Weekly UPG Prayer Focus

Country: Guinea | Population: 4,979,000 | Language: Pular | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%

The Fulbe Futa are a semi-nomadic people who also raise livestock and crops. They are a subgroup of the vast Fulani people group who live across West Africa and the Sahel. While the majority of Fulani raise “humped” cattle, the Fulbe Futa raise a native Djallon breed that is resistant to the tsetse fly, which is notorious for carrying disease. While herding cattle is typically a male activity, milking is done by women, who also care for the cattle, poultry, and other small livestock, and cultivate their gardens. The Fulbe Futa live in beehive-shaped huts that are surrounded by a cattle corral. While the homes in the villages are spread out, there is a central court and mosque. The Fulbe Futa are devout Muslims, and some villages have Islamic schools for their children. Pray for a willingness for the Fulbe Futa to learn about Jesus and His teachings and open their hearts to His truths.

Country: Iran | Population: 233,000 | Language: Gurani  | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%

The Gurani live in the region of northern Iran and Iraq known as Kurdistan. They are often categorized as Kurds, but are actually an Iranian ethnic group comprised of the Bajelani and the Hawrami. The Gurani were most likely originally located near the Caspian Sea and were assimilated by the expansion of the Kurdish population. They were able to retain their language and their reputation for their military qualities. As such, they have provided a regiment of soldiers for the Persian army. The Gurani are farmers who raise cattle and alternate between living on the plains and the high mountain pastures based on the season. The Gurani are Muslim and devoted to the five pillars of Islam. Pray that they would encounter the Good Shepherd who knows them and cares for them. Pray that they would accept Christ and see transformation in their families and communities.

Country: Afghanistan | Population: 337,000 | Language: Dari | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%

The Qizilbash are descendants of the Azeri Turk tribe that originated in the regions of Anatolia and Azerbaijan.  The Qizilbash came into Afghanistan in 1738, when they were serving as troops during the India campaign of Iranian ruler Nadir Shah Afshar.  Today, the Qizilbash live in the major urban centers as well as in the villages of central Afghanistan.  They are craftsmen and tradesmen who have historically held important roles in government and continue to have important political influence on society.  They adhere to Twelver Shia Islam as taught by sheikhs Haydar and his son Isma’il.  They believe that their rulers are divine beings; thus, other orthodox Shias would consider them to be extremists.  Pray for laborers to come and serve among the Qizilbash and to stand in the gap and intercede for their people.  Pray that they would see that Jesus is Lord—the one true King—and that He would be exalted among them.  Pray for a strong local church to be planted among the Qizilbash people.

Country: Pakistan | Population: 1,630,000  | Language: Sindhi | Main Religion: Muslim | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%

The Sama Sindhi are a group of Muslims in Pakistan, who moved from India during the partition of 1947.  All Sindhi were originally Hindu or Buddhist until the early 8th century, when many converted to Islam.  The Sama Sindhi claim to be descendants of the Samma Dynasty who once ruled over the Indus Valley and West India.  The Sindhi, unlike other Muslims, tend to organize society in castes based on clan and occupation, and do not marry outside their caste.  Rural Sindhi combine Muslim and Hindu practices with traditional beliefs in folk spirits.  Ask God to open doors for believers to go, work, live, and share the Gospel among them.  Pray that the Sama Sindhi would have opportunities to hear the Gospel, and that many would choose to follow Him.