Weekly UPG Prayer Focus

Country: China | Population: 335,000 | Language: Naxi | Main Religion: Ethnic Religions | Evangelical: 0.07%

The Naxi are known for their script that was developed over 1,000 years ago and includes 1,500 pictographs. As of 1995, it was reported that only three elderly men could read the script, but it has since been revitalized and used in the region, including on road signs. Historically, the Naxi practiced the Dongba religion, which is preoccupied with wonder-working and power, as well as belief in gods and demons who are manipulated with magic. Their creation myth traces the origin of humans to an elephant-headed god who helped people hatch from magic eggs. Currently, the majority of Naxi are non-religious, though many do believe in a creator god. Pray that the Naxi would come to know that Jesus is the One through whom and by whom were all things created. Pray that they would also see the power of Christ to bring healing, restoration, and transformation in their lives.

Country: Nigeria | Population: 8,281,000 | Language: Yerwa Kanuri | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 1.00%

The majority of Kanuri live in northeastern Nigeria. They are descendants of the once-powerful Bornu Empire, which ruled until the British took control in 1914. Most Kanuri are farmers whose primary crop is millet, along with sorghum, corn, and peanuts. They also raise sheep, goats, and some horses, which are a symbol of prestige. City dwellers are involved in all sorts of occupations. Kanuri involved in politics and religion have the highest social status, while blacksmiths, butchers, and well-diggers have the lowest. Polygamy is a common practice, and 8 of 10 marriages end in divorce. The Kanuri became Muslims in the 11th century, but still practice some folk beliefs, including wearing amulets or charms for various reasons. Pray that God would call believers to go live among the Kanuri and share the love of Jesus with them. Pray for the missionaries and missions agencies seeking to reach the Kanuri. Pray that God would give favor and bring fruit from their efforts. Pray that God would raise up strong and vibrant churches among the Kanuri that would reflect His heart.

Country: Iran | Population: 1,325,000 | Language: Bakhtiari | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.20%

The Bakhtiari are one of the Luri tribes who live in the Zagros Mountains of Western Iran.  Their society has been largely isolated by the rugged terrain and the closed nature of their 80 clans.  Bakhtiari women have more freedoms than most Muslim women, and they are involved in all aspects of life, including fighting in skirmishes with other clans.  Many Bakhtiari are shepherds or farmers, carpet weavers, or run small businesses.  The oil industry has led to more contact with the outside world, and the Bakhtiari are increasingly moving to more urban cities.  There are many obstacles to sharing Good News with the Bakhtiari.  Pray that God would lead them to discover Scripture and biblical materials in audio, written, and visual forms that will present the truth of the Gospel to them.  Pray that the few Bakhtiari believers would grow strong in their faith, and that God would remove barriers for them to tell others about Jesus.

Country: Indonesia | Population: 5,919,000 | Language: Bugis | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.06%

The Bugis are a highly mobile people who are considered the dominant group of South Sulawesi, the third largest island in Indonesia.  Most Bugis in the mountains work as farmers growing wet rice and raising livestock, while those along the coast are fishermen or work in port cities.  The majority of Bugis fervently adhere to Sunni Islam beliefs and practices, yet many retain some of their traditional beliefs.  Bugis believe the first Wednesday and last Thursday of each month are special days that bring good fortune, while Saturdays are bad days that are more likely to bring misfortune.  The Bugis place a very high value on both personal honor and communal honor.  They work hard to build, maintain, and defend their honor and whenever it is offended, they will consider serious forms of revenge.  Pray for God to reveal to them the grace and forgiveness that He offers through Jesus.  Ask God to send believers to live and work among the Bugis, and pray that He would open doors for them to share the hope and freedom they’ve found in Jesus.