Weekly UPG Prayer Focus

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.

Country:  Russia | Population: 487,000 | Language: Lezgi | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.02%

The Lezgi live in the Republic of Dagestan in Russia.  They are subsistence farmers and raise sheep and goats.  Some engage in skilled work such as leather working or textile production, and are well known for their hand-woven carpets.  The Lezgi have preserved much of their literature and music.  They also perform a world-renowned ancient folk dance called the Lezginka, which portrays the history and culture of the Lezgi people.  This dance is performed at small village weddings as well as on stage in front of thousands of people in large cities across Russia and Europe.  The Lezgi are Muslim with animistic practices woven into their faith, including tying rags on holy trees or holy graves to bring favor upon their finances, marriages, or health.  Pray for the Lezgi to recognize the power of the Gospel and rejoice in discovering how Jesus died to set them free from sin and death.  Pray they would choose to follow Him.

Country: India | Population: 16,822,000 | Language: Hindi | Main Religion: Hinduism | Evangelical: Unknown

The Bhil are the third-largest tribal group in India and live scattered all throughout the western part of the country.  They are a scheduled tribe with access to special benefits because of their low status.  Most Bhil work as peasant farmers, field laborers, and village watchmen.  Their name was derived from the word “billee,” which means “bow,” the characteristic weapon of the tribe.  They are experts at the bow and arrow, which the men often carry with them.  Almost all Bhil practice a mix of Hinduism and ethnic religions, including ancestor worship.  Shamans (priests) are called to offer sacrifices to their many gods and mud idols.  They consider Shiva to be the supreme god.  Ask the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts and open doors for them to hear the Good News of Jesus.  Pray that they will choose to worship the one true Almighty God who is, and was, and always will be.

Country: Turkey | Population: 1,344,000 | Language: Zazaki, Southern | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.00%

The Zaza are a nomadic people in the central part of eastern Turkey. They live in valleys and mountains where they shepherd their livestock and grow agricultural products. The Zaza can trace their roots to the Persians and Medes. The majority of Zaza people consider themselves to be Kurdish, even though their spoken language is more similar to Armenian. Their society is patriarchal, and their traditions and history are passed on orally as the Zaza remain largely illiterate. Pray that God would move in their hearts and that there would be opportunities for believers to go and share stories about Jesus and the truth of God’s Word.