Indonesia

In South Asia, they have some of the highest numbers of unreached people groups in the world, with the equivalent of only 1 full time Christian worker for every 500,000 Muslims. Pray for the Gospel to be spread here.

Mekong Minorities – The Dong people group live in very remote areas in the region around the Mekong River. Pray for creative ways for gospel workers to share the good news of Jesus in these areas.

Komering in Indonesia: These people originated from the Komering River area of south-east Sumatra and subdivide themselves into 'upstream' and 'downstream' communities. Many depend upon rain cisterns or river irrigation for rice cultivation. Changing religion from Islam is very difficult; marriages between a Komering and a non-Muslim is forbidden. They will often call a shaman to heal sick people or to cast out demons. Pray for development projects in the area to open doors for the gospel.

Madurese in Indonesia: The Madura people are the third largest people group in Indonesia (around 7.7 million), living mostly on East Java and Madura Island. An insightful Madura saying is, 'It is better to die than to be humiliated', and they are renowned as fierce fighters and hard workers, but also for Satay kebabs. They are Sunni Muslim, yet many resort to using amulets, magic spells, or prayers to ancestors in their efforts to find security. Pray for them to hear and understand the gospel.

Please pray for Al Massira International and for several trainings (some already underway) in countries in SE Asia. A worker couple are witnessing to Middle Eastern students; others are witnessing to people from East Asia; others are witnessing to SE Asians. Please pray for another training in the SE Asia region next month. May the AM resources (currently translated into 38 languages), continue to help resource the Body of Christ to further train and equip Brother and Sister-workers in their faithful, prayerful pursuit of reaching precious people from all nations, with the glorious Gospel. To the glory of God!

Jambi in Indonesia: Jambi Province on the island of Sumatra has a population of roughly 3.5 million. The largest indigenous people group there are the 1.05 million Jambi Malayu. Their rite of passage to adulthood is often to file the young person's teeth to align them. Most are fishermen, but only a handful follow Jesus. Pray that the trans-migrant churches in Jambi would take up the challenge to share Christ to their Jambi neighbours.

Komering in Indonesia: These people originated from the Komering River area of south-east Sumatra, and subdivide themselves into 'upstream' and 'downstream' communities. Many depend upon rain cisterns or river irrigation for rice cultivation. Changing religion from Islam is very difficult; marriages between a Komering and a non-Muslim is forbidden. They will often call a shaman to heal sick people or to cast out demons. Pray for development projects in the area to open doors for the gospel.

Minangkabau in Indonesia: There are around 6.91 million Minang people spread across Indonesia and they are 99.7% Muslim. Their name reflects an ancient fable about outwitting a Javanese fighting water buffalo. Today they are recognised as good traders of clothing and jewellery and excellent restaurant owners. Their society is matrilineal, meaning an uncle or brother-in-law will make a family’s decisions. Pray for whole families to turn to Christ.

Madurese in Indonesia: The Madura people are the third largest people group in Indonesia (around 7.7 million), living mostly on East Java and Madura Island. An insightful Madura saying is, 'It is better to die than to be humiliated', and they are renowned as fierce fighters and hard workers, but also for Satay kebabs. They are Sunni Muslim, yet many resort to using amulets, magic spells, or prayers to ancestors in their efforts to find security. Pray for them to hear and understand the gospel.

Musi Malay of Indonesia: The 690,000 Musi-speaking people originate from the Musi River valley area of South Sumatra. Traditionally farmers, hunters and fishermen, many today hold key education or government roles, while also growing rice or harvesting rubber. Until their wedding, a Muslim Musi man covers all his fiancée's expenses except food. Pray for Christians to live and work among them to share faith.

Give thanks for Ivo*, a Lifewords Pavement Project trainer in Indonesia, who provided in-person training and certification to three workers from a partner organisation. In a city considered the most closed city in Indonesia for the gospel, where there are only two Christian churches, and where the children themselves are at risk of certain persecution, Ivo said that “the expectation of the children being blessed by Pavement Project is great.”

CMS mission partners I and S are based in Southeast Asia, where they lead an international congregation, teach English classes and come alongside people to preach, teach, disciple and help lead them into a transforming encounter with Jesus. Pray for both I and S to get to know students outside of class, for God to show each of them who to come alongside and invest in.