WILLIAM CAREY LIBRARY

FEATURED BOOK

Peoples on the Move Introducing the Nomads of the World

Nomads — they inhabit every continent yet have “no abiding city.” Always on the move, they are often “invisible,” unreached, despised, and easily forgotten by settled citizens. Th is is the most comprehensive source of information on all the nomadic peoples of the world and includes maps, black and white photographs, people profi les, and bibliographic data.

ISBN: 978-0-87808-352-7 List Price: $19.95 David J. Phillips Our Price: $15.96 WCL | Pages 490 | Paperback 2001 3 or more: $10.97

www.missionbooks.org 1-800-MISSION Become a Daily World Christian

What is the Global Prayer Digest? Loose Change Adds Up! Th e Global Prayer Digest is a unique devotion- In adapting the Burma Plan to our culture, al booklet. Each day it gives a glimpse we have simply substituted loose change of what God is doing around the world for rice and have added this educational and what still remains to be done. Daily and inspirational Global Prayer Digest. One prayer for that still-unfi nished task is at person’s loose change will average about the heart of the Adopt-A-People move- $100 per year exclusively for frontier ment. Condensed missionary stories, missions! When the national goal of one biblical challenges, urgent reports, and million Adopt-A-People Prayer Partners is exciting descriptions of unreached peo- reached, that will mean $100 million more ples provide a digest of rich fuel for your per year for the frontiers! own times of prayer for the world. Become a Daily World Christian Th e Global Prayer Digest is a key tool in a Devotional Ideas movement to help fulfi ll Christ’s com- How can you make the most of this prayer digest: mission to make disciples of all the peo- ples of the earth. Th is movement involves • Some people use it as a a daily discipline of learning, praying, and supplement to their regular giving to help reach the world’s nearly devotional time. 10,000 unreached people groups. Un- • Others enjoy reading and reached peoples are those groups which praying around the dinner table do not yet have a strong church in their with the entire family. own cultural and social setting. • We encourage you to gather Myanmar, Mothers and the monthly with other Christ Frontier Fellowship Movement friends who are involved in this Th e Frontier Fellowship Movement movement. is an adaptation of a custom among • Join the “Frontier Fellowship tribal Christians in Burma (now called movement” (left), a version of Myanmar) and elsewhere. As the the Burma Plan, to fi nancially mother in each family prepares meals support frontier missions. for her family, she sets aside a hand- Every day at the top of the page ful of rice in a special container, and you’ll fi nd the name of an unreached prays for their church’s missionaries to people group for which to pray. Th e unreached people groups. Rice from small maps will help you locate the families in the church is sold to support day’s feature. their frontier missionaries.

3 Editorial January 2013 RECORDS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS U.S. Center for World Mission 1605 East Elizabeth Street Dear Praying Friends, Pasadena, CA 91104-2721 Tel: (330) 626-3361 A little over 21 years ago I [email protected] was at a session where African MANAGING EDITOR pastors were studying the Keith Carey book of Acts. One of them ASSISTANT EDITOR commented that the gospel is Paula Fern not supposed to make cultural WRITERS changes in society so it is OK Glenn Culbertson to worship your ancestral Patricia Depew spirits. I didn’t respond to this remark. But had I said Patti Ediger Wesley Kawato something, I would have said something like this. “Before Arlene Knickerbocker St. Patrick went to my Celtic ancestors in Ireland, that Esther Jerome-Dharmaraj land was ruled by headhunters. Hundreds of years later Christopher Lane Annabeth Lewis other missionaries reached out to my Viking ancestors Charles Newcombe who were merciless pirates. I am thankful that the gospel Ted Proffi tt transformed cultures in Ireland and Sweden.” Jeff Rockwell Jean Smith Th is month we will be praying for unreached Jane W. Sveska people groups that are in desperate need of spiritual DAILY BIBLE COMMENTARIES transformation. Like my Celtic and Viking ancestors, Dave Dougherty, Director of Plans most of the nomadic peoples of Ethiopia, Sudan, and Training, OMF Intl. Keith Carey, Managing Editor, GPD Somalia, and Chad are prone to violence and cruelty. In this issue you will read about many tragic situations, but CUSTOMER SERVICE Dan Eddy there will always be the promise of hope. One woman from the unreached Hamar tribe of Ethiopia refused GRAPHICS to marry anyone who wasn’t a follower of Christ. She Amanda Valloza fi nally did marry a Christian, and her neighbors could PRINTER see a great diff erence in their marriage relationship. Diversifi ed Printers , La Mirada, CA

Others will see how spiritual transformation changes WEB SITE the self-destructive patterns of killings and cattle www.globalprayerdigest.org

stealing. In some cultures the harvest has begun, but ISSN 1045-9731 it is not complete. In other cultures for which we will Contents of the Global Prayer Digest © 2013 pray, especially those in Chad, there is almost no gospel U.S. Center for World Mission 1605 East Elizabeth Street witness, and the harvest has not even begun. Pasadena, CA 91104

Pray that the nomadic peoples will see living Contents of this booklet may be Christianity in action and be drawn to it. reproduced if appropriate credit and subscription information are given.

In Christ, For subscription information, call (330) 626-3361. For comments on content, call (626) 398-2241.

Keith Carey, managing editor, GPD Globalprayerdigest.org Cover photo: 4 Anna Omelchenko / Shutterstock.com Feature of the Month

Pray for A Christ-Centered Fellowship Among Every Nomadic Group in East Africa

LIBYA EGYPT

NIGER ERITREA CHAD SUDAN DJIBOUTI SOMALIA ETHIOPIA

CENTRAL AFRICAN REP

UGANDA KENYA

DEM REP OF CONGO

TANZANIA

ANGOLA ZAMBIA

m 5 To Help You Pray Better 6 —by Malcolm Hunter Hunter Malcolm —by Background Carey Keith and mention ingreater detailinthefi these tribes, withtheBunnapeoplethatwe will starting people inthesegroups forChrist. of lookatseven Let’s hasusedanumberofmethodstoreach someofthe Lord kept theminamiserablestate. Butinrecentthe decades with blood. Disease, poverty, andconstantwarfarehave comes from theircattle: meat, milk, andmilkmixed from oneanother. andstealingcattle livestock Th he pastored of Christ. otherswho neededthemercy Savior. Gershoremained for17years in prison where provided forhisneeds, ledhimto the andeventually he wasimprisoned, followers from Christ other tribes term.other ideasandhewasgiven alongprison While government plannedtoexecutehim, butGodhad man whowasawell knownmurderer. Th Meanwhile, GodwasraisingupGersho, aBunna togive themamessageofhope. as anopportunity Bunna women did, service butinsteadusedthememorial atthemurderwidow didnotgrieve ofherhusbandasthe andinspiredshocked therough Bunnapeople. Peter’s Th andindigenousrituals martyrdom The reaches Bunna people:God outthrough lands where itisdiffi live inbarren, mentionedin thisarticle the tribes dry impossibletoreach forChrist.to behumanly Mostof thatappear nomadictribes His merciful handtocertain onhowGodmanagedtoextend been abletolookback for over 35years. Basedonhisexperience, Hunterhas who worked withnomadicpeoplesinsouthernEthiopia Malcolm Hunter, aretired SIMInternational missionary Editor’s note: Th Peoples ofEthiopia? Gospel to theNomadic How isGodSendingthe e martyrdom ofPeter, emartyrdom native evangelist, adedicated e information in this article came from came einformationinthisarticle cult to exist. Th rst fi ey survive by raising eysurvive ve days. e Ethiopian eir food How is God Sending the Gospel to the Nomadic Peoples of Ethiopia?

After Gersho was released, he returned to the Bunna people as an evangelist. Outsiders from mission agencies such as SIM International were having trouble communicating the gospel to the Bunna people until Gersho explained some things to them about the Bunna youth initiation ceremonies. Outsiders were squeamish about attending ceremonies that involved the merciless beating of young women. But these same ceremonies contain some analogies to the redeeming work of Christ that missionaries needed to understand in order to explain the gospel to the people. Young men who are being initiated must perform a ritual where they are “born again” into a new life as a man. Th en they pass through a door, calling to mind Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John, “I am the door. If any man enters in by me, he shall fi nd life.” Th ough the Bunnas are far from being adequately reached, African evangelists now know how to communicate crucial biblical concepts to them. The Hamar people: African evangelists show them the way “I will only marry a Christian!” Th e words were a shock to the Hamar people. Hailo was from the Hamar tribe, which is closely related to the Bunna. Evangelists from the Highland Gofa people were reaching her people, and she saw what a diff erence following Christ made in a married couple’s life. Christian men treated their wives with love rather than brutality. Th e evangelists had even rescued and adopted Hamar babies that were considered “cursed” and put out into the wilderness to be eaten by wild animals because they had deformities. Th ese same babies grew up in loving homes and were given schooling. When the Hamar people saw that the babies grew up well rather than “cursed,” they began to doubt their old ways. No one doubted the old ways as much as Hailo. Despite brutal beatings from her father, she said, “You can kill me if you want, but I will never marry someone who is not a follower of Christ!” Eventually her family had to return the cattle that were given to them in exchange for Hailo as a wife. Th en they disowned her, and she was alone. Th e problem was that there were no Hamar men who followed Christ at that time. So she married Halfa, a believing man from the neighboring

continued on next page 7 How is God Sending the Gospel to the Nomadic Peoples of Ethiopia?

Tsamai people. Th e two of them started businesses and served in the Word of Life Church.

Tsamai people: A water project allows for more than better cattle herding Halfa’s Tsamai tribe was reached for Christ largely through the building of a water project. Th e Tsamai people lived in a land with potentially fertile soil and several small ponds dug with sticks by the women. Th e ponds provided water for a certain number of cattle. But if there were larger ponds, then they could collect more water during the rainy season for their cattle. Th is would mean that they could stay in one place for a longer part of the year. After much discussion with the Tsamai elders, SIM International missionary, Malcolm Hunter, brought in steel parts for their wooden tools which led to a social revolution. Traditionally the women did all the hard work in the tribe, but the men were so fascinated by the new steel tools that they insisted on doing the digging themselves! Even now the men are doing the hard work that they should have been doing in the fi rst place. After digging the ponds to greater size, there was some leftover dirt that previously had been on the bottom of the ponds. Th is soil proved to be fertile, especially after bird droppings added nutrients. Soon useful trees began to grow in the soil, a natural form of re-forestation. More trees meant more birds and other wildlife, and thus more food for the Tsamai people. Th e ponds also became a perfect setting for evangelists to share the gospel. In 2006 a group of second-generation Bunna believers developed a 10-year plan for the evangelization of all Bunna, Hamar, Tsamai, and neighboring ethnic groups. Pray for these three people groups to be thoroughly reached in the coming years.

Arborey people: Multi-ethnic communities facilitate the spread of the gospel Th e Arboreys are a small tribe. Th ey live and work in a place where guns and bullets are sold. Th is situation brings in people from many diff erent ethnic groups. Th e Arboreys practice such an extreme form of female genital mutilation that the women frequently cannot bear children. Th is

88 How is God Sending the Gospel to the Nomadic Peoples of Ethiopia? self-destructive practice has led Arborey couples to use women from other tribes to bear their children. Th e result has been that many children in the area are of mixed ethnicity. Th ese multi-ethnic children are often left to look after themselves. Ato Mahey, one of the key evangelists in the area, has won such children to Christ. Th ese children act as interpreters as he preaches to the various tribes in the area. In the process they are hearing the gospel message over and over again!

The national churches take on the challenge Outside mission organizations like SIM International and SIL have been instrumental in helping to spread the gospel to the nomadic and semi- nomadic tribes of southern Ethiopia. But they could not have gone far without a working relationship with local tribal evangelists. In the future outsiders might be able to help complete the evangelization of this partially unreached area by establishing water projects where evangelists and fellowships can congregate while people collect much needed water. But the local evangelists will be the key players in the coming decades. Th ey are the ones who adopt unwanted deformed children and raise them to be evangelists. As they raise and disciple these rejected children, it becomes increasingly clear to the general public that such children are not actually under a curse. Most likely there will soon come a day when families will no longer reject deformed babies.

Let’s pray! • Pray that there will soon come a day when even non-believers in southern Ethiopia will cease from killing their deformed children and lovingly accept them as gifts from God. • Th e peoples of this region have a long, tragic history fi lled with killings and cattle raids. Pray that the gospel will transform all the tribes of southern Ethiopia in such a way that it will become apparent both to local people and outsiders that Jesus indeed gives life to the fullest. • It has been increasingly diffi cult to fi nd evangelists and missionaries who are willing to live with nomads in places that are not congenial to our way of living. Pray for the Lord to thrust forth an abundance of workers for this “ready to harvest” fi eld. • As mentioned earlier, Bunna believers have a 10-year plan to reach all the tribes in their area. Pray for the Lord to lead their eff orts. GPD

9 Day 1 Genesis 1:1 Missionary Biography— Peter

he Bunna people of southern Ethiopia were In the beginning, God . . . T known as killers. Young men proved themselves One of the most remarkable worthy to marry by killing large animals or a person. truths the Bible tells us is One of the fi rst evangelists among the Bunnas that the One who created was a man from the Ari people named Peter, born with a conspicuous harelip that aff ected his speech. the heavens and the earth Disabled children like Peter were seen as cursed didn’t do so anonymously. He and often left to die. (Some babies were considered desires to be known, and can to be “cursed” because their upper teeth came in be known, and has revealed before their lower teeth, and they too were killed). all of His divine attributes in But because the gospel had already reached the Aris, creation itself (Romans 1:20). Peter was taken in and raised by a Christian family. Indeed, God did this so that Peter knew he had been physically saved by the gospel, and he grew up wanting to share its message. men would seek Him and perhaps reach out and fi nd Th e Ari church trained the maturing Peter as a Him (Acts 17:27). That men pastor despite his speech disability. He met and in every nation have sought married a woman who loved and accepted him. to fi nd God is evidence of this One day their church asked for workers to go to the reality. Bible translators have nearby Bunna people. As a youth Peter had already yet to fi nd a dialect that is learned the Bunna language while herding cattle near the Bunna herdsman. He and his wife agreed without a word for the Creator to take God’s message of love to this tribe known for God! At the same time all killing outsiders. Peter received permission to live peoples have found that there among the Bunna through the infl uence and contacts is something that separates us of two missionaries already working in the area, Ato from our Creator. The ruins of Mahey and Charlie Bonk. Bonk and Mahey had our decaying bridges to reach successfully lived and worked among the Bunna for Him are there to remind us. several years.

Pray that the whole earth Pray for God to give compassion for the lost to Christian and every nation might be congregations in East Africa. fi lled with the knowledge of His glory as the waters cover the sea.

10 Day 2 Missionary Biography, Continued Genesis 1:2-3

eter’s own family grew. One day, when one of Now the earth was formless Peter’s children was seriously ill, Peter set out on P and empty, darkness was a 10-mile walk to Charlie Bonk’s clinic for medicine. over the surface of the On his way home Peter stopped for the night at the home of a Bunna. Th e next morning he continued deep, and the Spirit of his journey home, accompanied by another man who God was hovering over the had also spent the night in the Bunna home. Halfway water. And God said, “Let home the Bunna man pulled out a knife and killed there be light.” Peter. In their ritualistic manner, he smeared Peter’s When compared with the blood over his own body to show the local girls he had vastness of the universe in made his kill, and he was ready for marriage. which we live, our planet When Peter did not return home, his wife and is but a tiny speck of dust. Mahey sent a search party that found Peter’s remains. But it is God who takes Peter’s death caused the Bunna king to ask Charlie Bonk to remove all the outsiders from the Bunna something that is formless, village because he feared for their safety. Despite the empty and insignifi cant and danger, Peter’s wife stayed for two weeks to mourn brings order and purpose. her husband’s death with the Bunna women before The fi rst thing He does in this returning to her Ari people. Th ey were amazed that process is speak words that she did not wail in mourning or want them to weep bring light. Here in this light for her, as was their custom. She spoke of her certainty we come to see that it is our of seeing Peter in heaven again, and explained to them of the hope of eternal life they could have if they knew Creator who gives everything Jesus as Lord. Th is brave widow’s last opportunity to its signifi cance. That is why share with the Bunnas was a powerful witness of the the message we bring is so love of God. powerful; we have the ability to connect every nation and Pray that this witness will even now turn Bunna hearts person’s story back to God’s to Christ. story with its light-giving introduction and eternal conclusion.

Pray that all unreached peoples of Ethiopia might fi nd their purpose and identity in their creator.

11 Day 3 Genesis 1:27 Missionary Biography, Continued

to Mahey continued his work in the area, So God created man in His covering three diff erent mission stations own image, in the image of A across southwest Ethiopia. On one such trip he God He created him; male met a Bunna man named Gersho who had been in and female He created them. prison many years awaiting execution for several The reality of our being murders. Christian believers imprisoned for their made in the image of God faith befriended him and began to care for his needs. Gersho soon learned their language, and as he did, is so signifi cant that the they shared their faith with him in prison. He readily entirety of Scripture would accepted Christ and learned a second language in be meaningless without it. order to be able to read the only Bible they had. Two He created us to represent years later, when the Christians were released from all that He is. That we have prison, they left Gersho in charge of both preaching this capacity to represent and pastoring the prisoners. He was later released the character, power, and from prison. authority of God is what God changed this murderer into His messenger, and makes the Great Commission then sent him back to his own Bunna people. One of an assignment of the highest Gersho’s family members who welcomed him home was his brother, the young man who many years ago order. All over the world, the had murdered Peter on his way home from the clinic. devil has sought to diminish God works in mysterious ways! the glory of God by destroying Th rough his knowledge of traditional Bunna rituals, that which in every nation Gersho successfully presented the gospel message was designed to refl ect His in a way the Bunnas could understand and receive. majesty. As we take this Seeds that had been planted by Peter, his widow, message to all peoples, may Ato Mahey, and Charlie Bonk for 10 years fi nally we be constantly reminded took root. God used one from among the Bunnas that every human being themselves to become a “life giver” to his own people. has eternal signifi cance and infi nite value as an instrument Pray for God to raise up more “life givers” among the of praise! Bunna people.

Pray that all nomadic peoples might experience the joy of glorifying God through their own redeemed cultural expressions. 12 Day 4 Bunna People of Ethiopia Genesis 1:28

he unmarried girls God blessed them and said approached the line T to them, “Be fruitful and of young men who were increase in number; fi ll the each brandishing whips. “Go on and hit us!” the earth and subdue it.” girls shouted. “You will Notice that God gave the see how strong we Bunna command to be fruitful and fi ll girls are.” Th e girls stood the earth. In today’s reading

Red Sea fi rm as the boys whipped their backs until all of them you will notice how God’s ERITREA YEMEN were bleeding. Gesha, the command has been twisted. shortest of the girls, did not In Bunna culture a woman is SUDAN Addis Ababa even bat an eye, though she judged by how well she can was bleeding the worst. She bear children, and the test ETHIOPIA would certainly be the fi rst of that ability involves brutal one requested for marriage. SOMALIA beatings! In the secular West Howpa, her older sister, by contrast fainted just as she had the last time they went the “test” for a possible wife through this ritual. Howpa may never get married. today often involves fornication, and the results are tragic. Let us introduce you to the nomadic Bunna people When we read such things, we of southwestern Ethiopia. Th is is the way men chose a wife. To the Bunna way of thinking, if a must realize that Satan has girl can endure a severe whipping, she can endure corrupted much of the good childbearing, and she will be a good wife. Th ose who that God originally intended. cannot endure the whip will probably not be asked to marry, and their families will be disgraced. After Pray that the Bunna people marriage, the brutality continues in this culture where will recognize the hand of violence is a normal way of life. Satan and fl ee to the arms of their Savior. For the past 40 years there have been eff orts to reach the Bunnas by Ethiopian evangelists who have found interesting ways to present the gospel to them (see day 10 and the background article). Th e Bunnas are now two percent evangelical.

Pray for the Lord to raise up enough African evangelists to take the Bunna people from darkness to the light.—KC

13 Day 5 Genesis 2:15 Tsamai People of Ethiopia

he Tsamai people had to move or lose their cattle The Lord God took the man to raiders from the Borana tribe! Th ey moved and put him in the Garden T close to the aggressive Bunna and Hamer tribes. Both of Eden to work it and take of these tribes are similar in language and culture to care of it. the Tsamai people. Th e three tribes have an alliance Notice how God wanted man’s designed to protect them from outsiders. work to result in something But unlike their neighbors, the Tsamai people farm as to be produced. Mankind was well as herd. Many of them learned to use hoes and to cultivate more plants, etc. shovels when SIM International provided them these tools so they could enlarge their ponds. Th en they so that there could be food. could keep rainwater during the dry months (see the Again, with the corruption background article) and use this water for their crops of Satan’s eff orts, “work” in and their cattle. a sinful world often means Like the related Bunnas we prayed for yesterday, taking resources by force from only about two percent of the Tsamai people follow others who produced them. Christ. Although they are still an unreached people For thousands of years, the group, the Lord has raised up two exceptional Tsamai population of the earth was evangelists, Ato Mahey and Zeleka. Ato Mahey stunted by the endless cycle of discipled the younger Zeleka who is still actively destruction and conquest. sharing his faith with the tribe. According to Wikipedia, the Tsamais have a very Pray that the peoples we pray low literacy rate, so anyone who wants to reach these for this month will yearn for 9,700 people will want to use oral stories, fi lms, and the day when the lion will lie dramas to help them understand the ways of Christ. down with the lamb. Pray for the Lord to bless Zeleka and provide him with the power and fruit of the Holy Spirit. Pray also that God will raise up many more like Zeleka to spread the gospel throughout Ethiopia.—KC

14 Day 6 Karo People of Ethiopia Genesis 1:31

ractice time! Th e young man stared at the cow God saw all that he had grazing in the grassy fi eld. He took a deep breath P made, and it was very good. and got a running start. He jumped high and cleared the cow by many feet. Feeling satisfi ed, he then wiped That God created the world in the sweat from his brow. Tomorrow he’d try to jump perfection is a foundational over two cows. truth in Scripture. There is He was a member of the Karo tribe in Ethiopia. Like something about the beauty many of the neighboring peoples, part of the way we fi nd in creation that tells Karo youths prove they are worthy of getting married us there must be something is by jumping over cows. deeper behind it. The Th e Karos live in the Omo River Valley in Ethiopia. A incredible creativity we fi nd dam being built in their homeland will soon fl ood the in the universe gives us a clue pastures used by this people group to graze their cows. that the place from which it Th ey might soon be displaced because of the dam project. came must be more beautiful Th e Karo people worship nature spirits. Th ough there still. What is more, God are some followers of Jesus Christ among them, they designed us with the capacity would still be considered an unreached people group. Th e Karo church is too small and weak to grow into a to appreciate that beauty. This full people movement. Th ere are no Bibles, Scripture should tell us we are not here portions, or video materials in their language. by accident. Unfortunately, the unredeemed nations all Pray for faithful workers who will reach out to the Karos over the world live in constant with the message of salvation. Ask God to lead a mission fear of creation. Satan agency to begin translating the Bible into the Karo lan- has sought to distort our guage. Pray that the JESUS Film and gospel recordings interpretation of this powerful will soon become available in the heart language of this people group.—WK revelation by turning our natural awe of what God has made into terror and idolatry.

Pray that the unreached peoples like the Karo people might rediscover the glory of God in all that He has made.

15 Day 7 Genesis 2:17 Daasanach People of Ethiopia

he windmill turned each time the wind blew in You are free to eat from any the Daasanach homeland located near Ethiopia’s tree in the garden, but you T border with Kenya. An American missionary family, must not eat from the tree the Schwarzes, built this windmill to provide power of the knowledge of good for Daasanach farmers who live nearby. and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die. Traditionally the Daasanach people owned cattle and roamed this part of Africa as nomads. But today this Our desire for knowledge has people group no longer owns cattle, and they have been getting us into trouble started to settle down as farmers. from the very beginning. The Th ree generations of the Schwarz’ family have quest to know the truth in reached out to the Daasanach with the message of and of itself is not a bad thing; salvation. Th ey are now translating the Bible into in fact the eff orts to produce the heart language of this people group. Since the a Bible for the Daasanach Daasanach language has no written form, someone has to develop an alphabet for them. During the people will provide them 1970s this work was interrupted by a Marxist with essential information revolution in Ethiopia. After Marxism collapsed, the about the God who created Schwarz family returned to the tribe with coworkers them. But if we are seeking to help them fi nish the task. Th ey also began truth on our own terms and preaching the message of salvation through Christ to solely for our own benefi t, the Daasanach. Today there are 15 followers of Jesus we will quickly fall prey to Christ among this group. self-deception. Pray for the completion of the Daasanach Bible transla- Pray that every frontier tion project. Pray that the Daasanach people will soon people might know the truth have materials designed for oral learners. Ask God to cul- that God has for them, and tivate the spiritual growth of the 15 converts won to the that this truth might set Lord by the Schwarz family. Pray also for discernment them free. and true faith among Daasanach believers. Th e Schwarz family has had problems with false converts who were only interested in gaining material benefi ts.—WK

16 Day 8 Arborey People of Ethiopia Genesis 3:1

ou may farm my land,” said the Arborey elder “ Now the serpent. . . . said to to the Tsamai farmers. “But you must pay me Y the woman, “Did God really a share of each crop as rent.” “Th at’s agreeable,” said say . . .” the father, as his wife and children looked on. Th e Arborey elder then walked away toward the town The story of the fall is about visible in the distance. He owned a trading stall in lack of faith in God and that town, and he preferred to make money with trade deception. The fi rst recorded and rent out his good farmland rather than sweat behind a plow. words out of Satan’s mouth were distortions of God’s Th e Arborey people own some very rich land in Word. This indicates a serious Ethiopia’s Omo River Valley, near the border with Kenya. Th ey had once been cattle herders, but now breach of trust between these most members of this people group make a living as two characters. When we merchants in towns near the Ethiopia-Kenya border. believed the lie, we entered Arborey merchants sell guns and bullets. Th eir trading into a relationship problem. towns are recognized neutral zones where no one is Something sacred and precious allowed to fi re weapons. had been broken, then lost. The Most Arboreys are Muslims. Th ey have heard about rest of the Bible documents Jesus, but consider him to be merely a prophet and not God’s unwavering desire and the Son of God. tireless eff ort to rebuild that sacred trust and faith among Ask God to break the hold that Islam has on the Arborey every people. But defeating people of Ethiopia. Pray that a mission agency would be a lie can be costly. For it is led to reach out to this people group with the message of salvation. May the Arborey people realize that true power one thing to forcefully rescue comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ, not through someone, and entirely another the arms trade or in owning land.—WK if the hostage has been lied to about the rescuers!

Pray that God will give His ambassadors a tireless determination to see the unreached peoples rescued from the lies of Satan.

17 Day 9 Genesis 3:9 Toposa People of South Sudan

hirty percent of But the Lord God called to Toposa children the man, “Where are you?” T die before they reach God knows the answer to the age of fi ve. Most the question. But the reason Toposas shun schools and train their He asks it is for us to know Lydia Reynolds Lydia children to farm and the answer—for us to tend livestock, much of which is stolen. Wives are realize where we are. Taking unable to halt the destructive sexual practices of their the gospel into a lost world husbands, which lead to rampant AIDS. Alcoholism requires the same perspective. undermines family prosperity. Before lost nations can be Men value large herds of cattle and multiple wives. redeemed, just as with Each new wife requires the man to pay her family a lost individuals they must dowry. Th is dowry is the primary motivation for the understand where they are theft of cattle from neighboring tribes. Th e 750,000 and how they got there. As Toposa people are fi erce warriors and cattle thieves. the maxim goes, you have to Th ey were armed with AK47s during the civil war between North Sudan and South Sudan. Today get a person to recognize that these AK47s are being used to steal cattle. he is lost (that is to recognize the reality), before you can Despite these challenges, some Toposa men and women are learning Bible stories from solar-powered get him saved. For this reason devices. Th ey have 66 chronological Bible stories. many Bible translators and Most Toposas are resistant to the gospel, preferring missionaries are seeing that to depend on spirit doctors. the best place to begin with an unreached people group Pray for a spiritual transformation in Toposa commu- is in Genesis. Otherwise, they nities that will glorify Christ. Pray that God will send will not recognize their need believers from neighboring tribes that speak similar for a Savior. languages to share God’s story and start new church- es. Pray for godly educated men with skills such as large Pray that the unreached animal veterinarians and community health educa- Toposa people might soon tors, to help the Toposas in ways that are meaningful to understand that they are them.—PMC lost, and that they must rely (To fi nd out more, or to regularly pray for the Toposa people, on God alone to fi nd and email Patricia Caroom at: [email protected]) save them.

18 Day 10 Nomadic People Network (NPN) Genesis 4:26

omadic People Network (NPN) is an Seth also had a son, and he organization with the goal of helping N named him Enosh. At that missionaries who are trying to reach nomadic time, men began to call on peoples for Christ. It conducts a yearly gathering of missionaries to nomads. Th ey can share stories the Name of the Lord. from their various experiences and learn lessons and Here we fi nd an interesting methods of evangelism from one another. NPN helps contrast between two the few believers who are reaching out to nomadic groups of people. The fi rst tribes to do so more eff ectively. descendents from Cain are Ato Mahey, the legendary Walayta evangelist in identifi ed by their careers, Ethiopia and Kenya, can share his dream with others by what they do. In this at the meetings. He has been searching out nomadic people groups for more than 30 years and has been group are musicians, herders, described as “having a nose for the places and tribes metal smiths, and builders of where the Holy Spirit is about to work.” He is also cities. But the second group’s excellent at being able to fi nd the people who will be identity is found in their the fi rst responders to the gospel. relationship with the Lord. Gersho (see background and day 3) is another Today is no diff erent. Most evangelist chosen by the Lord to win souls. Th e Holy people, when asked to say Spirit prepared Gersho so that he comprehended that something about themselves, the way his tribe could understand the gospel was identify who they are by what through the warrior initiation ceremony which was they do. But a few choose to called “being born again,” and the physical doorway identify themselves by Who they walked through at the rite’s conclusion. they know. And ultimately Th ese two Christian leaders are excellent examples of that’s what the Great dedicated local missionaries who are eminently qualifi ed Commission is all about. It’s to train and encourage others at the meetings who may have a passion to reach nomadic peoples for Christ. being a Christ-bearer among all the nations of the earth. Pray that this network will be used by the Lord to raise up Pray that every missionary hundreds of new workers to go to the nomads.—JS to nomads will understand that what matters is knowing the Lord.

19 Day 11 Genesis 6:5 Ephesus Vision

n Ephesus the Apostle Paul daily preached The Lord saw how great and taught about the Kingdom of God for two man’s wickedness on the I years so that it was said, “all the Jews and Greeks earth had become, and who lived in the province of Asia heard the word that every inclination of the of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). Th e word spread rapidly thoughts of his heart was and went from Ephesus to all the ethnic groups of only evil all the time. the province of Asia, which is now called Turkey. It is hard to imagine what life Today Ephesus Vision has this same goal: to reach every ethnic group with a church planting must have been like before movement (CPM). God is leading as we see many the fl ood. By the time of Noah, kinds of mission agencies adopting this same focus: only one righteous family identifying the remaining unreached people groups remained on the whole earth. (UPGs) and developing strategies to reach them. However, Jesus warned us Th e Ephesus Vision is a network of mission leaders that in the days before his from every continent who meet yearly to refi ne and coming, life would be similar focus their collaborative eff orts in order to reach all to this period. Without the peoples for Christ. Th e question was fi rst asked in light of Christ, whole societies 2008, “Instead of taking on individual people groups, and peoples can become is it possible to engage whole clusters of groups in order to speed up church planting movements?” progressively corrupted. Th e answer is “yes.” In 2012 steps were begun to Unredeemed peoples wait prioritize the most neglected families of UPGs for the revelation of God’s and speed up their collaborative church planting righteousness in Christ. movement initiatives. It is hoped that they will fi nd ways to stimulate global collaboration and inaugurate Pray for an all out eff ort movements together as the body of Christ. within the Church to bring the light of the gospel to Pray for a spirit of unity and purpose among various all remaining unreached mission agencies as they work collaboratively to identify peoples. Pray that their hearts and evangelize unreached people group clusters.—JS will be open so that they can receive the good news.

20 Day 12 Borana Oromo People Genesis 7:23

lood trickled down his arm. “Th is will please Every living thing on the my bride and her family,” mused the Borana B face of the earth was wiped adolescent. His heart raced from the excitement of out; men and animals . . . . the moment as he held the heart of an animal that lay before him after a successful hunt. Borana boys All over the world thousands of train at an early age to live as warriors and hunters. tribal peoples trace their origin Th e custom of giving part of a human body they have to the aftermath of a great fl ood. killed as a bride price has been replaced with giving an animal body part. In fact, most of these peoples have elements of the story Th e Borana are a large sub-tribe of the Oromo people, contained in Genesis chapters but they diff er signifi cantly from other Oromo peoples in lifestyle and religion. Some experts claim that there 1-11. These are the universal are only 873,000 Borana in southern Ethiopia; other portions of Scripture which experts state that there are at least seven million people every people has in their own who identify themselves as Borana. Most of this group history, and which many have is semi-nomadic pastoralists who live in the desert. preserved in what theologians Like many other nomadic groups in east Africa, they call historical revelation. This suff er greatly from drought and famine as well as tribal is important because every battles. Th ey value belonging to a group, which they people has an understanding call “tokuma,” and they have a reputation for being sociable, hospitable, and easy-going. Th ey get their of the righteousness and the water from rivers, and they lack medical services. justice of God. They know of His judgments, but most have Most Borana are Muslim, but they still practice their ancient ethnic religion. Th eir monotheistic ethnic forgotten about his love. That’s religion honors a god they call “Waq,” and they what was so unique about the depend on intermediary priests to reach him. Little special revelation Jesus brought: work has been done among the Borana, even though He revealed the fullness of God. Ethiopia was one of the fi rst nations to embrace Our Creator is a judge, but He is Christianity. It is estimated that two percent of also our comforter, healer, savior, Boranas are Christ-believers, and a Bible translation and redeemer. was completed in 1995. Pray that the Borana people Pray that the Borana Oromo will understand that Jesus is might soon experience the their intermediary between God and man.—LR fullness of God’s revelation.

21 Day 13 Genesis 10:32 Sakuye Oromo People of Kenya

These are the clans of Noah’s he Sakuye Oromo grandfather couldn’t sons, according to their lines T sleep; he was certain his of descent, within their ancestors had come to him nations. From these the in a dream, reminding

nations spread out over the PC(USA) him of the old way of life. Oromo people earth after the fl ood. He remembered when the In Genesis chapter 10 we have Kenyan and Somali militaries engaged in battle on his tribal land. His tribe had been caught in the middle, a record of the fi rst global and most Sakuye men and livestock were killed. listing of unreached peoples. If there was any doubt about It is impossible to determine how many remain in this small, semi-nomadic group of pastoralists who herd the universality of the Bible camels and goats in northeastern Kenya. Estimates message, this chapter lays it range from several thousand to almost 30,000. to rest. The Bible is a book After the war that tore their tribe apart in the 1960s, about God’s concern for all the the Sakuye Oromo began losing their identity and peoples of the world. It begins customs as they assimilated into surrounding tribes. here and ends in Revelation Th ey learned cultivation and began to merge Islam 7:9 with representatives from with their tribal religion, which further distanced every nation, tribe, people, them from their traditions. Th ey were also infl uenced and language worshiping by Western fads. However, they still practice the Lamb. Perhaps one of the initiations for their youth such as circumcision, main purposes of the Bible female genital mutilation (FGM), and early marriage. Th ey are plagued by poverty and a lack of is to document the progress adequate education. Th ey ascribe status to those with of God’s plan to redeem all the most livestock. peoples from Genesis 10 Even though they live in Kenya, one of the most to Revelation 7. We are still Christianized nations on earth, they still have little somewhere in between, but a exposure to living Christianity. Scriptures have been lot closer to Revelation 7 than translated into their language, but most Sakuye we have ever been! people are illiterate.

Pray for the speedy Pray for Sakuye people to be exposed to Christian radio culmination of God’s purposes and fi lm. Pray that God will also send dedicated believ- in the fi nal frontiers. ers to this group to tell them about the true and living God.—LR

22 Day 14 Afar People Genesis 17:20

he Afar girl looked And as for Ishmael, I have about the things that T heard you: I will surely she would have to pack for bless him. the journey. Dotting the Danakil Desert landscape, Ishmael was born through bloating cows and Abraham’s attempt to do occasional camels created God’s work in man’s way. Of a stench only intensifi ed by the 120-degree heat. “At course, whenever we do that, least we are not going into we run into trouble. From this the valley of the volcanoes,” act of unbelief was birthed she mumbled. Th ere in the the Arab peoples of the world,

Lydia Reynolds Lydia Danakil Depression, Afar who today are very hostile to An Afar girl people pry loose solid slabs their Israeli cousins. But even of salt to sell under the broiling sun. so, the grace of God is greater Th e last decade has brought tremendous hardships to than man’s hatred. God’s the proud nomadic Afar people, whose name means promise to bless Ishmael “fi rst” or “the best.” Most of the 1.5 million Afars dwell is echoed later in Scripture in the deserts of Ethiopia, considered one of the most through the prophet Isaiah diffi cult places to live on Earth. Along with volcanoes and extreme temperatures, they have undergone severe who declared, “The Egyptians drought, famine, and bloody tribal wars. Scarcity of and Assyrians will worship water and grazing land is a common cause of confl ict, together. In that day Israel will with men assigned to guard herds and watering holes. be the third, along with Egypt Divorce is common; hospitals are not. Th ey are an oral and Assyria, a blessing on the culture, and only one percent is literate. earth” (Isaiah 19:24). Today, Most Afars consider the Arabs their ancestors; we must remember that there therefore Islam has had a tremendous infl uence on are millions of Arab followers Afar culture. Th ey practice folk Sunni Islam and of Christ who potentially can honor their Sky God. Christian radio broadcasts and be Christ’s ambassadors to gospel recordings are available for the Afars. their Muslim neighbors.

Pray that God will reveal His truth to the Afar people as Pray that all Arab peoples he did to the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Pray that their everywhere might become hearts will be open to Jesus as Savior when they hear His recipients of God’s blessings. Word.—LR

23 Day 15 Genesis 12:2-3 Rashaieda People

awit led I will make you into a great the camel nation and I will bless you . D out of the corral . . and all peoples on earth and presented will be blessed through you. her proudly The word blessing in the to the waiting context of Genesis has a very men. “She is beautiful!” profound meaning. By being one of them “blessed,” a son, in this case whispered. “Outstanding!” another said. “But the the nation of Israel, is called question is,” yet another asked, “Can she run? Is to be involved in the family she fast?” Dawit smiled. “Of course, she can run, enterprise which is global in and of course, she is fast. Have I ever sold you a scope: the redemption of all slow animal?” Th e men laughed. When the bidding peoples, and the adoption began, the price rose quickly. of all who are willing to be Th e camels bred by the Rashaeida people of Eritrea adopted into the family of are known throughout the Arabian Peninsula and God. It is interesting to note the northeastern part of Africa for their speed and ability to win races. that the Arabs in what is now Saudi Arabia very skillfully Perhaps prophetically, the name of the Rashaeida spread a diff erent “blessing,” people group means “refugee.” And that is what the Rashaeida are. Th ey migrated from Saudi Arabia in a diff erent family enterprise. the mid-1800s when war broke out between tribes Islam is truly a global religion, in that region. Like their fellow Arabs in Saudi calling all nations to become Arabia, the Rashaeidas are Muslim, both culturally part of the “family” that seeks and spiritually. Th ey are largely nomadic, and their to earn their salvation through society and family life revolve around Islam. obeying the Qur’an. Pray for the Lord to pave the way for laborers who are Pray for Saudi based willing to work in this harvest fi eld and communicate the peoples, specifi cally the gospel in a meaningful way to the Rashaeida people. Ask Rashaeidis, to receive the the Lord to soften their hearts and prepare them to receive free gift of salvation from His Word.—CL the God whom they can call Father and who loves them.

24 Day 16 Somali People Genesis 12:3

mar danced in the “I will bless those who bless Mogadishu street! Th e A you and whoever curses radio had just announced you I will curse.” the peaceful election of a new president for Somalia. God’s promise to Abraham Decades had passed since included both the promise anything like this had of physical blessing as well occurred here. But Amar as spiritual protection. Curses Red Sea soon became despondent ERITREA Indian are real, and have been used YEMEN Ocean as he could see the unrest SUDAN DJIBOUTI and fi ghting escalate again. for millennia to channel the His hope for a peaceful and powers of darkness against ETHIOPIA safe existence soon faded. a person, family, or even an It was hope that brought Mogadishu entire nation (as in the case KENYA Amar back to his homeland. SOMALIA of Balaam in Numbers 22-24). After living as a refugee in God promises Abraham to Minneapolis for a decade, he fi nally felt it was safe to take his family home. bless his off spring and the Jewish people have survived Amar is part of the 15-17 million Somali people over thousands of years. Jesus group. Th eir numbers can be divided into fi ve diff erent sub-groups. Like his kinsmen he remains loyal to said to his disciples before Islam. Traditionally his people have been nomads; but sending them out that He increasing numbers have turned to urban lifestyles. would go with them. This Amar brought something back to Somalia with him. is an important promise for Buried within his heart lies the seed of the gospel. It frontier missionaries who often was a Christian group that helped him to adjust to life encounter spiritual resistance in the United States. During his years of transition, when pioneering new territory. they gently shared the love and mercy of Jesus. Now At the same time God promises Amar carries that seed in his heart. spiritual blessings to those who assist His people that are Pray that the gospel seeds will bear much fruit in the doing His work. years ahead for Amar. Pray for the new president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, that he would have the wisdom to rule Pray that Jesus’ Name might his nation justly and allow his people to embrace the True be glorifi ed over every name Savior. Pray for the Somalis to seek and fi nd true justice among every remaining and righteousness in Christ.—GEC unreached people.

25 Day 17 Genesis 4:7b Garreh Somali People

den’s wives disassemble their round huts, plus But if you do not do what the one reserved for their husband. Th e children is right, sin is crouching at A prod the cows and goats. Camels carry the heavy your door; it desires to have items. Once again they begin the trek to fi nd another you, but you must master it. source of water. In the distance a truck stirs up dust Unfortunately, God’s warning as it speeds across the desert. As Aden approaches to Cain went unheeded, and the truck, the driver hands him a long leaf. Aden stuff s it in his mouth. After a brief chat the driver he succumbed to the sin of speeds off . Aden leads his family on. Th e leaf Aden murder. The rest of his life was chews is called qat. It is mildly narcotic and provides miserable as a result. Today a modest high. Widely used by Somali peoples Somalia is noted for piracy, throughout the region, the Garreh people are known drug abuse with qat, and the to chew it when traveling. lack of a viable government. Th e Garreh people form one of the sub-groups of The result has been a “might Somali peoples in East Africa. Devout Muslims, they makes right” ethic, where marry up to four wives. Divorce runs rampant in anyone who produces their society. Of the Somali sub-groups, the Garreh something useful is in danger appear most nomadic. Th ey fi nd a water source and pitch their huts around it. Th e husband maintains his of having it stolen by armed own house and the wives build their houses in a circle militias. Sin has not been around him. Education and modern health services mastered in Somalia! remain virtually unknown to the Garreh people. Pray that the Garreh Somalis Pray that God will send medical missionaries to help meet will humble themselves the needs of the Garreh Somalis. Ask God to stir faithful before the Lord and give prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through Him the chance to help them worship and intercession. Pray that the Garreh people master the sin that has will fi nd the source of living water in Jesus, and that He ruined their nation. will satisfy their spiritual thirst.—GEC

26 Day 18 Tunni Somali People Genesis 14:13

line of Tunni clansmen followed their chief to a Now Abram was living near neighbor’s fi eld. All day they worked in a fi eld A the great trees of Mamre the owned by someone else. Each man knew that when Amorite, a brother of Eshcol he needed help, the chief would call the clan there as well. Among the Tunni people, agricultural work and Aner, all of whom were operates through mutual help. Work parties respond allied with Abram. to the chief’s call to work in a specifi c fi eld on special Two chapters after Abraham workdays. Th is way they help their own clan members is called to be a blessing to all as well as other villages. the peoples of the earth, we Although the Tunni people count as a sub-group of have this account of Abraham’s Somalis, their lives diff er from other Somalis. Th ey interaction with the Amorities. live in the most fertile part of Somalia, between the By this time Abraham had Jubba and the Shabeelle Rivers. Here they became become a trusted friend of farmers instead of nomadic herders like most Somalis. this people group, and his Husbands and wives share a common hut with a thin infl uence appears to have been curtain dividing the husband from the wife. Perhaps strong. When God spoke of the most important distinction is that the Tunni the future demise of Canaanite people speak a diff erent language than the majority society to Abraham, He said it of Somalis. For this reason the Tunni people have would not take place for 400 no Christian resources available to them in their years because the sin of the mother tongue. Few among them have heard a simple presentation of the story of Jesus. Amorites had not yet reached its full measure (Genesis Pray that a revival spreading in East Africa will reach 15:18). It seems that Abraham’s the Tunni people. Ask God to raise up evangelists among presence as salt and light the Tunnis’ neighbors who will share the message of served as a preserving agent Jesus with them. Pray that the Holy Spirit will prepare for righteousness among this the spirits of Tunni leaders to receive the good news of group. Today, we are called salvation.—GEC to do the same: to fi nd an unreached people group, settle among them, and become infl uencers for the Kingdom.

Pray for some Christ followers to live among the Tunni people and be salt and light to them.

27 Day 19 Genesis 14:18-19 Zaghawa (aka, Beri) People

bout 1,000 years ago Then Melchizedek king of Zaghawa nomads Salem brought out bread A stormed throughout what and wine. He was priest is now Chad and Sudan, of God Most High and he pillaging as they went, taking blessed Abram. He said, slaves, and establishing their “Blessed be Abram by AFRICA control over neighboring God Most High, Creator of kingdoms and tribes. Like heaven and earth…” other powerful nomadic S. A. LIBYA EGYPT Red Sea peoples, the Zaghawas mainly Abraham’s relationship with SUDAN pillaged without establishing Melchizedek, a local King that CHAD Khartoum much political control over worshipped the Creator God, Darfur Nuba Mts. the places they conquered. It has important missiological ETHIOPIA CAR took over 200 years before signifi cance. Spiritually their power was broken by DEM. REP. KENYA speaking, the Bible says OF CONGO UGANDA the Kanem Empire, but the Melchizedek, which means Zaghawas retained control “king of righteousness,” was over the desert areas for about another 200 years. the founder of a priestly order Today the Zaghawas are powerful in Chad (see day whose pattern both David and 26). But members of this ethnic group in neighboring Jesus followed. Though the Sudan are not as fortunate. About 100,000 of the Canaanites were beginning Sudanese Zaghawas are now refugees in Chad, to turn to an idolatrous according to Wikipedia. worship of the sun and moon, Melchizedek chose to stand “We don’t care about Chad or Sudan,” said a Zaghawa soldier to an Al Jazeera reporter, http://www.youtube. against this and identify himself com/watch?v=S6Z11yfznaA. He went on to say, with the Creator. Abraham “Where we fi nd pasture, that’s our home.… All the recognized that they were on Zaghawa people are one,” he concluded. the same team, and thus made the important decision to ally Long ago Sufi Muslim missionaries on their way to himself with this king-priest. Mecca converted Zaghawa leaders. However most of this ethnic group remained animistic until the 1940s when Pray that frontier missionaries they had a massive movement to Islam. Th ey don’t have might have the discernment the Bible in their own language, but as of 2000, they have to identify and build on a new alphabet, based on livestock brands. the redemptive work God is already doing among Pray for the Scriptures to be translated for the Zaghawa unreached people groups. people, and for a movement to Christ.—KC 28 Day 20 Beja Peoples Genesis 15:6

s there room for us “ … “Look up at the heavens anywhere?” muttered I and count the stars . . . So Sahim as he sat in front shall your off spring be” . . . . of his shack in an urban slum. He could scarcely Abraham believed God and tolerate the stench of it was credited to him as rotting garbage. Two dogs righteousness. with ragged fur growled as The Bible considers Abraham they fought over a scrap. to be the father of all who Finally one of them bit the other on the nose, and the believe (Romans 4:16) because of what he did that A Beja man with his lunch latter ran away yelping. night. He simply believed God. Sahim continued to muse. Are people any better than those emaciated dogs? For generations his family had It is our response to God that wandered with their herds near the Red Sea. Periodic matters to Him. If when He droughts left them with fewer livestock. To make calls, we say, “Here am I, send matters worse, a mining company started digging me,” we are then speaking right in the middle of the land where Sahim and His language. He’ll take care his extended family had always wandered with their of the rest. The same is true herds. Th ey did not hire a single Beja! “May Allah with the Great Commission. give them what they deserve on the Final Day,” he But all we are called to do muttered before going back into his shack to enjoy a small, but delicious meal. is believe that God can do it, and that His way of doing it Sahim is part of the Bejas, an ancient group of fi ve is perfect. Our part is to trust tribes from western Sudan and southern Egypt. Th ey became Christians in the 6th century when nearby and obey. Nubian Christian kingdoms reached out to them. Pray for a powerful In the 13th Century Muslim Bedouin tribes swept movement of faith among through their homeland, bringing the Islamic religion. God’s people as they Few of the Beja people believe in Christ as Savior today. respond to His call to reach all remaining unreached Pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to leaders of each of the peoples. fi ve Beja tribes and use them to lead their people to the One who off ers forgiveness and eternal life.—KC

29 Day 21 Genesis 11:4 Fezara Kawahia People of Sudan

ith one fi nal, strenuous push, Rabia brought Then they said, “Come, let us a daughter into the world. Her eyes fi xed build ourselves a city with W on her husband as she sought his approval. Instead, a tower that reaches to the Omar whirled around and stomped away. Th ere was heavens, so that we may always the agony of never succeeding to win her make a name for ourselves husband’s praise and esteem, and now this. A third and not be scattered.” female child was unforgivable! The Tower of Babel project can Rabia and Omar are part of the 822,000 Fezara best be described as man’s Kawahia people of Sudan. Th eir language, culture, attempt to glorify himself. and religion are all from their Saudi Arabian Bedouin Instead of fi lling the earth as origins. Th ey live in transitory dwellings in eastern Africa as they follow the grass for their cattle. Th eir commanded and bringing greater ethnic family is known as the Baggara, which glory to God, man sought accurately translated means “cowman.” Th is, of course, to defy His will and build a describes how they live as nomadic cattle herders. legacy to himself. It was their Life is happier and freer for Rabia than for most reputation that these people women under Islamic tradition, but she and her were concerned about and not daughters will always be far less valued than the males. the reputation of God. Today, the nations of the world are Pray for the Fezara Kawahia people of Sudan. Th eir still reaping the devastation long isolation has allowed them no witness of the sav- from the decision of Adam ing grace of Jesus Christ. Even the men suff er continual and Eve to disobey God. anxiety over whether their deeds are good enough to win the approval of Allah. Pray that long-term workers will Instead of worshipping the be raised up to live among them and bring the light of the Creator, many people worship Good News and the peace of salvation through Jesus to their ancestors or things that these ever-striving, never arriving people.—PE they created for themselves.

Pray for the complete healing and deliverance through Jesus Christ of all unreached ungodly peoples trapped in demonic bondage.

30 Day 22 Lahawin Baggara People of Sudan Genesis 18:24-25

ach day Then Abraham approached when the E Him and said, “Will you cattle have been sweep away the righteous moved to a site with fresh grass, with the wicked? What Tahir gathers if there are 50 righteous the men of his people in the city?” nomadic group to Perhaps the most remarkable talk in dark tones thing about this passage is not about war. Th ey practice with knives and long guns Abraham’s boldness to ask they have amassed and wait for the day when their such confrontational questions Al Mahadi, “the Guided One,” will appear. Th e daily of God, but God’s positive struggle against mechanized farming is devastating their ancient pastoral way of life. response to these questions. Nowhere in the history of Th e Lahawins have long been described as a small any religion do we fi nd such group among the Baggara peoples of the region, as they camaraderie between the number only about 100,000. Now, however, they are Creator God and man as we talking about being what they call the “fi rst tribe to do in this account. God literally support the Al Mahadi” and form the beginnings of his says, “I cannot hide from army. Such beliefs usually come from the Shi’ite branch Abraham what I am going to of Islam, not the Sunni branch found in this region. do” (Genesis 18:17), and then A desperate people facing the extinction of their way allows His friend to question of life, the fi ght or fl ight response has caused them to Him on His actions. The raise their fi sts and reach into their Islamic teachings of precedent God is establishing a “Guided One” who will come to repair all wrongs. In here is clear. The Abrahamic their teachings this predicted one is to come with Jesus Covenant of blessing involves whom they believe will be subservient to the Al Mahadi. prophetic intercession for the nations. God reveals to His Pray for the Lahawin people as they face changes in their long-held way of life. Pray that they will not resort to vio- people what He is going to do lence. Pray that they will learn of the true Jesus Christ, in the world and invites us to the Sovereign Lord who loves them, wants them to become participate in His actions as part of His family, and died to pay for their sins.—PE priestly intercessors. Pray that every believer might discover the power and joy of frontier mission intercession. 31 Day 23 Genesis 20:7 Selim of Sudan

ight-year-old Kalifa giggled with her little Now return the man’s wife, sister, Ramla. Every morning they awoke to for he is a prophet, and he E the sneezing of their father and all his friends who will pray for you and you slept under “sun shades” at the edge of the camp will live. so they could laugh and talk into the night. Being What is so signifi cant about very superstitious, the men sneeze each morning to this passage is that the person dislodge the evil spirit they believe enters their noses at night while they are sleeping. Th e children’s mother receiving this prayer is a was already up and preparing breakfast of cheese and ruler over one of the nations milk. Kalifa’s mother owns the dome-shaped tent they Abraham has been called to live in and is responsible for the care of the children, bless. Of course, God could the milking of the family cows, the selling of the have healed Abimelech the milk, and the making of the cheese that sustains them. moment he returned Sarah Kalifa and Ramla’s father tends the herds, plants to Abraham, but He chose and harvests crops, and interacts with the children occasionally. He has another family in a farming to heal him through the village, and both families share their incomes. prayers of His prophet for a special reason. He wanted an Muslim since the 13th century, the Selim remain unmoved by eff orts to introduce them to their Savior. entire nation to understand Ministry resources are abundant, but very few Selim that Abraham represented people have received Christ. the creator of heaven and earth and all the fullness of Pray that God will call and bring forth long-term work- His power. This is the same ers who will give themselves to God by serving the reason why God often works Selim. Ask God for protection for the small number of so powerfully through the Selim believers, and pray that they will be discipled into intercession of his people to spiritual maturity. Ask God to reveal Himself to the Selim and raise up strong local churches for His glory and open up opportunities for praise.—PE sharing the gospel.

Pray for God’s children to exercise their authority to intercede for unreached nations like the Selims.

32 Day 24 WEC International Frontier Mission Work Genesis 20:11

he WEC International Frontier Mission Abraham replied, “I said organization is dedicated to giving out the gospel T to myself, there is surely and church planting in unreached people groups. no fear of God in this In Chad, they have a wide open door. Th ey have many place, and they will kill me opportunities to serve in Jesus’ name through teaching because of my wife.” English, working with students, helping the poor, the media, and much more. Th ey work with nomads, Three times in Genesis we refugees, and several unreached peoples. Chad is a very have the same situation diverse place with hundreds of languages. occurring where Sarah and/ Tall and proud with an innate sense of dignity, with or Rebekah were taken into an obvious security in their own identity as “real the household of a local Muslims,” the nomads of Chad are a true paradox. ruler. The cause of this, Th ey live without electricity or plumbing in huts made as refl ected in Abraham’s of sticks and rope which are ready to be picked up and statement above, was always easily moved. Yet they have a confi dence that belies a sense that the nations were their simple life, harsh conditions, limited diet, and virtually no creature comforts. depraved, combined with a lack of faith in God’s ability to It comes as a great surprise that these nomads have protect his family. We should taken to mobile phones with enthusiasm. Th ey recharge them with bits of metal attached to car batteries. Th e remember that these are WEC workers have given them the phones, and they common temptations for any pass music and video clips back and forth. Th ey contain missionary! The cure for this is Arabic scriptures, Middle Eastern Christian poetry, to recognize that even before and clips from Bible-based fi lms. Nomads in Chad we arrive on the scene, He are not afraid of missionaries or of the gospel and are is already at work. Through amazingly open. Some of their own religious teachers prayer God can prepare hearts actually encourage the youth to read the Scriptures. to receive the good news, WEC workers are teaching men to read Arabic and have facilitated visits by traveling dentists to the nomadic Pray that missionaries camps. Th ey would like to see some kind of veterinary might overcome every ministry begin. With this open door of opportunity, barrier of fear inhibiting the there is only one problem—not enough workers. “Th e proclamation of the gospel. harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matt.9:37).

Pray for God to touch the hearts of workers to go and be part of the harvesting of the souls of Chadian nomads.—JS

33 Day 25 Genesis 26:28 Kaela International Children’s Organization

FK is a We saw clearly that the Lord was with you; so we said, C Christian “There ought to be a sworn relief and agreement between us.” development King Abimelech’s men spoke organization the above words to Isaac. It whose vision includes is the Lord’s presence that empowering the lives of children in Chad. distinguishes God’s people from all the peoples of the Arni looked like any other small boy, earning money during the summer by selling candy on a street world (Exodus 33:16). Unless corner. But Arni is a real success story. Arni had He is with us, we don’t lived on the streets of his town in Chad for many dare venture out to fulfi ll years before caseworkers from the Bethesda Center, the mission we have been a program run by Caring for Kaela International given. His presence not only Children’s Organization (CFK) convinced him to makes the mission possible, return home. With psycho-social support, Arni was His presence is what the successfully re-integrated into his family. mission is all about! On many To test their strategy for successful innovative socio- occasions God repeatedly economic reinsertions, CFK began providing micro- reminded Abraham and his loans to at-risk youth who received job training while residing in a group home. Arni’s dream was to go to children of this reality. Two a better school, but like so many youth in Chad, he thousand years later, Jesus couldn’t aff ord the fees until CFK helped to train him echoed the same words to His with a business plan and gave him a loan to sell candy disciples when sending them on the side of a street during his summer vacation. out, “I am with you always, Using training he received in carpentry, Arni built a even to the end of the age” table for his candy and started his business. CFK also (Matthew 28:20). helps at-risk youth attend computer classes to get an edge on the new school year. Pray that hearts will be touched and unsaved Pray for CFK’s eff orts to multiply by a hundred-fold the nomads might soon number of young people they can empower to be self-sus- experience the fullness of taining and productive members of society. Pray that they God’s presence. will grow into godly adults through the prayers and prac- tical help and training received through CFK.—JS

34 Day 26 Bideyat (AKA, Beri) Zaghawa People Genesis 41:38

inda Deby, the newest and youngest wife of So Pharaoh asked them, Chad’s President said, “He is a fi ghter! He H “Can we fi nd anyone like always will be. It’s not easy ruling this country.” this man, one in whom is General Idriss Deby Itno has been president of the spirit of God?” Chad since 1990. He is from the Bidiyat clan of the Zaghawa ethnic group. Originally he came from a These words from the most herding family; however, educational opportunity powerful ruler in the world allowed him to advance. Th is included offi cer’s concerning Joseph are a training, plus learning to pilot an airplane. He has testimony to how serious survived various rebellions against his rule in a God was about His promise country that has faced severe political corruption, to Joseph’s great grandfather wars, ethnic division, multiple health problems, and a Abraham. He promised him lack of food and jobs. that all the nations on the earth Th e majority of the 6,200 Muslim Bideyat people of would be blessed through him Chad attempt to make a livelihood through sheep and his descendants. Then, in herding and some farming. However, the problems short order the Covenant Keeper they face are the same as those of other Chadian ethnic proceeded to carry out his plan groups. Even though he is from their clan, a number by placing one of Abraham’s of the Bideyats have rebelled against Deby’s rule. descendants into the offi ce of Th ese and other revolts have caused death and injury to second in command over the thousands of innocent people caught in the violence. world’s greatest superpower. This account also reveals to us Pray that God’s Word and message of compassion will the way in which God intends penetrate President Deby and his administration so the to work through His people. The leadership will come to repentance and begin to rule in a leaders of nations are important just manner. Pray that Bideyat clan leaders will listen to in God’s plan, and He desires the words of Jesus and strive to lead by serving. Pray that to infl uence them through His Christ’s ways will penetrate Chad, ending the cycle of vio- prophetic representatives. We lence and disunity.—PD see this happen over and over again in Scripture from Moses to Solomon to Daniel to the Apostle Paul.

Pray that leaders from every remaining frontier people might surrender their lives to the King of Kings. 35 Day 27 Genesis 46:3 Kokorda (AKA, Bulgeda) People

had Hassan, a Bulgeda tribal chief, was talking Do not be afraid to go down to an aid worker about the problems his people to Egypt, for I will make you C were facing. “I have prayed and prayed to Allah that into a great nation there. we would have rain to grow millet seed. Too many The sovereignty of God in children have died from lack of food and medicine. missions has always included Just a few months ago my own little daughter, Nadia, died. Too many of my people have little hope. Th ey the mysterious dimension believe that Allah has left them, and the evil powers that we do not know what are taking over. Th ey are going to the witch doctors God’s plan is for the people. hoping to fi nd answers and relief. I tell them they The irony of God’s instruction must believe that Allah will help them. He is their to Jacob is that His method hope. We need so many things, but the greatest need of making Israel into a great is for millet seeds. Hoes and hand ploughs will help nation was to allow them to us to plant faster so we can grow our crops.” Th e go to Egypt, live well, and aid worker responded, “I am bringing you the much needed millet seeds and new tools. God Almighty then become slaves of the has heard your prayers. He is indeed the True and Egyptians. After 400 years Living God! He is the Compassionate One! He does they had greatly multiplied, not want your people to suff er, but to have new life and God then rescued them and hope.” from slavery by performing many miracles. The means Pray that the 38,000 folk-Islamic Bulgeda people of Chad by which the nations will be will desire to know more about the biblical God. Pray won to Christ is not likely to be that they will accept Jesus, and through His teachings gain the hope that will give them strength to face their the means we would choose. trials. May they have joy in knowing Him and receiv- It is the way of sacrifi ce and ing eternal life. May the Bulgedas soon be freed from their the way of patiently waiting spiritual and physical bondage.—PD on God.

Pray that God will send missionaries who will carry the word of God to the Bulgeda people.

36 Day 28 Sinyar (AKA, Shamya) People Genesis 50:20

n the Sinyar village Youssouf was awakened when Am I in the place of God? he heard the cries of his young wife Marisah. He I You intended to harm me, rushed to Marisah’s tent and found his wife holding their baby girl who had just died of malnutrition but God intended it for and cholera. Marisah began to pray in a loud voice. good to accomplish what “Allah, may my beautiful daughter never return as a is now being done, the human! Please let her come back as a bird that is free saving of many lives. and happy. It will be better if she would be a bird Joseph’s perspective on that can sing. She suff ered so much.” Th en she began God’s sovereignty gave him to weep even harder as her husband, Youssouf, held her throughout the dark night. Th e pain of losing her a powerful lens through second child was unbearable. which to interpret both his life and world history itself. Life is often hard for the 20,000 Sinyar people. Th ey have faced ongoing struggles to grow enough food to Scripture tells us that in Christ feed their families due to drought and lack of seeds. the same perspective Joseph Assistance has been brought to them by compassionate had is assured for us today: aid workers, who provide some seed, food, and basic God causes all things to work medical care. A few of the tribe are now Christians together for good . . . to those who are able to share the gentle, loving touch of God’s who are called according to message found specifi cally in the words of Jesus. What his purpose (Romans 8:28). a blessing it would be for Marisah to know that Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not That purpose is to bring hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such the blessing of a covenant as these.” relationship with the Creator God through Christ to every Pray that the Muslim Sinyars will receive and accept God’s nation, tribe, people, and Word. Pray that they will fi nd healing, hope, and relief language. When we are from the many problems they face.—PD walking in the knowledge of that purpose, we can be sure to always have the proper perspective on everything that happens in our lives and in our world.

Pray that frontier missionaries will see events from God’s perspective. 37 Day 29 Genesis 49:10 Teda People of Chad and Libya

ou shall not murder…. You shall not The scepter will not depart “ steal…” (Exodus 20:13, 15), so state from Judah, nor the ruler’s …Y God’s sixth and eighth commandments. And as it staff from between His feet, is, large parts of God’s Ten Commandments are the until he comes to whom it basis for laws in many countries around the world. belongs and the obedience But this is not so with the Teda people, a race of of the nations is His. desert warriors who reside in the eastern and central The coming of the Messiah Sahara Desert. In the Teda culture, stealing and killing are acceptable, so long as it benefi ts their and his eternal Kingdom tribe. Th eir legal system approves acts of revenge and would be the ultimate restitution. fulfi llment of the promise Th e majority of the Teda people are located in the given to Abraham. The Tibesti Mountains on the Libyan-Chad border. apostle Paul also echoed this Th eir harsh environment, extreme poverty, and passage when he wrote of remote location make them a very tough people. his calling to bring about the Violent clashes often break out with neighboring obedience of faith among all tribes. According to their traditions, they controlled the Gentiles (Romans 1:5). caravan trade routes passing through their territory, God has given us the privilege often plundering such caravans and trading slaves. Reluctant to rely on farming for their survival, they of participating with Him in now depend on a fl exible nomadic system, relying on bringing about the obedience mobility and military strength. Hence, most of the of the nations. That is why Tedas are herdsmen who roam the desert with their the Great Commission is so livestock and their guns. explicit: “Disciple all nations, Th e Teda people converted to Islam in the 1800s. teaching them to obey all Today they follow the Islamic calendar, yet they that I have commanded” blend traditional practices with their Muslim beliefs. (Matthew 28:19-20). We are literally commanded to Pray that the Teda people will recognize and respond disciple entire nations and to to God’s grace and love for them, even though they are instruct them in obeying the breaking His law. Ask the Lord to send workers to join teachings of Jesus. the few believers who are already testifying to them of Jesus, the Redeemer.—CN Pray that the Teda people will soon surrender to the lordship of Christ.

38 Day 30 Tuba Daza People of Chad Genesis 16:12

e now travel south He will be a wild donkey from where we W of a man; his hand will were in yesterday’s reading be against everyone and to the southern fringes of the Sahara Desert. Here everyone’s hand against AFRICA we meet another rugged him, and he will live in Muslim people, the Daza, hostility to all his brothers. who reside in southwestern Though this verse refers to Chad and Niger. Th e Daza ALGERIA LIBYA the Ishmaelites, it can also EGYPT people are known for their fi ghting, and they are feared apply to the Daza people NIGER CHAD by some of their neighbors. or many others as well!

SUDAN ETHIOPIA NIGERIA Many, including the women, Throughout mission history C. A. R. carry daggers under the God has sent His servants to sleeves of their garments. love and reach out to violent DRC Th e Dazas are a proud people. Needless to say, there people, and they are known for going a long time with have been many martyrs little food or water. Traditionally, they herded cattle, through the centuries. But the camels, and goats. Yet, because the expanding Sahara formerly violent peoples have Desert has destroyed much of the pasturelands, today been transformed: the Celts, some Daza men fi nd work in towns and cities. Th e the Scots, the Vikings, the women work at home doing the cooking and cleaning. Primarily, they receive their income by selling animals. Koreans, the Zulus, etc. Dare we pray that the Holy Spirit You can most likely recognize a Daza man by his will transform the nations we clothes, which include loose-fi tting drawstring pants under long-sleeved robes and turbans or small Muslim prayed for this month? caps. Traditionally, Daza women wear long wrap- Pray once again for around dresses, head coverings, and jewelry. spiritual transformation As they are Muslims, there is great social pressure among the nomadic to participate in prayers and fasting. Yet, they also peoples of East Africa. Pray incorporate some traditional practices into their that Christ’s ambassadors Islamic activities. among the unreached in places like Ethiopia and Ask the Lord of the harvest to break the pride of the Daza Chad will be able to spread people and give them humble hearts that seek truth and righ- the word of God. teousness. Ask God to call Christ followers who will be willing to minister the love and compassion of Christ to them.—CN 39 Day 31 Genesis 13:2 Koyam People of Chad

hoo- Abraham had become very “ hoo!” wealthy in livestock and in W Mohammed silver and gold. and his One of the surprising and yet brothers were widely misunderstood principles having a great time racing in Scripture is that God has no through the problem with making people desert in their wealthy. All throughout the father’s Toyota 4x4. He drove over a sand dune, built up Bible God raises people up some speed…then hit a rock and broke the front struts! to positions of power and In the tent that night, Mohammed looked down at infl uence. However, the purpose the fl oor as his father paced and scolded him. “Do of this blessing must always be you think my pickup truck is a toy?” Mohammed understood in the context in muttered, “I’m very sorry, father.” He looked up with which God has placed it. He said tears in his eyes, and his father realized he could to Abraham, “I will bless you. . . back off . He sat beside the teenager and spoke in and all peoples will be blessed a gentler tone. “When I was young we had to ride on camels through the hot desert to get our meat through you” (Genesis 12:2-3). to market. Much of it was too rotten to sell, and it Without the purpose behind stank. Right now meat prices are high, and we can the success, that which was aff ord to buy an air-conditioned truck to take our intended to bless can become beef to market. Don’t ever take what you have for a curse. The solution to this granted.” “Yes, sir,” was all the boy could mutter. dilemma is to understand that Life is good for the Koyam people of Chad. Owning we are stewards of His blessings. pickup trucks is a luxury to most people in Chad, So rather than the blessing but to the Koyams, it is almost a given, according to being an end in itself, it will be “Peoples on the Move.” But spiritually, things do not a blessing with the purpose look good for them. “Peoples on the Move” comments, “Th e Koyam are staunch Muslims and may well prove of fulfi lling God’s mission to to be the last to consider the gospel.” redeem all peoples to Himself.

Pray that as God prospers His Pray that the Lord will give the Koyam people hearts that people, they might use their are open when they hear about Christ the King.—KC infl uence to advance His kingdom.

40 www.global-prayer-digest.org

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Editorial February 2013 RECORDS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS U.S. Center for World Mission Dear Praying Friends, 1605 East Elizabeth Street Pasadena, CA 91104-2721 As often happens, this issue Tel: (330) 626-3361 of the GPD started off in one [email protected] direction, but then changed MANAGING EDITOR course and did not go the way Keith Carey that I expected it to go. I be- ASSISTANT EDITOR Paula Fern lieved that there were many people groups in Nigeria that WRITERS Glenn Culbertson practiced Islam and have their main identity in this re- Patricia Depew ligious system. As the stories came in, however, I found Patti Ediger Wesley Kawato that most of the Muslim peoples of Nigeria are more Arlene Knickerbocker involved with their traditional religion (animism) than Esther Jerome-Dharmaraj Christopher Lane they are with Islamic practices. Annabeth Lewis Charles Newcombe Th e old gods die out slowly. Th at is true no mat- Ted Proffi tt Jeff Rockwell ter what religion one practices in a tribal setting. Jean Smith Christianity is rife with examples of people who hear Jane W. Sveska

about the Lord, and before you know it, they have DAILY BIBLE COMMENTARIES made Him their sun god. Dave Dougherty, Director of Plans and Training, OMF Intl. When the issue is religious affi liation, this isn’t a Keith Carey, Managing Editor, GPD problem. We aren’t interested in counting people as CUSTOMER SERVICE “Christians.” Affi liation with Christianity is use- Dan Eddy less unless people make Christ their Lord and allow GRAPHICS Amanda Valloza Him to transform their lives. Th ey must give Him PRINTER their undivided loyalty. Th ough we are praying for Diversifi ed Printers , La Mirada, CA Muslim people groups in Nigeria this month, don’t forget to pray for the “Christians” who have allowed WEB SITE www.globalprayerdigest.org the old gods to replace the True God. ISSN 1045-9731 In Christ, Contents of the Global Prayer Digest © 2013 U.S. Center for World Mission 1605 East Elizabeth Street Pasadena, CA 91104

Contents of this booklet may be reproduced if appropriate credit and subscription information are given. GPD For subscription information, Keith Carey, managing editor, call (330) 626-3361. Globalprayerdigest.org For comments on content, call (626) 398-2241.

Cover Photo: Pal Teravagimov / Shutterstock.com 46 Feature of the Month

Pray for a Strong Christ-Centered Fellowship Among Every Muslim People Group in Nigeria

NIGER CHAD

Kano

BENIN NIGERIA Jos

Abuja

Lagos

CAMEROON

47 To Help You Pray Better —by Wesley—by Kawato 48 Background raiders never attacked otherMuslims, attacked raiders never soconversion their peoplefrom Muslim raids. Muslim Asarule bandits. Fulbe Some to Islam toprotect converted chiefs An increase intradealsorenewed raidsby Muslim creation. MostFulbe were nature deities. spirits local of aGod itexposedthem tothewiderworld because Islam. Th were animistsatthistime, butmanywere soonwon to merchants from Africa. whocame North MostFulbe hadactiveNigeria traderelations withtheMuslim Many Fulani (AKA, Fulbe) peoplegroups innorthern traveling to West withthemerchant caravans. Africa ArabMuslimscholarsbegan By the15thcentury andArabs.between Africans formofIslam,the Khajarite whichpreached equality Empire ingold. wasrich Th the nearby Ghana Empire. theGhana Inthosedays century, whenArabmerchants begantradingwith Contact withMuslimswassporadicuntilthe11th region.were from Berbers theCentralSahara probably later. centuries state thattheseraidscame Th as667A.D. asearly Nigeria attacked sources Other scholarsstatethatMuslimraidersmayhave Some The Arrival ofIslaminNigeria tobethecenterofcontention. came Nigeria power. political often we willexplore how Inthisarticle andIslamare and competingforspiritual Christianity Africa’s mostpopulousnationof160millionpeople. T Nigeria: Africa’s Spiritual Divide ereligion ofMohammed appealedtotheFulbe line ofthisbattleisbeingfoughtinNigeria, people,millions ofAfrican andthefront here is a battlegoing on forthesoulsof eArabmerchants practiced ese raiders Nigeria: Africa’s Spiritual Divide was a means of self-protection. At fi rst most of these conversions were shallow. Many of the converted chiefs continued to worship nature spirits as well as Allah. But over time more and more people converted to Islam. By the 16th century many Fulbe tribes had Muslim majorities. European Contact Slaves in the 16th century replaced gold as the major trade commodity in West Africa. Around this time the Muslim Ottomans conquered North Africa. Th ey had enough slaves from other sources and were not interested in trading with West Africa. But around this time European slave traders began arriving along the coast of Nigeria. Th e Fulbe tribes redirected their trade routes south to Nigeria’s port cities to take advantage of this business which quickly boomed because the Fulbe had plenty of slaves to sell. Th ey often fought wars with other tribes, and prisoners were routinely sold into slavery. Most of the European powers practiced slavery at one time or another. After 1500 A.D. North and South America were rapidly being colonized, and they wanted slaves to work in the various new world plantations. Many slaves died while being shipped to the Western Hemisphere. Some of the survivors ended up in the United States. Today some African-Americans can trace their ancestry to slaves from Nigeria. Ending the Slave Trade By the early 1800s Britain had emerged as the world’s leading naval power. Slave ships continued to operate only because the British navy ignored them. Th is travesty started to change after 1800. Great Britain was going through a spiritual revival based on living Christianity. Freed slaves told stories about the horrors of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Th is caused a sense of moral outrage in Britain. By the 1840s Britain outlawed slavery and the slave trade. At that point the British navy began intercepting slave ships and setting their prisoners free. Th e British also set up a colony for freed slaves in Sierra Leone, not far from Nigeria. British eff orts to crush the slave trade caused the economy of many Fulbe states to collapse.

continued on next page 49 Nigeria: Africa’s Spiritual Divide

Enter the Missionaries Christian missionaries played a major role in ending the slave trade. People like Sir Th omas Fowell believed that the slave trade should be replaced by the development of natural resources which the Africans could trade for European goods. Unfortunately, fair trade between Africans and Europeans did not develop. But the English missionaries had a genuine concern for the souls of the Africans. Samuel Ajaya Crowder, a Yoruba man, was one of the fi rst missionaries to Nigeria. He went to Nigeria in 1842 after living many years in Sierra Leone. Ajaya had come to believe in Jesus after being freed from a Portuguese slave ship. In 1842 he took the message of salvation back to his native land. Ajaya won many to the faith. He was an Anglican. In the years to come the Southern Baptists and the Assembly of God denominations also won converts in Nigeria. Th ese three denominations are now among the largest Christian denominations in Nigeria.

Enter the Colonizers After 1880 Britain and France competed for control of West Africa. Th ese two powerful nations divided up this region for themselves. Th e tribes of Nigeria had no defense against modern weapons, so there was no eff ective resistance. Nigeria fell into the British sphere of infl uence. At fi rst the British controlled only the coastal regions. In 1914 the British army moved inland and took control of all of Nigeria, including many northern regions not yet contacted by Christian missionaries. Th e British planted the seeds of future confl ict when they united southern Nigeria, which had a large Christian population, with northern Nigeria, which was mostly Muslim. Th ese two regions had little in common, and it made no sense to force them to live together as a single country.

Independence Britain granted Nigeria independence in 1960, and sure enough, the new country soon had trouble remaining united. In 1966 there was a rigged election followed by a failed military coup. Th at led to a civil war in 1967. Nigeria was divided into states, just like the United States. Th e 1966 election gave power to the Yoruba tribe that controlled the Western State. Th e Ibo, who controlled the Eastern State, objected to Yoruba rule, so they seceded. Both the Yoruba and the Ibo had large Christian populations.

5050 Nigeria: Africa’s Spiritual Divide

Neither side could win without the help of the Muslim Fulbe tribes, who controlled the Northern State. Th e Fulbe helped the Yoruba crush the Ibo secession attempt, reuniting Nigeria in 1970. Ironically the Fulbe were the real winners of the civil war.

Christianity Spreads in the Late 20th Century After 1960 Christian missionaries won many to the faith in northern Nigeria, partly through the use of Western style schools. Some regions in northern Nigeria now have large Christian minorities. Th e spread of Christianity caused some Muslims to feel threatened. Some were tempted to turn to terrorism. In 2001 Mohammed Yousef formed a protest movement called Boko Haram. Th is movement began in neighboring Cameroon, but quickly spread to northern Nigeria. Boko Haram objected to Western education and advocated the formation of an education system based on the Qur’an. Th eir name means, “Western education is forbidden.” Th ey object to Western infl uence, which they think is corrupting Nigeria’s Muslims. At fi rst Boko Haram only engaged in peaceful protests, but that changed in 2009 after Nigerian police killed their founder. Th en the group turned to terrorism under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau. In 2011 Boko Haram killed 450 people, mostly during raids on churches. By early last year the terrorist group was responsible for over 900 deaths. Last July they called on Christians in northern Nigeria to convert to Islam or face violent consequences. Some Nigerian Muslim leaders have spoken out against this murderous organization. Current Prayer Needs • Ask God to restore peace in Nigeria. Pray for the protection of missionaries and church leaders. • Pray for reconciliation. After having their churches attacked, Christians have sometimes retaliated against Muslims. • Ask God to break the hold that Islam has on northern Nigeria and replace it with a hunger for truth and righteousness that will lead them to Christ. • Pray for every Muslim people group in Nigeria to fi nd their way to the cross, where they can put their faith in the Savior. GPD

51 Day 1 Deuteronomy 7:8 Missionary Biography—Dr. Andrew Stirrett

n 1910, a short, bearded white man accompanied But it was because the by three carriers made his way into the forest Lord loved you and kept I sheltering the town of Karu, Nigeria. Th e little man the oath He swore to your had walked 18 miles in the tropical sun and was very forefathers that He brought weary. Nevertheless, after a simple meal he asked the you out with a mighty hand chief to call the villagers together. Th at night for the and redeemed you from the fi rst time the people of Karu heard the gospel. land of slavery… At dawn, the little man folded his camp bed and What? A God who actually set off . “Why did he come?” the people asked. A loves His people? What a year later they found out. Two missionaries arrived novel and radical idea for in Karu to open the fi rst mission station among the Gbari-Matai tribe. African Muslims! Once again, can any of the other nations Before many visits were over, the fi rst Gbari-Matai then, or now, make the same was won to Christ, thanks in large measure to Dr. Andrew Park Stirrett, one of the most remarkable claim? Muslims know about men in the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) history. a God of creation who is just A prosperous pharmacist from Canada, Stirrett and merciful, but they do not had become so impressed with the need of the know Him as a father who “Soudan” that in early 1902, when he was 37, he loves them. What a message sold his business, turned over his two stores and Dr. Stirrett had for the people four apartments to the fl edgling SIM Council and of Nigeria! left for Africa while the men on the Council were still considering his application. “I never had a call,” Pray that the Muslim peoples he often said, “but was driven by the command will be drawn to the God of Scripture and concern for those who did not who loves His children, and have the gospel.” Stirrett’s lifelong impulse was his yearns for them to become anticipation of Christ’s return. He made sure to part of His worldwide family. witness to at least one person a day no matter what the circumstances.

Pray for this kind of apostolic passion in today’s Church.

52 Day 2 Missionary Biography, Continued Joshua14:12

uring furlough, Stirrett completed medical Give me this hill country… D studies and returned to Nigeria as a physician. During that term he made a grueling two-month Praise God for Caleb! The exploratory trek to 12 unreached tribes, including seasoned warrior of the army the Gbari-Matai people. His passion was to take of God was not ready to unreached people the gospel. “What a glorious retire, even though he was 85 privilege to go into one of these tribes,” he wrote, “and unlock to a whole nation the door of eternal life!” years old. “I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent Meanwhile, in America, SIM’s Council decided he me out (45 years earlier); I’m was much too old to go to West Africa. Worse yet, he was unpredictable. But since he had given them all just as vigorous to go out to his property, virtually against their will, they were too battle now as I was then.” embarrassed to turn him down. Stirrett’s response to What a testimony of God’s their hesitation was simply, “If you don’t think I am faithfulness. Praise God today the man to go, sell my property and see that somebody for those who see retirement else goes in my place.” Obviously, however, he had no as the opportunity to pitch in intention of turning back. And when he wrote from full-time, helping somehow to England saying he had fi nished his course and was penetrate the fi nal frontiers of preparing to sail for Nigeria, the Council fi nally decided to accept him—“on suspicion rather than on probation,” the gospel. These enthusiastic as SIM founder Rowland Bingham later recalled. older soldiers of the cross bring a mature, and greatly needed, On the banks of the Niger River Stirrett joined four other SIM pioneers. Th ere, 500 miles into Nigeria’s perspective to the battle. unreached interior, they succeeded in building the Pray that God will give us mission’s fi rst permanent dwelling. Within 13 months an army of wholehearted of Stirrett’s arrival, two members of the party became Calebs. Pray that they will ill and had to be sent home. Th en one died. When use their latter years as the fourth went on furlough, Stirrett became senior a time to help bring the missionary, the man around whom the fi eld work of peoples of the earth to the SIM was to revolve for many years. acknowledge the lordship of Christ. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give discernment to mission boards.

53 Day 3 Joshua 1:2 Missionary Biography, Continued

e [Stirrett] was not a great preacher,” SIM Moses my servant is dead. “ leader Guy Playfair once observed, “but he Now then, you and all these H was great in that he preached without ceasing. Our people, get ready to cross estimate is that he preached not less than 20,000 the Jordan River. times, and was heard by at least one and one-half What fearsome words: Moses million people. Two thousand such men could have is dead. Moses was the man evangelized the world in any generation. through whom God had done Th e great Hausa tribes were his fi rst love, and he great and mighty works in dreamed of the day when they would have the Bible Egypt and in the wilderness. in their own language. As a key member of the translation committee, the crowning joy of his life Joshua, to whom God spoke was the day in 1932 when the British and Foreign these words, had been Bible Society placed the completed Hausa Bible in simply an assistant. Today, his hands. our generation stands in awe A man of rigid discipline, Stirrett fi xed a pattern of of the missionary giants of behavior that rarely varied. Determined not to let the previous eras. Andrew Park sun rise before he was on his knees in prayer, he rose Stirrett is no longer walking at 3:45 a.m. each day to meet with God. He set aside among us. Nevertheless, God’s specifi c days for fasting and prayer in order to plead challenge to us today rings with God for “his” African people. He continued to be as clear and sure as this word active until the day before he died at 83 years of age. to Joshua centuries ago: Now Today a simple marker identifi es the grave of a little you, and all these people, get man who never had a “call,” but who demonstrated ready to move. Thus the torch through a lifetime of service that he knew he had a calling.—AL of responsibility passes from generation to generation. Are From “Th e Pioneer Who Never Had a Call,” by Kerry Lovering, SIM International, 1985. you ready to take the torch?

Thank the Lord for those who Pray for the Lord to raise up 2,000 Andrew Stirretts! have gone before us. Pray for His anointing for those who will lead in the near future.

54 Day 4 Hausa People of Nigeria Exodus 14: 4b

ll eyes were on Kalunga. As he told the story But I will gain glory for his legs pumped up and down. “Bayaijidda ran A myself through Pharaoh fast to get away from his father. After he had outrun and all his army, and the him, he found a blacksmith who forged a wonderful knife.” Using a dramatic slashing movement, Kalunga Egyptians will know that I pantomimed cutting ropes, and the fl ailing arms am the Lord. of the people of Daura set free from the bondage of Indeed, God would be feared an oppressive sacred snake. He made an anguished and glorifi ed, not only by the hissing sound that made the children giggle. “And the people were set free! Bayajjidda married the queen of Egyptians, the most powerful Daura, and they had seven sons, each of whom ruled nation at that time, but also one of the city-states of Hausa-land. And the Hausa by the surrounding nations. people have been strong ever since!” All the nations in that region With a population between 20-30 million, the Hausas would soon know beyond a are the most powerful people of Nigeria, the most shadow of a doubt that the populous nation in all of sub-Saharan Africa. Th ough God of Israel was the Lord most of them are either farmers or herders, they are the of all. Though God normally ones who make the decisions that aff ect Nigeria’s destiny. woos the nations to His side Th e Hausas had some Islamic infl uence as early as the through His goodness and 11th century, but during the early 1800s, they were love, He can also bare his arm, conquered and turned to Islam, starting with their as He did in this instance. leaders. It was the Fulani (AKA, Fulbe) peoples who conquered them, and today people often speak of Pray that many Hausa people the Hausa-Fulani as one group. Th ere are only about of Nigeria will turn their 36,000 followers of Christ among the Hausas. hearts to the Lord before the Day of Judgment comes. Pray for the light of Christ to shine brightly among the Hausas. Pray that they will tire of religious duties and fi ghting in the name of Islam, and turn to the Prince of Peace.—KC

55 Day 5 Joshua 6:2-5 Northern Hausa People

hen you throw a rock See, I have delivered Jericho into a pond, it will into your hands, along with W only make ripples in that its king and its fi ghting men. particular pond. Likewise, March around the city once the gospel message will for six days. On the seventh usually cause “ripples” day, march around the city among a particular people seven times.... Have all the group until it hits barriers people give a loud shout. of understanding. One NIGER of the biggest barriers to God didn’t always use such

CHAD understanding is language. an unusual approach in Kano Th e Joshua Project giving Israel victory over the BENIN NIGERIA (Joshuaproject.net) peoples of Canaan. Usually Abuja divides the Hausas and the men would simply go to CAMEROON the Northern Hausas the battlefi eld and fi ght. But into separate people the victory was always the groups because they speak Lord’s. So it is when we take diff erent languages. Th e Hausa language is spoken the gospel to the peoples of not only by millions of native speakers in Nigeria and the world. Sometimes God Niger, but also by African Muslims in the region as will move in unusual ways to a trade language. Th e Northern Hausas who live in northern Nigeria and number about 362,000 speak immediately bring sinners to two diff erent dialects, Arewa and Arawci. If someone repentance and believing faith. were to start a Christ-ward movement among these At other times His messengers Muslims, it would probably take a separate eff ort to must work for years and even reach each of the Northern Hausa peoples because of decades before seeing fruit the two distinct dialects. from their labors. But the victory is always the Lord’s. Pray that the Northern Hausa people will have an under- standing of who Jesus really is. Pray that Northern Hausas Pray that missionaries will will be drawn to the Savior of all mankind. Pray that the recognize God’s hand at few followers of Christ among them will grow deeply in work. Pray for patience and the Lord’s love and be fi rmly established in His ways so perseverance for those who that Christ will be glorifi ed. Pray that Satan’s eff orts to are spreading the gospel to cause violence and strife between Christians and Muslims the unreached in Nigeria. in Nigeria will backfi re.—KC

56 Day 6 Bagirmi Fulbe People Judges 2:20-21

hmad, tell me about your contact with the “ Because this nation has Bagimi.” A Christian missionary was eager A violated the covenant to know more about this Fulbe group as he was that I laid down for their preparing to visit one of their villages. Th e African evangelist replied, “Most Bagirmi Fulani (Fulbe) forefathers… I will no come from the Bagirmi region of Chad, as well as longer drive out before parts of the Central African Republic and Nigeria. them any of the nations Th ey have lighter skin, thinner lips, and straighter Joshua left when he died. hair than other African groups. Th ey speak Bagirmi God commanded Israel to Fulfulde. Th ey only travel during the dry season when conquer all the peoples grazing lands and water are scarce. Th e Bagirmi Fulbe have recently become more settled because they need of Canaan and to assume to keep other farmers from encroaching on their land. possession of all the land. Th ey now often pay family members and laborers to But the years were long and tend their home vegetable gardens. While the young the battles hard, and Israel men leave home to herd, the women and children take settled for less. Those nations care of the crops. Th ey follow basic Islamic practices, left unconquered became but also are involved in spirit worship. Currently there their snare and eventually are only eight known Bagirmi believers among the 45,000 folk Islamic Bagirmi of Chad.” their conquerors. So today, when we reject or adulterate Pray that God will open a way for Christ’s followers to God’s commands, our sins befriend and witness to the Bagirmi, whether at home or become the snares that while they travel. Pray also that they will hear the gospel frustrate God’s blessings to us on the radio and be open to asking questions about God’s and through us. In particular, Word. Pray that entire clans of Bagirmi will come to the those peoples from whom we Lord soon.—PD withhold the blessings of the gospel may become strong, bitter enemies of Jesus and His Church.

Pray that His Church in Nigeria will not grow weary in taking the good news to the nations. Pray for perseverance.

57 Day 7 Exodus 22: 21 Haabe Fulbe

ongratulations, Do not mistreat an alien or “ Amir! You oppress him, for you were C have a beautiful, aliens in Egypt. healthy baby girl. Your Perhaps one of the reasons wife was amazing! why the children of Israel were She didn’t scream Fulbe women during labor, not even allowed to suff er for so long once. She is so small and delicate. How could she in Egypt was to enable them go through this without screaming from the pain?” to know what it was like to be Amir replied with a broad smile to the astonished oppressed, and not wish the nurse, “We are Haabe Fulbe, and Fulbe women same on others. It was clear do not scream when in pain. Th ey have trained that their God wanted them themselves for childbirth. Th ey just expect to give to show justice to aliens when birth and then go home.” they became a nation in order Th e Haabe Fulbe believe that their actions must to show the world what could bring honor to their families. Not screaming during happen when people follow childbirth is one example. Keeping traditions and the One True God. keeping within your tribe also guards their honor. Th eir actions must protect and increase the family Pray that you and the people name. of your land will demonstrate Th ey don’t usually name their babies until they have justice and mercy to the aliens sacrifi ced a goat. Some Haabe are beginning to in your midst. relocate into cities, but the majority make their living through herding and agriculture. Anyone who would leave the Islamic faith would be rejected by not only the family, but the tribe, and it would bring shame to their families. While the JESUS Film and gospel portions have been translated into their language, there are almost no strong followers of Christ among these 2.8 million Islamic people.

Pray that God will thrust forth His servants to com- municate His Word so that whole Haabe families and clans will accept the Lord and the sacrifi ce He made for them.—PD

58 Day 8 Mbororo Fulbe People Deuteronomy 21:13b

asesba, a Mbororo After she has lived in your Fulbe, smiled as her M house and mourned her friends happily painted her father and mother for a full lips, arms, and feet with black henna in preparation month, then you may go for her wedding. With great to her and be her husband joy her friends started to sing and she shall be your wife. a traditional Fulbe wedding We often remember the all- song to her. “Remember if out assaults on the Canaanite you are a true wife, be sure to wash your cooking pot; give peoples, but forget the mercy your husband meat and never that God demanded of His forget to sweep the hut each day. If you do not do children. In this situation, after these things, your husband will take a co-wife or leave the Israelites had conquered you! So be a good wife and remember to always look a nation, they were expected beautiful with lips of blue henna.” to show mercy, not brutality, Th e 2.5 million Muslim Mbororos live primarily in to the women they captured. Nigeria and Cameroon. Most have chosen a nomadic I would not even want way of life. But the development of new ranches near to describe what people their lands has brought restrictions and lack of grazing normally did to the women areas for their cattle. Th e people group lack education and children they captured and health care. Most Mbororo girls marry young, and their parents arrange their marriage. Polygamy is during that time period. But common in their communities. God demanded a much higher standard from His children. Th ey are very resistant to any eff orts to bring the gospel of Jesus to them. Christ’s followers need to be Pray that even in times willing to live among them and be involved with their of war God’s children will lives for years to develop trusting friendships. Only demonstrate mercy in such a then will they listen to Christ’s ambassadors. way that the nations will be drawn to the Lord. Pray that the Mbororo Fulbe people will hear, accept, and know God and His Word. May they no longer live in spir- itual darkness bound by Islamic rules with almost no heart awareness of the God who truly loves them.—PD

59 Day 9 Numbers 11:29b Sokoto Fulbe People

zeez, a Sokoto I wish that all the Lord’s Fulbe, was lonely. people were prophets and A For over a week he that the Lord would put His had been away from Spirit on them! his family herding The Lord answered Moses’ their cattle and goats. prayer for more leaders, and SIM International To make himself feel better he started to young Joshua is concerned sing a favorite song among Fulbe herders that made about Moses’ position; but him think of the beautiful places he had led his Moses is ecstatic. He fi nally livestock. “In the territory of the head of Barkeeje, has some relief from the there are anthills, a small pond, and a village with burden! Perhaps we would a grassy valley nearby. It has trees for building do well to pray that the Lord square mud huts. Th ere is a bush with birds. Th ere would raise up more prophets is a grassy valley. In Cuvuna there is a pond with pelicans. In all these places the Fulbe love to herd and intercessors to share in their cattle.” the work. Th e semi-nomadic Sokoto Fulbe of Nigeria often face Thank the Lord for every challenges such as separation for a long time from intercessor you know, and their families while herding. Devoted to Islamic pray that they will stay traditions, the Sokoto have usually not been open to steadfast in their heavenly the gospel message. But recently, 18 of them were led assignment. Pray for to the Lord. someone to begin a regular habit of praying for Muslims Pray that these 18 believers will spread the word to other of Nigeria. Sokoto clans so that whole families will come to know the joy of the Lord. Pray for the Sokoto Fulbe to experience salvation and God’s love. Pray that gospel songs of praise will be sung by Sokoto herders. Pray that as Sokoto Fulbe think of the beauty around them, their thoughts will be directed to the One who created beauty.—PD

60 Day 10 Fakanchi Puku People Numbers 11:12

n the center of the cheering crowd stood the two Did I conceive all these competitors, slowly circling each other, sizing each I people? Did I give them other up. Th e wrestling match was underway and soon there was a takedown! Wrestling is a popular birth? inter-village activity for young Fakanchi Puku men of Though it may sound almost Nigeria. Th e winner will be awarded a forked stick, comical, this is Moses’ which he will carry for years as he travels around. complaint to the Lord about Th e Puku people are noted for their strength. Boys his responsibility to the and girls alike begin working strenuously at the age of children of Israel. Moses seven. Boys will be given hoes to work the land and, was overwhelmed with the later, they will be trained in the use of weapons for hunting. A Puku girl at the age of seven will begin responsibility and the burden. working in the household with child rearing duties. Do you sometimes feel this Later, she will begin pottery work. way about your burden to Th ere are many superstitions that the Pukus observe pray for the unreached? If so, in their daily lives, particularly during a woman’s why not pray that the Lord pregnancy. While pregnant, she must not eat certain will raise up others to help foods, leave her hut at midday, or enter water for fear carry the burden, just as He of evil spirits. did for Moses? Th ough the Fakanchi Puku people observe some Pray for the Lord to multiply Islamic practices, most have maintained their pre- the number of intercessors Islamic belief systems. Th ere are a very small number for the unreached people of them who profess faith in Christ. groups this year. Pray that the Church will begin bringing the gospel to the Fakanchi Puku people. Pray for their hearts to be open to the message of Jesus, and that they will turn to Him with all their hearts.—JR

61 Day 11 Exodus 32:32 Shuwa Arabs (AKA, Baggara) in Nigeria

he Shuwa Arabs began settling in western But now, please forgive Sudan in the 12th and 13th centuries, and now their sin—but if not, then T they are widely scattered across the plains of Africa, blot me out of the book You including Nigeria. To them, location is not the issue. have written. Th e Shuwa Arabs associate their origins with what In this passage you see the they do. Th eir livelihood revolves around cattle. Th eir fatherly love Moses had for the common name, Baggara, means “cow.” Th ey use every part of the cow. Th ey consume heavy amounts children of Israel. But it also of milk and cheese; they use the cow’s fat and dung gives us the best example in as healing ointments; the skins are used for clothing all of Scripture of why we must and tents; even the bones are put to use as ornaments intercede for those who are and weapons. spiritually ill. God answered Most Shuwa Arabs live a nomadic life, moving a Moses’ prayer in a big way! couple of times per year to keep their animals fed. Will you do the same for the However, some have recently moved into cities; but lost when you pray for them this is the exception to their centuries-held custom. this month? Will you even pray Th ere has been some active ministry among the for those who abuse the Lord’s Shuwa Arabs, but very little response to the gospel. children in northern Nigeria? Th eir commitment to Islam is very strong; they have been Muslims for centuries. Pray that you will intercede like Moses for the unreached Pray that God will raise up missionaries who are will- peoples who desperately ing to live and travel with the Shuwa Arabs for the sake need to become part of God’s of the gospel. Pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare Shuwa Kingdom. Arab hearts to receive Jesus.—JR

62 Day 12 Open Doors Work in Nigeria Joshua 24:15

ersecution is like Then choose for yourselves a refi ner’s fi re that P this day whom you will serve. reveals the true spirit of a people. Nigeria is a hot bed Choice is a great privilege— of religious confl ict with and a fearful responsibility. Muslim extremists sending All of us must chose how we suicide bombers to attack will respond when we hear of and eliminate Christians. Last July Christians in Jos our brothers and sisters being NIGER were warned that attackers abused in places like Nigeria.

CHAD were targeting Christians Will we respond in the fl esh Kano in their city. What would and fi ght the misguided BENIN Jos they do on Sunday? Th ey killers? Or will we respond NIGERIA bravely decided to join their with the guidance of the Holy congregations and worship CAMEROON Spirit, and pray for the Lord’s the Lord. Th e outcome? Sixty-fi ve Christians were enemies? It is only by doing killed. More than a thousand people were displaced as the latter that we can serve their homes were burned to the ground. the Lord. Choose to serve Him!

Th e fallout continued when 60 people were massacred Pray for a heart that is while holding burial services for some of the victims. willing to make choices that Most of the Jos Christians are poor farmers, and they honor Him. were afraid to return to their fi elds for fear of attack. In some cases their fi elds were already burned. Open Doors is a group trying to help in this situation. It works in the world’s most oppressive countries, strengthening churches to stand strong in the face of persecution. Th e Bible is clear that vengeance belongs to the Lord, not His followers. Open Doors is raising money to train Nigerian believers who want to reach their attackers with God’s Word. Th ey also raise money to provide safe houses for Christians on the run.

Pray that the love of Christ in action will directly con- front the attackers and turn Muslim jihadists into sol- diers of Christ. “With God all things are possible” (Matt.19:26).—JS

63 Day 13 Exodus 35:30b JESUS Film Work in West Africa

od’s Word endures and can never be silenced! See, the Lord has chosen Th e JESUS Film has been available since 1979, Bezalel…and he has fi lled G and at the time of this writing it has been translated him with the Spirit of into 1153 languages and dialects. It is available in God, with skill, ability and almost every country in the world, even in those that knowledge in all kinds of restrict Christian broadcasting. In one North African crafts… country, the JESUS Film in the local dialect was There are many ways that supplied to a TV station. For 15 Sunday mornings the JESUS Film was shown for one hour at a time on the Holy Spirit can work in national television. an individual. He can give a person supernatural skills to Very often in rural areas the fi lm is laboriously carried from village to village along with the equipment do just about anything. In and generators needed to show it. Normally JESUS this case, He gave Bezalel the Film staff members stay for a while and train local ability to make artistic designs believers in follow up after the fi lm is shown. Several for work in gold, silver and years ago a civil war broke out in a northern African bronze. The question is, will country, and the workers could not stay. Six years we use the gifts God gives us later a villager who had once accompanied the staff for His purposes, or for our workers said that after seeing the fi lm 90 times, he had memorized it, and he began to sing it as a song. own benefi t? He went back to the same area where they had shown Pray that we will use the fi lm and began to teach the villagers the “JESUS whatever gift He has given Film Song.” Th ey, in turn, taught others, and together us to serve Him. they planted 48 churches!

Pray that the message of the JESUS Film will continue to draw viewers and hearers throughout Africa, especially in nations that have recently seen revolutions.—JS

64 Day 14 Movement for African National Initiatives Exodus 18:21

he modern mission movement began around But select capable men 1792 when William Carey, heeding the Great T from all the people—men Commission in the gospel of Matthew, left his native who fear God, trustworthy England and sailed for India. Soon England began to send missionaries all over the world. Th en the USA men who hate dishonest picked up the mantle, eventually surpassing England’s gain—and appoint them earlier eff orts. Now the circle seems complete as we as offi cials over thousands, see nations that were once the focus of mission eff orts hundreds, fi fties, and tens. are obeying the call “to teach all nations” (Matthew God was giving Moses some 28:18-20). sound principles to follow Th e goal of the Movement for African National when selecting leaders for the Initiatives (MANI) is to get all African missions new nation of Israel. In order to work together and focus on promoting African to be a light to the world national initiatives. Th ey want to mobilize the resources of the Body of Christ in Africa for the rather than a disgrace, they fulfi llment of the Great Commission. had to demonstrate holiness. Justice was in short supply in Th e national initiatives follow a common and logical sequence: build vision; do research; mobilize the that time period. If there was church; train workers; send workers and do church one nation that demonstrated planting. Inherent in this planning is the goal that true justice, the others would diff erent agencies will not duplicate or overlap the stand up and take notice. work of others. Pray that the leaders of Sub-Saharan Africa is dominated by a Christian Nigeria will courageously majority, and the northern half of the continent demonstrate justice for the is predominantly Muslim. Th ere are 3,768 people glory of the true God of groups in Africa, and 996 of them are unreached. Th e Heaven. majority are in a belt stretching from Senegal in the West to Somalia in the East of the continent. Th e African church has heard God’s command to “go north” into northern Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to fan the fl ames of MANI’s vi- sion and passion, and empower its workers to complete the task, resulting in Jesus being glorifi ed among the nations.—JS

65 Day 15 Joshua 7:9 Shi’ite Muslims in Nigeria

ome say he’s a dangerous man. Some say he’s a The Canaanites and the peacemaker. Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky has risen other people of the country S to prominence in the tiny Shi’ite minority in Nigeria. will hear about this (defeat) He preaches a syncretistic blend of Shi’ite and Sunni … What then will You do Islam in a country where hatred persists between the for Your own great Name? two groups. A framed photo of Ayatollah Khomeini Believers in Nigeria are faced adorns his desk, but he denies any ties to Iran. He blames the West for the increasing violence in Nigeria. with a diffi cult dilemma. On one hand they are sometimes Civil unrest, religious confl ict, and economic brutally attacked by Muslim injustice led to thousands of deaths in Nigeria last year. According to Jerry Dykstra of Open Doors mobs, and they need to USA (www.opendoorsusa.org), “Nigeria is becoming defend themselves. Under a killing fi eld.” Th ough the killing is most common such circumstances it’s easy between Muslim and Christian groups, Shi’ites and to get into a mindset of Sunnis have also been known to kill one another in retaliation and revenge. But in some situations. order for Christ to be glorifi ed, Zakzaky claims to have hundreds of thousands of His children must not lower followers in Africa. Some of them participate in themselves to that level. military drills. His followers may have infi ltrated Otherwise, the Name of our the police, the military, and state security forces. Lord will be disgraced among Questioned about his political agenda, Zakzaky people who need to know answers in vague generalities. He states he may form a political party, but he also claims the that He has a better way. political system in Nigeria is broken. (See BBC Pray for believers in Nigeria News, May 8, 2012, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ to be fi lled with the fruit of world-africa-17908704) the Holy Spirit as they face violent opposition. Pray for peace in Nigeria. Pray that all peoples in Nigeria will seek Christ-based spirituality rather than political control and raw power. Pray the Shi’ites will experience God in dreams and visions, and that they will come to worship Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.—JWS

66 Day 16 Dendi People Exodus 35:10

he man smiled All who are skilled among at himself in T you are to come and make the mirror. His everything the Lord has grandfather would have been proud commanded:… of him. Powerful It’s encouraging to know that

Cortimilia traders on the Niger God has a purpose for each of River, the Dendi us. In this instance, he called people group now have a prominent place in politics. all skilled artisans to work on Only 3,000 Dendi, or Dendawa as they are sometimes the brand new tabernacle. He known, live in Nigeria today. Many others, however, isn’t just calling the super star live in surrounding countries, mostly concentrated around the Niger River. Located in the north of artisans, but everyone with Nigeria’s Kebbi state, they are associated with the even a little skill. Apparently, Songhai people cluster. Little is known about the the Dendi people are skilled Dendi of Nigeria, but the Dendis of nearby countries as merchants. If they became enjoy growing political infl uence and increased trade. part of God’s family, they Th ey also maintain gardens and farms. could use their skills for His Th eir animistic beliefs point them to spirits associated glory. Imagine what honest with the water, the land, and other things in nature. traders and public offi cials Although Islam is dominant, the Dendi often practice could do to glorify Christ’s a form of the religion that is superfi cial and that Name. It can happen if the emphasizes their ethnic tradition of magic, witchcraft, Holy Spirit transforms them. and sorcery. A mere one tenth of one percent of Nigeria’s Dendi Pray that the Dendi people believe Jesus is God’s son. However, resources are group will seek the true and available to those who seek the truth, as one mission living God with all their hearts. group is focusing on the Dendi in a nearby country. Th e JESUS Film, audio-visual Bible stories, and the New Testament are available in their language.

Pray that God will stir the hearts of missionaries to bring Christ-centered materials to the Dendi of Nigeria and the surrounding countries.—LR

67 Day 17 Joshua 5:13-15 Dibo People

he Dibo woman stared with fascination at this Joshua went up to the stranger at her door. A white youth named man and asked, “Are you T David was telling her the story of Jesus, one of for us or for our enemies?” Islam’s prophets, but a diff erent version than she “Neither,” he replied, “but as knew. Nine Dibo people had already put their faith commander of the army of in Jesus after a JESUS Film screening. Th e North the Lord have I come.” Carolina church that sent David’s team had been This passage is very praying for the Dibo for more than four years, and now David and the others were reaping a harvest! instructive. God is not for one people or against another. He A decade ago one report estimated the Dibo of Nigeria is only for His purposes among had a population of 174,000. Recent reports suggest only 120,000 Dibo remain in Nigeria, living in about all the peoples of the earth. 40 villages in the country’s central region. Th ey are It is easy to view the violence particularly concentrated on the east side of the Niger between Muslims and River. Th e Dibo battle poverty, a lack of education, Christians in Nigeria in terms and increasing violence as their homeland is near the of God being on “our” side. clashing point between Muslims and Christians. But the important question is Early reports stated that the Dibo were 28 percent not if God is on our side, but if Christian; three percent of these were Evangelical. we are on God’s side. Th e rest were reported to be Muslim, with a smattering of animism. At a later time there were Pray that God will help 20 new believers in Christ among the Dibo, but us see beyond communal the persecution that followed drove them away violence and understand from their community. Recently, due to the focused that He can use any situation evangelism eff orts of one American church that has to bring Muslims to His side. “adopted” the Dibo, at least 10 more Dibo have found Pray for Christ’s followers in salvation through Jesus Christ. Nigeria to be used as healing balm during these turbulent Pray that the Dibo believers will stand their ground times. Pray for protection for in the face of persecution and will be discipled to lead a His children in Nigeria. strong church. Pray for more fellowships to actively adopt unreached people groups.—LR

68 Day 18 Songhai People Deuteronomy 8:10

rabbing a fi stful of dirt, the Songhai man When you have eaten and looked intently at it before letting it slip back G are satisfi ed, praise the Lord onto the ground through his fi ngers. Th e soil wafted your God for the good land to the arid ground. He looked up, his eyes squinting to a sun that beat down as harshly as it had for the He has given you. past few weeks. “Baaba, why are you looking up into The fi rst step is to the sky?” asked his young son. acknowledge that God is “We must have some rains if we are to plant a crop our Creator. At the time this this year,” sighed the Songhai farmer before he was written this was not a bent down to pick up his hoe. Swinging it over his disputable matter, especially shoulder, he walked home with his son trailing him. after all the children of Israel Songhai people of Nigeria consider farming a noble had seen Him do. The next labor. Cowpeas, groundnuts, and manioc are among step is to thank Him for His the crops that they grow. Th e crop of the fi eld is provision. Instead, the Bible used to feed their families and is also sold in nearby market places. However the Songhai people are is fi lled with examples of the constantly at the mercy of the rains. Th ey often fi nd Israelites complaining and themselves caught between cycles of drought. grumbling. Are you a person of thankfulness or a person of Th e Songhai people practice a religion that is a blend of complaints? Sunni Islam and animism. Pray that believers will come to their communities and tell them about the true and liv- Pray that we will be people ing God who loves them. Pray that they will have a spiri- of thankfulness, so we can tual hunger for the truth and will gladly receive the gos- draw the nations to our pel. Pray that their communities will have a life changing Heavenly Provider. experience with Jesus Christ. —EJD

69 Day 19 Exodus 32:12 Zerma People

currying around, Abebi, Why should the Egyptians a young Zerma woman, say, “It was with evil intent S tidied the house, stirred the that He brought them out, to pot of simmering rice, and kill them in the mountains checked at the door to see and to wipe them off the if her husband had returned face of the earth”? from the mosque after prayers. Moses was interceding on Squinting her eyes and scanning the road ahead, she behalf of his people, but with saw no one but her neighbor a noble purpose. The issue working on her vegetable patch. wasn’t compassion for the She picked up the clothes from the dust that her people who foolishly made 18-month-old had thrown about in a recently and worshipped a golden calf, discovered game of “throw-the-clothes-that-have- but the honor of the God who been-folded.” Rising from the fl oor, Abebi playfully led them out of Egypt. The threatened her fi rst-born baby daughter. “You will nations were watching! God’s not play with the clothes that mother has washed and honor was at stake! God had folded. Someday soon you will have many brothers no choice but to put up with and sisters and when you take care of them, they will do the same thing. You will have cleaned the place the sins of His people, so that and they will throw things about.” Th e baby gurgled the nations would not think a happy sound in response to Abebi’s playful chiding. He wasn’t powerful enough or Th e Zerma people of Nigeria have large families, compassionate enough to save and older children are taught the responsibilities of His people. adulthood even when they are small. Boys help their Pray that we will remember fathers in the farms, and girls help their mothers at fi rst and foremost the honor home. Th ese people have a low rate of literacy. Th e of the Lord when we pray for gospel has been preached to the Zerma people, but unreached peoples this month. they are reluctant to accept Jesus Christ as Savior.

Pray that the Zerma people will be receptive to the gospel. Pray that the people will be freed from religious and po- litical systems of oppression.—EJD

70 Day 20 Duwai Kanuri People Deuteronomy 1:17a

bana and her brother Cherzira held the small Do not show partiality in radio between them and turned the volume A judging; hear both small down so the rest of the family would not hear. “What and great alike. are they saying today?” Abana asked. Cherzira whispered, “It’s more about Jesus. Th ey are telling a In this verse, the Israelis were story about Him making food for 5,000 people out of ordered to do what no nation a boy’s lunch.” had done: show fairness Th e 13,000 Duwai Kanuri have been Muslim since to the alien as well as the the 11th century, and they don’t accept Christian Israeli. What kind of message missionaries. If one of them accepts Christian did that give to the people literature, they might be persecuted. who came to live in the land However, Trans World Radio is now beaming a ruled by Jehovah? It clearly 15-minute broadcast in a Kanuri language every day. meant that there was a higher Some are listening hungrily, quietly, and privately. Th ere are no known followers of Christ among the standard of morals that the Dawai Kanuris, and the few churches in their area rest of the world knew nothing speak Hausa. about! The result would be that people would want to Pray that God would call missionaries who are willing to know what makes the people learn the language of the Duwai Kanuri and endure their diff erent, and how to show hot, harsh living conditions. Pray that they can orally com- gratitude to Jehovah, the municate the gospel in stories, proverbs, songs and drama provider of wisdom and justice. as literacy is minimal. Pray for the Rev. Sangho and Mr. Ragsdale, two missionaries, as they produce more and more Pray for God to raise up radio gospel programs for the Duwai and other Kanuri politicians and judges in tribes. Pray that many Duwai hearts will be prepared to Nigeria who are fi lled with receive Christ and then evangelize their own people. Pray godly wisdom and justice. for God to cast down the principalities and powers that prevent the lifting of the veil of understanding and accep- tance of Christ among the Kanuri Dawai people.—PE

71 Day 21 Joshua 1:5 Manga Kanuri People

ambui peeked As I was with Moses, I will from behind be with you; I will never W her hut with the cone- leave you nor forsake you. shaped roof. Yes, there How precious this promise he is! She caught her must have been to Joshua breath as she watched the neighbor’s son tend her as he assumed leadership of own father’s farm. Mtima, Israel! And this promise is for meaning heart, worked us as well: God’s presence oblivious to the teenage is the greatest resource in girl’s crush. Mtima is missions. It is God Himself under Wambui’s father’s IMB who moves through us care while he works in to cross the cultural and exchange for a bride and the bride price which will social barriers that hinder be his pay in a couple of years. Wambui’s father is highly respected for the many children and extended understanding and acceptance family under his roof. of the good news about Jesus Christ. We, in our own power Wambui, Mtima and their families are Manga, a subgroup of the Kanuri people who number about and energy, are not able to 4.5 million. Th ere are about 200,000 Manga in do this great work. Jesus Nigeria. Christian workers say that the people are reinforced this truth when He very friendly and accepting as long as they don’t feel linked the command to go and that someone is trying to change their faith. Th ere make disciples of all nations are now about 10 Nigerian Mangas who have come with the promise to be with to faith in the Lord Jesus. you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:19, 20). Please join this handful of Manga believers as they pray for entire households and villages to fi nd salvation Thank God for this precious through Jesus Christ. Pray that they will be protected promise! from the severe persecution that can come from deny- ing Islam. Th e Manga Kanuris are a very oral people with minimal literacy, so pray that workers will be able to present the gospel through dramas, Bible stories, and the JESUS Film. Pray that African believers will share the gospel with the Manga people, and that hearts would be open to accept, believe, and follow the true and living God.—PE

72 Day 22 Yerwa Kanuri People Deuteronomy 4:7

magine 6,000 people without God. Th en see the What other nation is so crowd swell to 6,000,000 tall, dark, and beautiful I great as to have their gods people. Catch your breath, for that is the number of near them the way the unreached Yerwa Kanuri people on the earth today! Humble and dignifi ed, they are at this moment lost Lord our God is near us without Christ. whenever we pray to Him? Lailai is wrapped in a sheer blue embroidered veil Good question! The answer which covers her from head to toe. She dances to is obvious: no other nation music heavy with drums, shrill with the high-pitched could make that claim. Of warbling of women, almost oriental with the minor- the millions of false gods keyed strings plucked and strummed. Th e wedding worshipped by man since party dances in lines or individually as the touching of the beginning, no one would a dancing partner is taboo. A few men wear traditional robes, but many are either in t-shirts and Western claim that their god cares for slacks or dark suits with ties. Lailai and her husband them in the same way the Jaji are both wearing tribal marks on their faces, arms, children of Israel did with their and stomachs. Th e picture is a clash of cultures as new provider, Jehovah Jireh. The invades old, conventional versus non-traditional. Such nations simply bargained with is the life of the Yerwa people: city dwellers embrace their gods, a situation that the ways of the West, while the traditional rural life of the One True God has always the Yerwa farmers continues as it has for centuries. shunned with His followers. Pray that as the city Yerwa come into contact with Don’t the nations have a right Christian believers, the ancient veil of Islam will be lifted to know that they don’t have and the truth of the gospel will be revealed. Pray for mil- to live this way? lions of Yerwa to begin their born-again eternal life here on earth and later in Heaven.—PE Pray that Muslims of Nigeria will understand that they can have a personal relationship with the God who is near. Pray that they will open their hearts to Him.

73 Day 23 Ruth 1:16 Afawa Pa’a People “ o clouds,” Olajuwan said, scowling at the Where you go I will go, and N horizon. “If we don’t have rain soon, we will where you lodge I will have no harvest.” “Should we assemble the elders?” lodge. Your people shall be young Bako asked. Olajuwan nodded. my people, and your God, While Bako ran down the hill into the village, my God. Olajuwan wondered why this was necessary. Didn’t Naomi fully expected Ruth to the gods know they needed rain for their crops? Why return to her homeland where did the elders have to pour chicken blood into the idol worship was accepted and sacred forest? Why did the women have to beat drums outside of the village? Th ough he had participated expected. Yet Ruth had come in countless rainmaking ceremonies, he had never to believe in Jehovah, the God stopped to consider what they meant. It suddenly Naomi worshiped. Through struck him that having to beg for rain in this way Naomi’s quiet faith, this outsider meant that the gods were uncaring. Th ese gods would had come to faith in the one, allow the Afawa people to starve. true God. She didn’t want to go Th e Afawa have never encountered a God of love, back to her old way of life— only the harsh gods of traditional religion. Nineteen she had found something far percent of them adhere to Islam. Th ey live in fear better! Ruth represents the of ancestors and spirits. Sandwiched between two sincere seeker in every nation Islamic people groups, they are much more likely to turn to Islam than to faith in Christ. Th ere are whose heart yearns for truth not many Christian resources available in the Pa’a and reconciliation with the language. Th e Joshua Project reports that the Afawas Living God. have no Old or New Testament in their language. Pray that God will raise up Pray for the Lord to raise up laborers who will go to the many “Ruths” from among Afawa Pa’a people and communicate the gospel in a way the Muslims of Nigeria that is clear and culturally powerful. Pray for mission who will fi nd something agencies to see the need of this people and begin transla- far better than folk Islam. tion work so that they will have the Bible in their heart Pray that these Muslim language.—CL Nigerians will fi nd spiritual satisfaction in the Savior.

74 Day 24 Warji People Ephesians 2:13

“ ose is still very sick,” Ummi said in a hushed, But now in Christ Jesus you B sullen tone. She looked down at her young who once were far away daughter and reached to feel her forehead again. “She have been brought near by is burning up.” Ummi turned her eyes to her husband, the blood of Christ. Maduka, who was watching from the doorway. “Th e magic didn’t work. What can we do?” Maduka sighed What a message for people heavily and replied “Th e gods must be very angry with like the Warjis! This is a people us.” I will contact the ward elders and we will go to that has been at the mercy the shrine.” of wicked spirit beings for He left the hut and found his two other wives centuries. With good reason grinding corn. “Where are you going?” one of them they want these spirits to be asked. “Bose is getting worse,” he replied. “I must far away. But Jesus, on the gather the elders to pour blood at the shrine.” other hand, is One whom Th e Warji people of Nigeria live in fear of their dead anyone would want near, if ancestors and the gods of nature. Th ey practice sorcery they only knew Him. and exorcism, and when serious sickness or tragedy arises, they resort to blood sacrifi ce. About 10 percent Pray that the Warji people of them have turned to Islam in an eff ort to gain will soon have the chance to Allah’s approval. Very few have heard the gospel, and know the One who wants to only three percent follow Jesus Christ. come near to His children.

Pray for the Warji people to have the opportunity to hear the good news that God has provided salvation and eternal life in Christ. Ask the Lord to raise up workers to demon- strate His love to them and translators to provide the Bible in their heart language. Pray for the JESUS Film to be utilized and for many Warji people to respond by putting their faith in Christ.—CL

75 Day 25 Deuteronomy 12:8 Afade People of Nigeria

efore writing this story I pictured northern You are not to do as we do Nigeria as a vast desert. Th e homeland of the here today, everyone as he B Afade people of northeastern Nigeria certainly defi es sees fi t… this description! Th eir region borders Lake Chad and One of the key blessings that it straddles the borders of four countries. Nearby hills the Lord gave His children give the Afade all they need for life. Atop some of the hills, several round buildings form a circle with a was God’s law. Without it, courtyard in the center. On the terraced slopes Afade nations degenerate into rule men grow a variety of crops. Some of the harvest feeds by the decree of a dictator, their families; others they take to market. Plus they and dictators have a very poor have Lake Chad itself to supply other needs such as track record of shepherding fresh water and fi sh. Th is is not the desert I expected! the people they rule. Instead, God off ered clear laws that But the Afade people do not have everything they need. apply to His children. In fact, For centuries they resisted the advance of Islam in their communities. Th us they have been grouped with the Kirdi Israel’s early history did not people. Kirdi is a term used for “pagans” who reject the include a king. This situation teachings of Islam. Now their culture is in transition. was unheard of in that time Many still turn to their medicine man for healing and to period. Had they obeyed intercede with ancestral spirits. Even Muslim converts God rather than doing as continue this practice. Meanwhile some mission agen- they saw fi t, their civilization cies have served faithfully in the region, and a few Hausa would have fl ourished language churches have taken root among them. While into something which the the Afade can speak Hausa, they need the Bible translated into their own tongue. Pray that God will call intercessors surrounding nations would to stand in the gap for the Afade. Pray that strong local have wanted to emulate. churches will be planted in the Afade language. Pray for God to raise up someone to write worship songs in their Pray for Nigerians to humbly tongue.—GEC receive the Lord and His word which would make a new day for their nation. Nepotism and corruption would then be replaced by the rule of just laws.

76 Day 26 Bade (Bah-day) People of Nigeria Exodus 36:5b

is face beams with pride. His horse wears The people are bringing elaborate decorations including a gold fi ligree H more than enough for halter and other headgear. Bright purple robes wrap doing the work the Lord the rider himself. A tall turban rises from his head. He joins the other men of the Bade people group as commanded to be done. they begin the procession. This is the kind of problem we Th is is the annual Durbar festival which forms part would want to have! There of the post-Ramadan celebrations. Dozens of such was too much being brought riders, all dressed in impressive regalia, form a parade. into the Lord’s storehouse. The Th e procession passes in front of the Mai Bade, their people of Israel were so touched leader, who is the 11th Emir of the Bade Emirate. In by God’s deliverance that they this way they demonstrate the power of their leader and confi rm their loyalty to him. were willing to give their all for the tabernacle. Are we willing Th e Bade people group populates a semi-autonomous to do the same to ensure that region in northern Nigeria. Predominantly Muslim, the Bade people show polite courtesy toward missionaries are fully funded to Christians. However, their group loyalty to their reach the unreached? leader holds them back from making a decision to follow Christ. Th ey enjoy a comfortable lifestyle Pray that we will have with farming, fi shing, and livestock. Th ey also generous hearts that will fund to overfl owing the mine minerals, quartz, and gypsum. Th e Mai Bade eff orts to get the gospel promotes foreign tourism to the local wetland reserve. to the unreached Hindus, Outsiders are also encouraged to enjoy the Durbar Muslims and Buddhists. parade. One recent attraction involved a fi shing festival where men compete to catch fi sh with their bare hands and nets.

Pray that the approximately 300 believers among the Bade will show the love of Christ while remaining part of their culture. Pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal Christ to the Emir and his inner circle.—GEC

77 Day 27 Numbers 6:24 Bana and Other Kirdi Peoples

erriam-Webster defi nes pagan as “One who The Lord bless you and keep has little or no religion and who delights you; the Lord make His face M in sensual pleasures and material goods.” But does to shine upon you and be this defi ne the Kirdi tribes of northern Cameroon, gracious to you; the Lord southeastern Nigeria, and southwestern Chad? turn His face toward you Kirdi means “pagan,” and is a collective name for a and give you peace. number of people groups that live in these African We all remember this blessing, regions, each with its own dialect of the Biu- Mandara language group. At one time the Kirdi don’t we? It’s a standard tribes were completely pagan. Today, however, most blessing, uttered by Jews and have converted to Islam. While most Kirdi peoples Christians alike. Though the believe in a single god who created all things, they context is actually a priestly do not pray to this god, but to their ancestors whom blessing on the children of they believe intercede for them. Israel, it could also be a prayer Th e Banas of Cameroon and Nigeria are one of the for the unreached peoples who Kirdi tribes. Like other Kirdi peoples, the Banas are don’t know the God of Israel. farmers, raising crops on hillside terraces. A Bana Why not pray this prayer for the man’s work also includes leather crafting, basket Hausas, the Fulbes, the Kanuris, making, spinning, weaving, and building. Women make clay objects, train small children, prepare meals, and other peoples in Nigeria and do other household chores. Children care for that need Him? small animals and help their older siblings and parents. Pray now for the Muslim Mission agencies work with a few Kirdi groups, and peoples of Nigeria to accept the some have shown an interest in Christian teachings. blessings of the One who sent Th e Bana is one tribe among whom mission agencies His Son to pay for their sins. are working. Th ere is now a Bana New Testament. (For more on the Bana New Testament visit http:// www.unga-bunga.com/?p=11).

Praise God for the Bana New Testament now available in their language! Ask the Lord to send more Christ fol- lowers to labor among the Banas and all the other Kirdi tribes.—CN

78 Day 28 Sorogama Bozo People Judges 7:3

ell phones, Send home any of your C video, CD men who are timid and players, television, frightened… and satellites are making We immediately become inroads into involved in spiritual warfare just about every when we commit our lives

Cortimilia society, including to the Lord and to His cause, the Sorogama Bozo people. With an increase in accessibility by boat and road, travel is easier for this making ourselves available nomadic people. Knowledge and education is also to Him for the sake of the increasing within the tribe. Hence, the Bozo peoples unreached peoples. Satan are becoming more aware of the world around them. does not easily release those Traditionally, the Bozos highly value community. Th eir whom he has held in spiritual name comes from the Bambara term “Boso” meaning bondage. But Jesus said, “The “straw house,” which refers to their dwellings located gates of hell cannot hold in temporary fi shing camps on the Niger River Islands. against God’s onslaught.” Yet Hence, many Bozo are fi sherman. Th ey also work in it takes courage, faith, and rice fi elds. Besides maintaining their fi res, pounding patient endurance to fi ght millet for porridge, or spinning cotton, Bozo women this kind of battle. The evil also prepare the fi sh to be sold in the market. one launches numerous, Although Muslim, the Bozo peoples are also desperate counterattacks. animistic. Th ey have their own religious system and Lest we become a hindrance worldviews. Yet, being a people on the move, it is diffi cult to determine how to reach out to them with rather than a help to our the good news of Jesus Christ. Leader, we must abandon timidity and lay hold of a Pray for the successful translation and distribution of God’s spirit of power, of love, and of Word into their language. Pray that the JESUS Film will self-discipline. be made available in their language. Pray that mission organizations and churches will accept the challenge of Pray for strong hearts, adopting this people group. Pray that the Lord will send patience, and faith to engage many Christ followers from Nigeria and other parts of in spiritual warfare on behalf Africa to reach out to the Sorogama Bozos.—CN of the unreached peoples.

79 Day 29 A PRAYER FOR PEACE IN NIGERIA

Somewhere in the northern regions of the nation, where cross and crescent hope to live in respectful proximity, it can safely be assumed and imagined that someone in the dim predawn hours, possibly a seasoned older disciple, perhaps a wizened hard working man, or a woman of rock solid faith in fl owing robes, who sacrifi ces desperately needed slumber to fall on their knees or only fold hands in intensely soulful entreaties to God.

Th ey know what is likely to arrive not long after daybreak – or sometime before the setting of the sun: another blood soaked, bullet fi lled act, another slaughter of innocents on all sides, an incinerated house of worship, an unthinking howling mob or will it be crazed fanatics blowing themselves to bits, taking lovers of Christ down with them, in the strange fantastical delusion that such kamikaze attacks are sure paths to Paradise and a plentitude of virgins? Please try to be polite and charitable and feel compassion for such misguided spirits.

Beseeching their King in such burning signals for divine intervention, the unknown intercessors distantly refl ect the fathomless depths of groans poured out for us by the blessed Holy Spirit, Whose pleadings for the Church He comforts can never be faintly expressed by mortal words.

80 How did all these confl icts come to be? Day 30 What are the hows, whys and wherefores, the causations? Whose fault? Who did what?

All these questions and puzzles belong to those with knowledge running far beyond these casual speculations.

Moreover, it can be surmised, far distant noble saints of the Faith beg God also, that no reprisals nor acts of retribution, all too natural, ever erupt from Christian ranks.

Of all the complex atrocities, only one thing is certain - the prayers of the Bride of Christ, especially in prosperous Western lands, have been utterly remiss, if not absolutely negligent. Yeshua, called Jesus by history, Whose passionate adoration for His Beloved Father manifested as sweat blood in Gethsemane, fi rmly instructed us to love His persecutors, that would we implore the Heavenly Th rone for our most mortal foes, such that they too in radiant illumination, might seek roads to Damascus. He also told us the smallest mustard seeds of faith would command the tallest summits to be thrown into oceans. Will Christians in every continent be spiritual Sherpas, then? Shall snowpeaks exceeding Everest within some African hearts ride warm local waves in dancing balletic glides? Who will pray for the miracle of peace in Nigeria?

© COPYRIGHT 2012 by STEPHEN C. WETLESEN

STEPHEN C. WETLESEN, 10250 Mira Vista Rd., Cupertino, CA 95014 (408) 252-8655 email: [email protected] 81 Day 31 News Flash From Iran! (From Vision Beyond Borders)

Despite the government of Iran’s attempts to stomp out faith in Christ and eradicate it from their country, it is thriving! Iran is now the Muslim country that appears most open to the gospel! In 1979, when the current regime came to power, there were 500 known followers of Christ in Iran. Th at number has now exploded to over 1.1 million by conservative estimates, with over 1,100 house churches! In the midst of the brutality, oppression and persecution in Iran, God is reaching hearts! A large number of Muslim converts to Christianity have had a dream, visitation, or direct revelation of Jesus. While missionaries and evangelists face fi erce opposition and are unable to get into the country, Jesus is not bound and is calling and growing His church. On a recent trip to Iran, VBB Founder and Director Patrick Klein was able to hand out Bibles to the people. As he met with one man in his shop, Klein asked him if he could give him a gift. When the man saw the Bible, tears welled up in his eyes. He said, “Th ank you. Th ank you. I have the truth now. Please be careful giving these out, but I am so grateful, I now have the truth.” In another exchange, he was speaking with a man in Tehran. Th e man told him that the government has destroyed the religion of Islam in the eyes of the people. He said the people want the truth, and only about three to four percent of the people in Iran are NOT open to the gospel! Th e fi elds are truly ripe for harvest. It is as if the violence and oppression have opened the eyes of the people. Th ey see where Islam leads. Th ey understand it is not the answer, and they are open and seeking the truth.

Please pray for a complete harvest of souls in Iran. Pray the gospel will go forth boldly, despite oppression. Pray for strength for the believers as they endure in- credible persecution to witness to the truth of Jesus Christ.

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