For example, in May 2005, representatives of several Christian churches in the country signed an agreement with the Government of Qatar for a 50-year lease on a large piece of property in the capital Doha on which they intend to erect six churches at their own expense. Also the a new constitution explicitly provides for freedom of worship, of association and public assembly though there are some restrictions.

From Sand to Pearls to Oil

Qatar may be best known around the world as the home of Al-Jazeera, the controversial Arabic language satellite television news channel. For centuries Qatar was simply a peninsula of sand jutting into the Gulf of Arabia where the local Arabs were building ships and sustaining themselves through pearl hunting, fishing and weaving. Oil was discovered in Qatar in 1939. Presently oil and gas account for more than 55% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Qatar even has the potential to supply up to one third of the world's natural gas resources transforming Qatar into one of the world's richest countries. As much as 75% of the population is comprised of immigrant workers including Arabs, Iranians, Indians, Pakistanis, Europeans, Americans, Filipinos and others.

The Wahhabi

Qatar embraced Islam very early in the 7th century. Later Qatar maintained ties with the Ottoman Empire and the Khalifate. Today Qatar is highly influenced by the Wahhabi Islamic reform movement's interpretations of Islamic law on a political and social level. Wahhabis believe their role as a movement is to restore Islam from what they perceive to be innovations, superstitions, deviances, heresies and idolatries. It is a Sunni movement very opposed to Shi'a tendencies.

Non-Muslims may not proselytise, and the government regulates the publication, importation, and distribution of non-Islamic religious books and materials. No foreign missionary groups can operate openly in the country. The number of Christians from all denominations and levels of commitment in the country is estimated at 8-9 percent, primarily foreign workers.

Flag of Qatar

Map of Qatar

Prayer Requests:

* The Al-Thani family has ruled Qatar since the mid-1800’s. Pray that the the leading members of the family would know how to wisely lead the nation. The Emir has 3 wives and 15 children.

* Pray for the church building project. There have been delays and some Muslim media have complained about the project. May the churches be refuges for many.

* Pray that nominalism, immoral and unspiritual behaviour would be greatly reduced in the Christian community. It will only be in this way that believers may gain respect in the Muslims and bring real blessing to the nation.

* Some Qataris and foreign workers are discovering Christ through the media and contacts with local believers. Pray for those who are discovering the risen Messiah as they grow in their faith.

About Qatar (World Factbook)

Ruled by the al-Thani family since the mid-1800s, Qatar transformed itself from a poor British protectorate noted mainly for pearling into an independent state with significant oil and natural gas revenues. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Qatari economy was crippled by a continuous siphoning off of petroleum revenues by the amir, who had ruled the country since 1972. His son, the current Amir HAMAD bin Khalifa al-Thani, overthrew him in a bloodless coup in 1995. In 2001, Qatar resolved its longstanding border disputes with both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Oil and natural gas revenues enable Qatar to have one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.

Economy of Qatar

Oil and gas account for more than 60% of GDP, roughly 85% of export earnings, and 70% of government revenues. Oil and gas have made Qatar one of the world's faster growing and higher per-capita income countries - in 2006 per-capita income equaled that of the EU. Sustained high oil prices and increased natural gas exports in recent years have helped build Qatar's budget and trade surpluses and foreign reserves. Proved oil reserves of more than 15 billion barrels should ensure continued output at current levels for 23 years. Qatar's proved reserves of natural gas exceed 25 trillion cubic meters, more than 5% of the world total and third largest in the world. Qatar has permitted substantial foreign investment in the development of its gas fields during the last decade and is expected to become the world's top liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter in 2007. Qatar is also trying to attract foreign investment in the development of its non-energy projects by further liberalizing the economy.

Statistics for Qatar

Population: 848,016 (July 2011 est.) World rank #160

Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.7 years. World rank #84

Ethnic Groups: Arab 40%, Indian 18%, Pakistani 18%, Iranian 10%, other 14%

Religions: Muslim 77.5%, Christian 8.5%, other 14%

Languages: Arabic (official), English commonly used as a second language

Literacy: 89%

School life expectancy: 12 years

Modern Standard Arabic is a major language in Qatar, but also much Farsi is spoken. Listen to or download Farsi Gospel Recordings here ...>>

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An Australian visitor to a majority Muslim country was attending a Christian worship service when a young man approached him. "I hear you are an Australian". His words in broken English had a note of urgency, "I want you to have this". A strange looking key-ring exchanged hands. The symbolism was unmistakable. A small map of Australia surrounded by a large crescent moon. "I was a member of this Islamic Association in Australia before I came to Christ. Its motto is 'Australia for Islam!'" The significance of the words were not lost on the Australian as he returned home to Sydney.

Muslim Growth in Australia

Sydney has more Muslims than any other city in Australia. From the 2000 census statistics of the total number of non-Christian religions in Sydney, Muslims represent nearly 40%. Almost 44% of Muslims are under 20 years of age and out of that number, the vast majority (85%) were born in Australia. The next two highest places of birth are Lebanon and Turkey. Of languages spoken exclusively at home, Arabic, Turkish, English & Persian (Iran) top the list. Between 1996 to 1999 the major source of Muslim immigrants were from Bosnia, followed by Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia.

Least Reached in Australia

Sydney has 20 major mosques, besides many other minor mosques and Islamic Centres. These are in suburbs where Muslims constitute a considerable percentage of the population. Some of these suburbs have state schools with a majority of students from Muslim families. There are also seven Muslim private schools.

It is not without significance that the only people group in Australia listed among nearly 1800 groups in the world classified as 'Least Reached' are the Turks, 99.9% of whom are Muslims, at least culturally. Added to this are the thousands of 'boat people' who are arriving in Australia illegally from Muslim countries, many of them hoping to settle in Sydney.

For several years a group of people committed to sharing Christ with Muslims have met regularly in Sydney for prayer seminars on Muslim Evangelism have been held in various suburbs across the city. With the Olympic year this has increased and a special team was formed to share the love of God with Muslim visitors to the Games. Direct evangelism using the Jesus film has been undertaken in several areas of Sydney and the more than 30 Arabic speaking Churches are becoming more aware of their special responsibility and opportunity to minister the Gospel. Indonesian and Iranian churches have begun to take up the similar challenge.

Flag of Australia

Map of Australia

Prayer Guide for Australia

* That more Australian Christians will be inspired to pray for the salvation of Muslim neighbours. That more Sydney Christians will wake up to and accept the challenge to be "Living Letters of Love" to Muslims.

* Pray that churches in Sydney will welcome new Muslim convert believers. That the team formed for outreach to Muslims at the games will continue to be used to stimulate missionary vision among Australian Churches to reach out to other groups throughout the world.

* Pray that God would soften the hearts of the Muslims in Sydney and that they would be open to message of the gospel.

Background on Australia (World Factbook)

The first Europeans began exploration in the 17th century. No formal territorial claims were made until 1770, when Capt. James COOK took possession in the name of Great Britain. Six colonies were created in the late 18th and 19th centuries; they federated and became the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The new country took advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop agricultural and manufacturing industries and to make a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II.

Economy of Australia

Australia has an enviable Western-style capitalist economy with a per capita GDP on par with the four dominant West European economies. Robust business and consumer confidence and high export prices for raw materials and agricultural products are fueling the economy. Australia's emphasis on reforms, low inflation, and growing ties with China are other key factors behind the economy's strength. Drought and strong import demand pushed the trade deficit up in recent years, although the trade balance improved in 2006. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly depletion of the ozone layer, and management and conservation of coastal areas, especially the Great Barrier Reef.

About Australia

Population: 21,766,711 (July 2011 est.) World Rank #55

Life Expectancy at Birth: 81.81. World Rank #9

Ethnic groups: Caucasian 92%, Asian 7%, aboriginal and other 1%

Religions: Catholic 25.8%, Anglican 18.7%, Uniting Church 5.7%, Presbyterian and Reformed 3%, Eastern Orthodox 2.7%, other Christian 7.9%, Buddhist 2.1%, Muslim 1.7%, other 2.4%, unspecified 11.3%, none 18.7%

Languages: English 78.5%, Chinese 2.5%, Italian 1.6%, Greek 1.3%, Arabic 1.2%, Vietnamese 1%, other 8.2%, unspecified 5.7%

Literacy: 99%

School Life Expectancy: 21 years

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Pakistan means, "Land of the Pure" or "The Holy Land".

Formed in 1947 as a homeland for the Muslims of the Indian sub-continent, its primary identity is religious rather than ethnic or historical. The largest single ethnic group are the Punjabis (80 million) from the rich agricultural province of Punjab, but the Pushtun, Baluch and Sindhi communities are also significant in size and influence. Urdu, the national language, is the mother tongue of only a minority of peoples within the nation.

This diversity is at the root of growing tensions within Pakistan and in recent years it has resulted in rising levels of both ethnic and sectarian (especially Sunni vs. Shia) violence. The inability of the various groups to live together in peace under the banner of Islam has caused many to question the ideological basis of the country. This was especially seen in the subdued way in which people commemorated 50 years of independence in 1997.

Bondages in Pakistan

The dissatisfaction with what Pakistan has become; e.g. rampant corruption, drug addiction and violence in "the land of the pure", has opened the door for Islamic fundamentalists to offer their solution to the social problems through an Islamic revolution. This has tended to make the already beleaguered Christian minority even more apprehensive. Yet despite of the growing influence of fundamentalism, Pakistanis today, especially the educated, are more open to consider other options than at any time since the formation of the country.

Religiously, Islam in Pakistan venerates the person of Mohammed to an extent that comes close to the Islamic definition of idolatry. The "blasphemy law", which forbids demeaning God or his prophets, has been used predominantly as a means to settle scores, both against other Muslims and against minorities, including Christians. Yet under the surface of official Islam there lies a world of bondage to charms, spirits and the "evil eye".

Flag of Pakistan

Map of Pakistan

Pray for the Muslims in Pakistan:

* Pray that the growing undercurrents of dissatisfaction will not erupt into widespread violence but open their hearts to new options, especially the Gospel.

* Pray for the Pakistani church, historically small, weak and divided, to be renewed and set on fire with a vision for ministry to their neighbours. Pray for literature and other resources to be produced in the heart languages of the people.

* Pray that the power of folk-Islam, including the power of charms, curses and amulets, would be broken and that people would be free to respond to the Gospel.

Background on Pakistan (World Factbook)

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world and dating back at least 5,000 years, spread over much of what is presently Pakistan. During the second millennium B.C., remnants of this culture fused with the migrating Indo-Aryan peoples.

The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with two sections West and East) and largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan fought two wars over the disputed Kashmir territory. A third war between these countries in 1971 - in which India capitalized on Islamabad's marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani politics - resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998. The dispute over the state of Kashmir is ongoing, but discussions and confidence-building measures have led to decreased tensions.

Economy of Pakistan

Pakistan, an impoverished and underdeveloped country, has suffered from decades of internal political disputes, low levels of foreign investment, and a costly, ongoing confrontation with neighboring India. Record floods in July-August 2010 lowered agricultural output and contributed to a jump in inflation, and reconstruction costs will strain the limited resources of the government. Textiles account for most of Pakistan's export earnings.

About Pakistan

Population: 187,342,721 (June 2011 est.) World rank #6

Life Expectancy at Birth: 65.99 years. World rank #166

Ethnic Groups: Punjabi 44.68%, Pashtun (Pathan) 15.42%, Sindhi 14.1%, Sariaki 8.38%, Muhagirs 7.57%, Balochi 3.57%, other 6.28%

Religions: Muslim 95% (Sunni 75%, Shia 20%), other (includes Christian and Hindu) 5%

Languages: Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski and other 8%

Literacy: 49.9% -- Male: 63%, Female: 36%

School life expectancy: 7 years

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"To be Somali is to be Muslim"

Among Somalis it is a commonly held idea that, “All Somalis are Muslim and if there are any Somalis who say otherwise they are only being paid to do so.” Even Somalis who are not particularly devout in their practice of religion will claim allegiance to Islam. Although there is a growing number of Somali young people being trained in Islamic theology, the main barrier to believing the Good News among the Somalis is not so much a theological barrier as it is the societal view that, “To be a Somali is to be a Muslim”. Many people in Muslim majority countries have similar ideas and attitudes.

Questioning:

On the other hand, all of the infighting and killing going on across clan lines among the Somalis in recent years has led to some questioning Islam. Some ask, “Why has Islam not kept us from killing each other?”. Other Somalis who have lived in Muslim societies, such as Saudi Arabia or the Gulf States, have experienced a certain amount of discrimination causing them to become more open to the Gospel. At the same time Somalis who were fairly nominal in their practice of Islam in Somalia (where they were “all Muslim”) often take more seriously their Islamic identity and practice when they come to the West. They do this as a means of coping with the feared loss of identity and contamination by the evil aspects of Western society.

Flag of Somalia

Map of Somalia

Prayer starters:

* Pray that Somalis could see the true value of the kingdom (Mt.13:44-46). God’s forgiveness and abundant life in the Messiah are present realities of that kingdom.

* Pray that the Somalis who come to faith in the Messiah would not only be seen as rebels by their families. May they have opportunities to demonstrate that they can be culturally Somali and followers of Jesus at the same time.

Testimony from Somalia

Libaan spent years outside of Somalia in several different countries. Eventually, he received a portion from the Injil (Gospel). He was impressed by what he read. The text was beautiful with a deep message. After two more years he fully believed the message and entrusted his life to Isa Al Masih (Jesus the Messiah). Afterwards he experienced deep joy and peace about his future. God’s forgiveness filled him with hope! Libaan’s relatives heard that Libaan had become a Gal (Somali word for a pagan). Most Somalis can’t imagine that Christians may also be people who fear God, because they assume that Christians live a very worldly lifestyle (including drunkenness and immorality). Returning to see his family Libaan insisted that he not be called a Gal. In his view he was submitted to God, the Almighty. While his family received him well at first, later they rejected him. This experience broke his heart. Somali believers are few in number. They experience loneliness and rejection even from their most beloved family members. Only encouragement and comfort from God helps them to overcome.

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Dearborn is the hometown of Henry Ford and the world headquarters of the Ford Motor Company. Many years ago Muslim immigrants to the United States (US) were drawn to the relatively high-paying jobs associated with the auto industry in the area.

Dearborn, Michigan now has the largest single concentration of Arab Muslims in North America. There are 32,000 Arab Muslims from Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq living in East Dearborn, making up almost 1/3 of the population. In some districts it is common to see store signs and billboards written in Arabic.

Shi'a Mosque

The Islamic Centre of America in Dearborn, a Shi'a mosque frequented mostly by Lebanese Muslims, is the largest mosque in the US. The Centre's attractive website has several good photos: http://www.icofa.com/.

Mosques and Islamic Centres play an important role in the life of American Muslims. They are places of refuge and of rest; places where a Muslim can experience the Islamic community and learn about Islam. Many Muslims feel safer and more relaxed within the centres which are somewhat isolated from outside influences. Dearborn is one of the few places in the US where one can actually hear the call to prayer publicly over a loudspeaker.

Making Christ Known

There have been a number of efforts to make Christ better known to Muslims in Dearborn. However, many believers say that in general, it can sometimes be even harder to discuss believing in Jesus with Muslims in Dearborn than elsewhere. Muslims in Michigan have a fortress mentality manifested in community pressure to conform to Muslim ideals.

Flag of the USA

Map of the USA

Prayer starters:

* Pray that the Muslims in Dearborn will respond to the Gospel message they have heard (Acts 28:26-28).

* Pray for the Arabic speaking Muslim background believers who live in the area. May they have God's grace in the Yemeni, Iraqi and Lebanese neighborhoods to start new communities of believers.

* Pray for the new adult male believers in the Messiah to openly profess their faith in the context of their families, as well as in the larger Muslim communities. Their influence and authority in the home and society will pave the way for the Gospel to be heard and obeyed by others.

From Thief to Giver

Ali (not his real name) was a man with a very hard heart. In the past he would ride trains and befriend people. When they fell asleep, he would steal their belongings, jump off the train and sell the things. He tried Islam but it did not change him. When his sister-in-law became a Christian he persecuted her. Later, however, he acknowledged Jesus as Lord and he is now one of the main leaders of the church! The transformation in his life has been nothing less than incredible! He is one of the most humble and loving men we know. This is especially seen in how he cares for his wife and daughters!

Thoughts that disturb ...

* Muslims often believe that the Bible has been altered and corrupted. They will deny its authority because they see it as not being authentic.

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* They believe it is blasphemy to affirm the divinity of Jesus and to give Him the title “Son of God”. Many believe this implies that God had sexual relations with Mary and that a son was born physically through the union. (This idea is also unacceptable for Christians.)

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| · Population: 541,000

The first inhabitants of Abu Dhabi were Bedouins (nomads) of the Bani Yas tribe whose customs remained unchanged for a thousand years. However, the new generation sees little need to retain the traditions.

* As the young people put aside the culture of their fathers, pray that this void would not be filled with secular materialism, but by a hunger for God and His truth.

As the modern city of Abu Dhabi continues to grow, new high-rise apartments and offices are replacing decaying 1960s compound homes built with the first oil revenues. As the city grows its inhabitants face all the issues of any large city. Many who are lonely, needy, and feeling trapped are ready to hear good news.

* Pray that those Christians working in the city will have open eyes to see these needs and also have compassionate hearts.

Before the advent of oil, Abu Dhabi was a small fishing village on an island. Now it is a large modern city with outstanding architecture; it is also the political and financial centre of the UAE. The pre-eminence of this city and its role in the UAE brings with it responsibilities both to the federation and to the entire Arabian Gulf region.

* Pray that decision-makers in the capital will be wise and compassionate stewards of this influence and authority. Pray that the Christians whom they may meet prove to be faithful role models, influential work colleagues, and examples of Christ.

Dubai

| · Population: (674,100 in city and 1,510,000 in the metropolitan area)

Shopping malls are the main place of recreation during the hot summers in Dubai. Materialism and the lust for money make Dubai a somewhat "cut-throat" business environment.

Flag of the UAE

Map of the UAE

* Pray that Muslims turn to Christ instead of secular materialism. Remember in prayer those Christians who seek to bear witness to Christ through their business activities in Dubai, since this is an especially stressful calling.

The Burj Al Arab, a seven-star hotel, is an image recognised around the world and identified with Dubai. The Burj, or "tower", symbolises more of Dubai than just an amazing feat of architecture. Decadent opulence, craving for the biggest and best, and a desire to be seen as a modern city in the eyes of the world underlie many of the local building projects.

* Pray that people of the Emirates will see that their need for significance is best met in a personal relationship with Christ.

Many local families have grand palaces for homes. The ruling sheikhs look after their people well by providing homes, education, and financial assistance. Many are discovering that material comfort does not necessarily bring happiness.

* Pray for the witness of the many Christian servants (mostly Filipinos and Indians) who live in these homes. May they have courage to serve their employers as they would the Lord, so that their employers may desire to serve the Lord Jesus.

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matt 5:16)

Al Ain

| · Population: 318,000

Al Ain is the birthplace of the late UAE ruler, Sheikh Zayed al Nayhan. On the crossroads of a significant desert trade route, Al Ain is steeped in an influential past. The only large inland city in the country, and a border city with the Omani township of Buraimi, Al Ain is as much today a place of crossroads as it was in ancient times.

* Pray that this city will also be a crossroads with the gospel message proclaimed enthusiastically by the many who visit there.

Al Ain's green oasis feel is only possible through the presence of water. Irrigation systems are used like arteries to supply groves of trees with water from its source in the mountains. The Arabic word for water ("mai") is used figuratively to describe something easy, sweet or pleasant.

* Pray that the people from Al Ain would come to know the One who is the source of living waters. Pray that they will come to know Christ as their "living water".
Mountain ranges dominate the Al Ain oasis. The rainfall on these mountains is trapped underground to supply the springs, which water the oasis.

Evidence of civilisations 3,000 years old speaks of a time when this region was cooler and more fertile. Even within living memory there is talk of when it rained more and these plains supported wandering herds of goats and camels.

* Pray that the searing spiritual dryness of this place will be replaced with "streams in the desert".

The information on these pages has been provided by the "Praying Through the Arabian Peninsula" intercession effort. We strongly recommend using their prayer material (printed and digital), which is available from the website www.pray-ap.info.

Video: UAE

Sky from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

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History

In the 1940s God spoke to several Chinese believers about spreading the Gospel starting with the western Chinese province of Xinjiang through Muslim countries all the way to Jerusalem. They called themselves “The Preach Everywhere Gospel Band”! Western missionaries called them “The Back to Jerusalem Evangelistic Band.”

Some of the spiritual roots of this movement can be traced to the 1920s “Jesus Family” group which targeted villages and preached the Gospel. They committed themselves to “sacrifice, abandonment, poverty, suffering and death” for the sake of the Gospel.

Priorities

The “Back to Jerusalem Movement’s” first priority was to reach the following Chinese provinces: Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Tibet, Sichuan, Qinghai, Gansu and Ningxia in Central, Northern and Western China. Also included as target areas were Asia’s border countries: Afghanistan, Iran, Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Palestine. Upon reaching these areas, they intended to establish new believing groups while shepherding and reviving existing efforts. They decided to completely rely on God for finances for all their endeavours.

Persecution

The movement did move into Western China in the 1950s and suffered great persecution and most of the believers were imprisoned. Simon Zhao, one of the early leaders was jailed for 31 years. Though Zhao entered prison as a young visionary, later he was released into a very different China as a gray-haired, elderly man with no friends. News of Zhao’s release spread, but it was not until six years later that church leaders began to seek him out.

Simon Zhao's Death

Initially, Zhao did not share his vision for the “Back to Jerusalem” ministry with others. Instead he sought to encourage Chinese Christian leadership and pray. It was not until the 1990s that Zhao began to share his vision with a group of Chinese Christians to inspire them to carry on the vision God had given him over 50 years ago. He died in 2001 after another 15 years of ministry. During this time, several believers became burdened to pursue the “Back to Jerusalem Movement” once again.

Back to Jerusalem Today

Today, many Chinese Christians have the vision to reach western China and Muslim nations all the way back to Jerusalem. They believe that in the last days before Christ’s return, it is the duty of the Chinese church to take the Gospel back to Jerusalem in order to complete a full circle of the Gospel which was originally brought to them from the West.

“Hundreds of Chinese families are desiring to relocate to unreached regions of China,” reported a Chinese house-church leader. Some leaders hope to send out thousands of itinerant missionaries to reach the non-Han peoples of China and plant new congregations. Cross-cultural outreach is still very young in China, yet some believers are praying continually about their role in reaching the Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist nations with the Good News of the Kingdom.

Flag of China

Map of China

Prayer Starters:

• Worship the Lord, Proclaim the truths of Isaiah 66:18-23 in prayer. May God open doors for many Chinese to proclaim his glory among the nations.
• Some Chinese believers have already made courageous efforts to proclaim their faith cross culturally but the results have not always been positive. There is a huge need for effective and in depth cross cultural outreach training for those who want to take the Gospel to other peoples. Training is a major priority. Zeal is not enough.

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Originally from the eastern coast of Sumatra, the Kerinci fled from local Muslim Sultanates in an ancient war and moved into their existing homeland high in the Bukit Barisan Mountains. They speak Kerinci and Bahasa Indonesian.

Most of the 260,000 Kerinci are farmers harvesting rice, potatoes, coffee, cinnamon, and even resin and rattan from the jungle areas. Those living near Lake Kerinci and other small lakes are fishermen. The Kerinci have been able to resist assimilation with the stronger lowland peoples.

Mass Relocations

Today their isolation is being changed by government-sponsored mass relocations of Jawa, Sunda, and Bali people for plantation projects on their rich soil. In addition, a world-class national park is being developed by the World Wildlife Fund to preserve the rainforest, flora, and fauna. Islam is the majority religion of the Kerinci, but they still hold to animism, especially as it is exhibited by their use of traditional healers and magic to bless their crops.

Testimony

A young woman from a conservative Muslim background is now a follower of Christ. Her brother heard of this, but was sure she would soon return to Islam. When he saw that she hadn’t, he demanded that she renounce her faith and say the Islamic creed. She refused, and he grabbed a metal rod and threatened to kill her. The family stopped him, but her mother sobbed and pleaded with her to say the creed. She finally did, but deeply regretted it afterward. When she shared her sorrow with another believer, her friend explained that the Apostle Peter also denied Jesus, but was forgiven and restored. She has now experienced this same grace and says, “I never want to deny the Lord ever again.”

Dreams and Visions

A recently baptized believer just out of prison was greatly troubled by questions which another person brought up about the reliability of the New Testament. He said he was full of doubts and fell asleep with a Bible next to his bed. In the middle of the night he was awakened by a man who pointed to the Bible and said, “Don’t be afraid. Read my book. I’m always with you.” Later, he realized it was Jesus who had spoken to him, and he was greatly encouraged.

Flag of Indonesia

Map of Indonesia

Prayer Starters:

• Ask the Lord to give wisdom and favour to believers going among the Kerinci of Indonesia.
• Pray for God’s wisdom and authority in dealing with the spiritual forces that have kept the people bound for generations (1 Cor. 1:30, 2 Cor. 10:4).

Listen to the Podcast - DAY 18 - The Kerinci People of Indonesia

Video: Church Planting Among Muslims (1:20)

Indonesia Trailer from Techinc Productions on Vimeo.

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Immigration Rate x 4

Canada’s immigration rate is growing 4 times as fast as the birth rate and well over half of all new immigrants land in Toronto. Three of the city’s most densely populated high-rise apartment clusters, Thorncliffe Park, Crescent Town and Dixon Park, are overwhelmingly Muslim. Comprised of people from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia, each square kilometre of these neighbourhoods, has as many as 20,000 people stacked on each other. The local schools scramble to find space for the children of the newcomers. One public school now has over 1900 students from Kindergarten to grade 5. Funds have been released for an unprecedented second school, dedicated entirely to 30 kindergarten classes! In the 2006 census the largest demographic group was children aged 0-4 years old.

The Neighbourhood

These neighbourhoods have been formed by low rent housing, strong family ties, halal shops and the hope for a prosperous future. For many families the pressures are intense. Shocking advertising campaigns assault their sense of propriety, their kids seem to live in a different world after only a few months of adaptation, the winters are long and employment poses a huge challenge. Many from Pakistan, Bangladesh and India are foreign trained professionals. Those from Afghanistan or Somalia are usually seeking refuge from the effects of long bloody conflicts. Many have huge gaps in their education, because of the years lost as they literally fled for their lives. For all, opportunities are few and the barriers to work and provision are many. The frustrations of bringing up a large family in a new land are profound. (For more information see www.torontomuslims.com)

Seeing Jesus

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Map of Canada

When deciding to come to Canada, few, if any, of Toronto’s Muslims would have been thinking about the increased opportunities to meet or to follow Jesus Christ. In recent years, some believers have been able to proclaim to their friends the hope that they have in the Messiah. In many cases Muslims are invited for the first time to enter a Christian home. During their visits stereotypes and perceptions are either hardened or melted away. As Muslims start to see Jesus, some turn away, others are strongly attracted to him! For Muslims and Christians living alongside each other, there exists a huge potential for mutual respect, appreciation, reconciliation and love to flow between the two communities.

Prayer Starters for Toronto

• Pray that through the sharing of their lives and the Word of God, that the Messiah would be honoured by believers who are seeking to proclaim the Good News among Toronto’s Muslims. (1 Cor 1:23-24)
• Pray that Canada’s Muslims would find jobs, peace and a sense of belonging in their new country.
• Pray that Toronto’s Muslims who are discovering the living Messiah would become a source of life and inspiration for their fellow countrymen in Canada and in their homelands.

Video: Toronto Church Planting Ideas (1:08)

Toronto Church Planting promo from Shaun Hypes Survive Studios on Vimeo. North America Missions Board

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In the summer of 2010 the whole world had its eyes directed toward New York City in the USA. A new mosque was being proposed just two blocks away from the “September 11th Ground Zero” site in lower Manhattan.

Surprises

Suddenly the entire planet knew that there were Muslims in New York City. Most Americans also discovered to their surprise that there are possibly 600,000 Muslims in New York City as well as over 100 mosques. In 1970 there were fewer than ten mosques. One mosque, located four blocks from “Ground Zero,” even lost several of its members in the famous terrorist attack in 2001.

The Call

Flag of the USA

Map of the USA

No matter what people may think and feel about Muslims building a mosque near the “Ground Zero” site, we as believers are all called to pray for the accomplishing of God’s purposes among the Muslims of the city of New York. He is certainly calling many Muslims into His eternal Kingdom. Jesus’ blood was shed for them. Let’s pray for Muslims in the New York City area.

Prayer Starters:

• Search your own heart concerning September 11th. Has the event made you bitter, prejudiced and angry toward Muslims in general because of this attack? (Hebrews 12:15)
• Pray for the families who have lost loved ones in the September 11th attacks. Pray that they will be able to make peace with the past and be ready to move forward with the rest of their lives, leaving any bitterness behind. God is the only one who can bring help to the families who suffered these losses.
• Pray for members of the Muslim community in New York that have suffered prejudice and abuse simply for being Muslims as a result of the attacks.
• Remember that there is a spiritual battle in the heavens for the salvation of the many Muslims in the city who are still very much in the hands of the enemy. They need deliverance from the guilt and shame of sin, from the power of death and from fear of the evil one. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Proclaim Hebrews 2:14 over the city.
• Pray for Muslims in the New York area to discover the truth about the Messiah, Jesus through friendships with believers, through supernatural intervention, and traditional radio, television, internet, books, tracts, DVDs and the Bible.
• Many new workers are needed. Believers from all New York are needed to proclaim the Good News in the Muslim community.

Listen to the Podcast - DAY 07 - Muslims in New York City

Video: Rally Against Ground Zero Mosque (6:43)

(NOTE: We at "30-Days" do not take sides on this issue but embed the following video we feel helps explain the need for prayer, especially for non-Americans.)

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