Weekly UPG Prayer Focus

Country: Tunisia | Population: 11 million | Language: Arabic, Tunisian Spoken | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.00%

Tunisia has a rich history of Phoenician, Roman, and Byzantine culture. A strong Christian church was established there in the first few centuries after Christ, but disappeared soon after. Virtually all Tunisian Arabs are Muslim, however the country is largely secular and many Tunisians seldom, if ever, go to a mosque. Tunisians place a high value on family. They are friendly and known for their hospitality. Nearly 40% of Tunisians are under the age of 25, and they are highly educated. Lack of employment in the country led to an overthrow of the government in 2011, and the beginning of the Arab Spring. Pray for God to strengthen, encourage, protect, and multiply the small number of Tunisian Arab believers. Pray for completion of Bible translation work in this language. Pray that entire Tunisian families would come to faith and choose to follow Jesus. Pray that God would establish churches in every city and village in the country.

Country: Indonesia | Population: 4,082,000 | Language: Banjar | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%

The Banjar people live on the southern coast of Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo). They tend to marry and settle near parents or relatives, seldom moving to other parts of Indonesia. They are devout Muslims, and Islam influences every aspect of their identity and daily life. Yet they hold on to traditional animistic beliefs of supernatural beings living in stones, trees, and mountains. The Banjar do not look positively on modern methods or technologies. They do not mix much with other groups and are suspicious of outsiders’ intentions. Pray that the Banjar would be open to hearing the Gospel. Pray for church planting efforts and that these fellowships of believers would flourish and grow. Pray that the Banjar would find their true identity in Christ, who is their Creator and Savior.

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.