When Jesus commanded His followers to “make disciples of all nations” in Matthew 28:19, He was not referring to political nations. The word Jesus used for nations in Greek is “ethne,” from which we get the English word “ethnic.” Jesus commanded us to make disciples from every ethnic people group. In Matthew 24:14, He said, "And this Gospel will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." Until we accomplish this, the task is unfinished.
Reach Beyond is committed to helping the global Church to make disciples among unreached people groups (UPGs). These are cultures and locations where Jesus Christ is largely unknown, and the church is relatively insufficient to make Him known in its broader population without outside help.
According to Joshua Project, there are still 7,000 UPGs, making up over 40 percent of the world’s population. The map below shows where the unreached are primarily located, but we also know we have the opportunity to reach displaced people groups in our own countries.
We want unreached people everywhere to hear about Jesus, see Him in action and learn how to follow Him. Because of our strengths in media, Reach Beyond has prayerfully decided to prioritize the 1900 largest unreached people groups of 100,000 or more in population.
Weekly UPG Prayer Focus
Country: Benin | Population: 337,000 | Language: Dendi | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%
The Dendi are one of some 65 ethnic groups in Benin, the least evangelized non-Muslim country south of the Sahara. Farming is a noble profession for the Dendi, but it is only for men. Women have gardens where they grow vegetables and fruits. Villages are comprised of people from a common male ancestor. Over 99% of Dendi are at least superficially Muslims. However, spirit possession, magic, sorcery, ancestor worship, and witchcraft are core components of their beliefs and daily practices. Pray that God would open their eyes so they would see that Jesus is above all of the spirits, powers, and rulers of darkness. Pray that the Dendi would recognize the lies they have been told and would choose to follow Jesus, who offers them the whole armor of God to withstand the evil one. Pray for the Dendi church to thrive and shine the light of the Gospel brightly for all to see.
Country: Pakistan | Population: 4,688,000 | Language: Western Punjabi | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%
Invaders brought Islam to the Gujar region of Western India during the 11th century. When neighboring Hindu groups regained control of the region, they pushed out both the invaders and those who had become Muslims. The Gujar combined Islam with some Hindu beliefs and traditions, causing further rejection. They were labeled as an untouchable caste destined for a life of poverty, illiteracy, and social oppression. The Gujar are seasonal nomads who raise buffalo and sheep along with some minimal farming. Pray that God would soften the hearts of family, clan, and government leaders so they would be open to hearing the Gospel and understand how much God loves and values them. Pray that they would want to follow Jesus.
Country: India | Population: 62,115,000 | Language: Hindi | Main Religion: Hinduism | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%
The Brahmins are the highest of all castes in India’s society, known for their influence and affluence. They have long been regarded for their performance of Hindu rituals. Most Brahmins perform some daily rituals, though many are now secularists, and few are actually involved in priestly duties. Brahmins place a high value on education, and as a result, many have emigrated to the west. They excel as scholars, educators, doctors, politicians, engineers, and computer programmers. Pray that the Brahmin would seek to discover the one true living God who loves them. Pray for the believers who are producing Hindi radio programs. Pray that God will use them to open eyes, minds, and hearts to the Gospel. Pray that the Brahmin will recognize that Jesus is the only one they should worship, and that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that no one comes to the Father but through Him.
Country: Nepal | Population: 1,906,000 | Language: Tharu | Main Religion: Hinduism | Evangelical: Unknown
The Tharu people are an ethnic group indigenous to southern Nepal and northern India. They are a gentle people who live quiet, simple lives. They make everything they need and then add a touch of beauty or art to it. The important leaders in the community are the village headman—the Bharra who treats disease, and the Desi-Mahajan who is the moneylender. While their focus has been mostly on local concerns, they have become more aware of outside issues and discuss them during their fireside chats. Pray for Christian witnesses and disciples to live among them. Pray for the Tharu to be convicted of their sins and that they would be receptive to the Good News of Jesus.
See more Weekly Featured Unreached People Groups: Alphabetical List or By Date
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