Weekly UPG Prayer Focus

Country: Afghanistan | Population: 1,796,000 | Language: Aimaq | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%

The Aimaq were once known as a nomadic people who were formidable warriors.  Drought and war forced them into a semi-nomadic and largely subsistent life as herders, farmers, and carpet weavers.  The Aimaq people consist of some six tribes and over 250 sub-tribes.  Women are granted higher status, and participate in group discussions, even when outsiders are present.  Tribal customs remain strong, and tribal laws by village leaders usually supersede government and even some Islamic rules.  Believers in Afghanistan are highly persecuted.  Pray that God would make His Gospel known to the Aimaq, whether they live in Afghanistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, or as refugees in other countries. 

Country: Bangladesh | Population: 135,533,000 | Language: Bengali | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: <0.18%

Bengali Muslims are the largest ethnic people group in Bangladesh.  Islam spread throughout the region in the 13th century and was solidified during the Mughal Empire.  Their culture, language, literature, music, and art continue to reflect both ancient Hindu traditions and Sunni Islamic influences.  Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971.  The status and livelihood of Bengali Muslims varies greatly among those living in urban areas, as well as rural places.  Poverty, limited access to education, healthcare, and sanitation are significant challenges for them, especially in rural areas.  Pray that God would open more doors for Bengali Muslims to hear the Gospel.  Pray that they would respond and choose to follow Jesus.

Country: Malawi | Population: 2,693,000 | Language: Yao | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.1-1.0%

The Yao trace their history to the area surrounding Yao Mountain in Northern Mozambique.  Famine and tribal conflicts in the 1800s caused many to flee.  Most Yao are now found in Malawi and live as subsistence farmers and fishermen.  The Gospel was brought to Malawi in the mid-1800s by missionaries (including David Livingstone) who were instrumental in Britain ending slavery. However, contact with Swahili-Arab slave traders led to the majority of the Yao converting to Islam between 1870 and 1920.  Yao Muslims have insulated themselves from their Christian Yao neighbors by maintaining their unified language, culture, and religious differences, including learning Arabic.  Pray for those who are trying to share the Good News.  Pray that the Yao would accept the Bible as Holy Scriptures and God’s Word to them.  Pray they would recognize Jesus as Savior and find their hope in Him.

Country: China | Population: 2,080,000 | Language: Miao | Main Religion: Ethnic Religions| Evangelical: 0.1-0.3%

The Hmu (or Miao) are known for their distinctive and ornate embroidered black clothing.  For centuries, they have been despised by the Chinese, who called them “men-dogs” since it was once believed they had tails.  Protestant missionary work began among the Hmu in 1896.  Two years later, a China Inland Mission missionary and the first Hmu believer were killed along with 32 more Hmu who had shown interest in the Gospel.  Missionaries returned to that area some 14 years later and completed a New Testament translation in 1934.  Pray that the seeds of the Gospel planted long ago would take root and grow now among the Hmu.  Pray they would know they are valued and loved by God, and that they would experience His forgiveness and grace.