray that the Lord will show the Disciple Making Movement.

SCRIPTURE Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of His special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Micah 7:18 PRAY that this people begin to experience the unfailing love of God and come to the knowledge of Christ. Unreachedoftheday.org August Arabic-speaking 24 Algerians in France

n Algeria, there is a gray line between Ithe more powerful Arab population and the less powerful indigenous Berber peoples. Originally, North Africa was dominated by the Berber peoples who were once Christians. As centuries went by and with several invasions of Muslim Arabs, the Berbers were "Ara- bized," and some mixed with and mar- ried the Arabs, causing a blend of cul- tures. The two groups get even more confusing when they migrate to France, where they live and work side by side.

Ministry Obstacles Traditions are extremely important to the Muslim Berbers. Giving up their Muslim identity and replacing it with ��al-JEER-ee-uhn anything else would set them apart as POPULATION: 477,000 "different," resulting in being ostra- LANGUAGE: Arabic, Algerian Spoken cized by those they care about. RELIGION: Islam BIBLE: New Testament Outreach Ideas STATUS: Unreached Several mission agencies have focused on the Arabized Berbers living in with the light of Jesus, drawing others European nations, but they have had to His throne of grace. Pray for a peo- little success. They need new strate- ple movement to Jesus Christ among gies, such as reaching women who the Algerian Berbers both in Algeria traditionally stay fairly cloistered in and in Europe. Pray for God to soften Muslim families. the hearts of Algerian Muslims, so they would know that they can never be Prayer Focus right with God except by the work of a Pray that Algerians in France will shine holy and sinless Savior.

SCRIPTURE The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in Him. Nah 1:7

PRAY Pray that this people group takes refuge in the Lord.

Unreachedoftheday.org August Arabic-speaking 25 Moroccans in France

oroccan Arabs living in France Mhave lives that are very different from the ones they had in Morocco. There is greater freedom for women to leave the home and even work outside of the home. Since they have been exposed to western culture on a grand scale, their traditional culture and way of life have undergone many changes. Political unity has always been a dream among Arabs, but to- day the greatest tie among them is still the Arabic language.

Ministry Obstacles Most Moroccan Arabs feel that ac- cepting Christ would deny their Ara- bic identity. To be a Moroccan Arab means to be a Muslim. Therefore, ��moh-RAH-kuhns they find it hard to conceive of being POPULATION: 443,000 anything other than Muslim. They LANGUAGE: Arabic, Moroccan Spoken need to understand that Jesus Christ RELIGION: Islam died to save people from every na- BIBLE: New Testament tion, including theirs. STATUS: Unreached Outreach Ideas the Holy Spirit to share the love of Believers in France need to befriend Christ with Moroccan Arabs in their Muslim neighbors, shower them France. Pray for God to strengthen, with hospitality, invite Muslim family encourage and protect the small members into their homes and love number of Arabs who have decided them in the name of Christ. to follow Jesus in France. Pray that France would be the incubator for a Prayer Focus Disciple Making Movement that will Pray for the Lord to call people led by spread to Morocco and beyond.

SCRIPTURE Look at the proud! They trust in themselves, and their lives are crooked. But the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God. Hab 2:4

PRAY that this people group become faithful to God and not trust in themselves.

Unreachedoftheday.org August Kabyle Berbers 26 in France

he word "Berber" is a derivative of Tthe word that the Romans gave the Kabyle Berbers, meaning "barbarian." The Kabyle Berbers mostly inhabit the rugged mountainous area of northern Africa. They are very family oriented, so their lives center around family traditions and activities. When job opportunities dwindled in their North African homeland, many immigrated to France. Originally, the men would immigrate, live in dormitory-like structures, and send their paychecks home to their families. Now, entire families have immigrated to France, but their opportunities for employment have dwindled with France's struggling economy.

Ministry Obstacles France has severely restricted ��kuh-BEEL immigration due to COVID-19. Some POPULATION: 714,000 family members have not been able LANGUAGE: Amazigh to join their employed family member RELIGION: Islam but remain isolated and alone in BIBLE: Complete North Africa. STATUS: vUnreached Outreach Ideas Prayer Focus Language study always presents an op- Pray for a people movement to Christ to portunity for outreach. Often, it is only come about as these vulnerable people the employed male in the family who can find that Jesus offers comfort and hope speak French. There is a real opportunity during difficult times. Pray for Berber for believers to reach out to Berber women to be open to invitations from women who need language skills to Christian women to join them in fellow- thrive in the work world. The children ship and hospitality. Pray for the children will learn French in school, but the to be invited to Christian events where women are the most difficult to reach. they can hear the gospel. SCRIPTURE Yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Hab 3:18

PRAY this people group learns to rejoice in the Lord and His salvation.

Unreachedoftheday.org August Southern Shilha 27 Berbers in France

he Southern Shilha Berbers in France Tare similar to other Berber groups. Employment opportunities were limited in North Africa, so they sought opportu- nities in France. Like other Muslim mi- norities, the Berber people in France live in run-down neighborhoods in Paris and Marseilles. Like other Muslim minorities, the Berbers believe the French look down upon them, much like the ancient Romans who called them "Barbarians." While some living in France become more secularized like the French major- ity, others cling to Islam as part of their identity and culture.

Ministry Obstacles Shilha Berbers identify Europeans and Christianity as a polar opposite of their ��SHIL-huh Berber Islamic identity. They are torn be- tween blending in with the French or POPULATION: 147,000 self-isolating to protect their Muslim LANGUAGE: Tachelhit Berber identity. If they chose Christ over RELIGION: Islam the Islamic religious system, that would BIBLE: New Testament present another cultural conflict. STATUS: Unreached Outreach Ideas Prayer Focus The women are the most isolated mem- Pray for a people movement to Christ bers of Shilha Berber society. The men among the Shilha Berbers in France in are working and acculturating, and in the 21st century. Pray for Christian some ways, the children are doing the women in France to seek out the same at school. Ministries that offer immigrant women and start a prayer Berber women hospitality and the ability ministry for them that will culminate in to learn the French language would go a opportunities for hospitality and sharing long way in reaching wives and mothers. the Savior.

SCRIPTURE This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! Hag 1:7

PRAY that this people group consider their ways and turn to the Lord.

Unreachedoftheday.org August Shawiya Berbers 28 in France

n Paris, about one out of three Icafes are owned by Berbers from northern Algeria. In addition, the majority of Paris taxi drivers and many small grocery stores are owned by Berbers. Most of France's Berbers, including the Shawiya subgroup, live in Paris, the majority of whom migrated from Algeria. Berbers prefer to be known as "Imazighen," translated as "free people." When the Arabs invaded their territories in the 7th century, they were forced to give up their religion based on the worshiping of multiple gods and convert to Islam. Shawiya Berbers have a secularized adherence to Islam and often clash with Islamic fundamentalists. ��shah-WEE-uh POPULATION: 195,000 Ministry Obstacles LANGUAGE: Tachawit Most Berbers in France are friendly; RELIGION: Islam however, the majority do not accept any pressure to change their views BIBLE: Portions when it comes to religion. STATUS: Unreached

Outreach Ideas Prayer Focus Believers need to take every Pray that believers will have the opportunity to buy at Berber grocery love and perseverance to reach stores and eat at Berber owned cafes out to Shawiya Berbers as Christ's to earn the right to engage Berbers ambassadors. Pray that Berbers with the knowledge of the only will understand and embrace the Savior. People need to bring them abundant life offered by the Christ, not Christianity. loving Lord.

SCRIPTURE Many nations will join themselves to the Lord on that day, and they, too, will be my people. I will live among you, and you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies sent me to you. Zech 2:11 PRAY that this people group would be among the many nations that soon join themselves to the Lord.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 29 Comorians in France

omoro is made up of four major Cislands and small islets located off of the eastern coast of Africa. Only the island of Mayotte remains in French control; the others received independence from France in 1975. Thousands of suffering Comorians have risked their lives (an estimated 10,000 have died) by crossing the Mozambique Channel in boats to reach Mayotte, where there is less poverty. Some who reach Mayotte have migrated to France, but those who reach France live in poverty. France is a very secular environment, and that mindset could be affecting Comorians. Comorians in France are either Muslim or forsaking religion altogether.

Ministry Obstacles ��kuh-MOHR-ee-uns The French dislike for the Comorians POPULATION: 97,000 has caused them not to trust the LANGUAGE: Comorian, Maore French, whom they associated RELIGION: Islam with Christianity. BIBLE: New Testament STATUS: Unreached Outreach Ideas Muslim Comorians in France and beyond need to see caring followers of Prayer Focus Christ who will show them the love and Pray the Comorians would be freed respect that come from knowing the from their physical and spiritual biblical God and the grace of Jesus. A hardships and receive the guidance valuable way to do this is through and enduring love found in Christ, the faithful volunteers who can assist Lord of lords. Pray for a movement to Comorians in areas of medicine, Christ among the Comorians in France education and job training. this decade.

SCRIPTURE And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—His name alone will be worshiped. Zech 14:9

PRAY that this people group would learn to worship the Lord and king of all the earth.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 30 Soninke in France

he Soninke people of West Africa Twere one of the first immigrant communities in France. Most Soninke men seek employment in hard labor jobs such as construction. Often single men live together in houses known as "foyers," and these foyers have given Soninke women an opportunity to run small businesses by cooking for these men. The women have organized themselves into groups where they contribute money to meet needs in their community. They also help with projects such as starting schools back in their villages in Africa. Soninke in France work hard so their children can have a higher education and have the chance of reaching professional status. Soninke are strong Muslims and maintain ��suh-NING-kay cultural ties in France. They rarely marry those outside their ethnic community. POPULATION: 41,000 LANGUAGE: Soninke Ministry Obstacles RELIGION: Islam Fear of being rejected by their families BIBLE: Portions and community keeps Soninke people STATUS: Unreached from accepting Christ. Prayer Focus Outreach Ideas Pray that the Soninkes in Africa and Those who follow Christ need to be France would be open to Christ's an- diligent in finding opportunities to direct swers for their lives and respond with Soninke people to God's word, so they love and devotion to him. Pray that be- can find the only Savior. Believers need lievers would not grow weary in reach- to befriend Soninke people in France ing out to Soninke people in France and introduce them to their heavenly through Bible portions and the God's friend, Jesus Christ. Way videos in the Soninke language.

SCRIPTURE But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Mal 4:2 PRAY that this people group would fear the name of the Lord and experience His healing.

Unreachedoftheday.org August 31 Thai in France

he Central Thai are unusually polite, Trespectful and hospitable people. Age is highly respected in their society. Type of occupation and wealth follow age in terms of respect and rank. The Central Thai are distinguished by a near absence of labor division by gender, which helps them fit in when living in places like France where there is much gender equality.

Ministry Obstacles "Mai ben rai" is often heard on the lips of Central Thai Buddhists. Roughly translated it means, "That's not an issue." The phrase expresses a deeply held Thai belief that things are not worth getting agitated over because that would cause one to leave the �� tie "middle path" of calmness as taught in POPULATION: 10,000 Buddhism. This attitude also keeps LANGUAGE: Thai them from giving serious thought to RELIGION: Buddhism the claims of Christ. BIBLE: Complete STATUS: Unreached Outreach Ideas France is a socially cold environment Prayer Focus for outsiders, but God is moving there Pray for spiritual openness and a among the Thai. There are believers desire for true holiness among the from OMF International who are Thai people in France. Pray that strong reaching the Thai diaspora in Europe churches would grow in every location through friendship evangelism which where Central Thai Buddhists live. Pray can lead to Bible studies and Disciple for a Disciple Making Movement to Making Movements. flourish among Thai people in France.

SCRIPTURE But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matt 4:4 PRAY that today’s people group to learn and understand that the Bible comes from the mouth and mind of the one, true God.

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