October: SE Asian Muslims
Who They Are
The S.E. Asian Muslim Peoples are almost entirely from the Malay family of languages and ethnicity. Concentrated in Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the world, they were at one time the fastest growing area of Muslim evangelism and expansion. Decades ago the government mandated that every citizen choose one of five religions. The result has been an aggressive Islamization, including the building of thousands of mosques and Muslim schools, mostly financed by Middle East oil profits.
In the Philippines, Muslims have been given autonomy in certain areas after decades of terrorism and civil conflict. Unfortunately, this has not brought any improvement to their lives. Disgruntled militants have strengthened ties to radical Muslim groups operating in Indonesia and Malaysia, bringing further disintegration. After a series of inter-religious conflicts in Malaysia, the government there has made it illegal to convert Muslims to any religion and has banned the use of Malay in churches.
What God Is Doing
An underground church is emerging in Malaysia after decades of repression
by secret police and intolerant judges. Research on all the Muslim
peoples in Indonesia has for the first time brought to light the tremendous
need in this country. A network of churches and mission agencies is being
formed to facilitate disciple-making movements in each group.
How To Pray:
-Ask God to empower his Church in SE Asia to reach every unreached Muslim
tribe and to boldly proclaim the gospel.
-Pray for the leadership of the underground church in Malaysia.
-Pray for peace and order in the Southern Philippines and for the protection of
missionaries working in these hostile areas.
-Pray for reconciliation between Muslims and Christians in Indonesia.
Day | Prayer Focus | Hub Country | Population | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Java Pesisir Lor | Indonesia | 34,500,000 | |
2 | Sunda | Indonesia | 33,400,000 | |
3 | Java Banyumasan | Indonesia | 8,300,000 | |
4 | Madura | Indonesia | 8,200,000 | |
5 | Minangkabau | Indonesia | 6,200,000 | |
6 | Bugis | Indonesia | 6,200,000 | |
7 | Malaysian Malay | Malaysia | 5,700,000 | |
8 | Banjar | Indonesia | 5,700,000 | |
9 | Java Pesisir Kulon | Indonesia | 4,700,000 | |
10 | Aceh | Indonesia | 4,300,000 | |
11 | Orang Pantai Timur | Malaysia | 3,500,000 | |
12 | Palembang | Indonesia | 3,100,000 | |
13 | Sasak | Indonesia | 2,800,000 | |
14 | Makassar | Indonesia | 2,200,000 | |
15 | Malay Riau | Indonesia | 2,000,000 | |
16 | Tausug | Philippines | 1,400,000 | |
17 | Mandailing | Indonesia | 1,400,000 | |
18 | Maranao | Philippines | 1,200,000 | |
19 | Maguindanao | Philippines | 1,200,000 | |
20 | Jambi | Indonesia | 1,100,000 | |
21 | Pattani Malay | Thailand | 1,100,000 | |
22 | Gorontalo | Indonesia | 1,100,000 | |
23 | Sama-Bajao | Philippines | 1,000,000 | |
24 | Mbojo | Indonesia | 750,000 | |
25 | Pasemah | Indonesia | 700,000 | |
26 | Komering | Indonesia | 580,000 | |
27 | Lampung Pesisir | Indonesia | 520,000 | |
28 | Mandar | Indonesia | 500,000 | |
29 | Rejang | Indonesia | 450,000 | |
30 | Sumbawa | Indonesia | 400,000 | |
31 | Gayo | Indonesia | 360,000 |