Weekly UPG Prayer Focus

Country: Chad | Population: 1,051,000 | Language: Kanembu | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%

The Kanembu live in the arid desert region of northwest Chad and were once the most powerful tribe in central North Africa. The king converted to Islam in the 1200s and then conquered and converted many neighboring tribes. The dynasty went into decline in the 1500s and ended with the arrival of the French in the 1900s. However, there are still sultans and traditional rulers who hold more power and influence than government officials. The majority of Kanembu are farmers, while many others work at salt mines. Most are illiterate, or may only read and write the Arabic that they learn in Islamic schools. Kanembu is not yet a written language. Pray that God would take away the stony hearts of the Kanembu and give them new hearts and a new spirit in them. Pray that God would call workers to come live among the Kanembu in Chad. Pray that the Kanembu would choose to walk with Jesus and then share their new faith with other tribes.

Country: Japan | Population: 1,151,000 | Language: Okinawan | Main Religion: Ethnic Religions | Evangelical: 0.1-2.0%

The Ryukyuan are a tight-knit indigenous community from the Ryukyuan Islands. They are Ryukyuan first and Japanese second. During WWII, the Battle of Okinawa saw fierce fighting with roughly 250,000 casualties, including 20,195 American soldiers. The Ryukyuan are among the longest-living people in the world. They honor and worship their ancestors, whom they believe both watch over and protect their families. The Ryukyuan also worship spirits in the natural world and seek to live in harmony with nature. Women are highly esteemed with central roles as shamans and mediators in the spiritual world, as well as guardians of the home. Pray for believers to have opportunities to share their faith with the Ryukyuan. Pray that they would understand why Jesus, the Creator of the Universe, willingly died for their sins. Pray that they will choose to follow Jesus and put their trust in Him.

Country: India | Population: 22,621,000 | Language: Hindi | Main Religion: Hinduism | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%

A well-known Jat proverb says that men may come and men may go, but I go on forever. It has been said that no Jat wants to be ruled. They are brave, hardworking people who possess both the desire and ability to rule. The Jats are known for their military prowess. They place great pride in their ancestry and rarely marry people from other ethnic groups. As a people, they are typically taller and heavier than most of their neighbors, and are often feared by other communities. They can be found in all walks of life, including high academic and technical positions. Most Jats live in rural areas and are usually landowners. They are one of the most prosperous groups in India on a per-capita basis. The Jats are pragmatic Hindus who worship whatever gods will benefit them. They hold negative views of Christianity as they only see low-status people choosing to follow Jesus. Pray that influential members of the Jat community would believe in Christ and that they would boldly share the Gospel with their people.

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.