Weekly UPG Prayer Focus

Country: Sudan | Population: 15,948,000 | Language: Arabic, Sudanese | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%

Most Sudanese Arabs live in small villages made up of clusters of mud-brick homes. The majority live off of what they can grow: grains, vegetables, and cotton, as well as raising livestock. Some live in towns and cities where they have jobs in various trades and more opportunities for education and economic prosperity. Still other Sudanese Arabs continue the nomadic life of their ancestors, traveling from place to place with their camels and herd. Sudan’s recent history has been filled with genocide, civil war, terror, and destruction, resulting in the deaths of more than 2,500,000 people and the displacement of millions more. Pray that God would bring an end to the conflicts and atrocities in Sudan and South Sudan. Ask God to move in the hearts of family and clan leaders. Pray they would choose to follow Jesus—the Prince of Peace.

Country: India | Population: 4,246,000 | Language: Hindi | Main Religion: Hinduism | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%

The Dhanuk are a low caste or a minority indigenous people. Many Dhanuk work as agricultural laborers or serve as household help for wealthy landlords and the affluent. Almost all worship Hindu deities, bringing food, flowers, and incense in the hope of earning protection and benefits. The Dhanuk are split into two groups. Those who worship the Hindu goddess Kali will eat pork and drink alcohol, while the rest do not. The Dhanuk also believe in magic, witchcraft, and ghosts. To drive ghosts away, they will put branches from a specific tree and unwanted shoes by the main gate of their house. Pray for the few Dhanuk believers and the churches scattered among them. Pray that the Dhanuk would hear the Good News of Jesus and choose to follow Him.

Country: Indonesia | Population: 3,497,000 | Language: Sasak | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%

The Sasak are predominantly found on Lombok Island, which is just east of Bali. Most are farmers, while others work as fishermen or craftsmen. Some Sasak are highly skilled in making weavings or earthenware items that are sold to tourists and exported abroad. Almost all Sasak are Muslims. Each year, many of them will go to great lengths and personal sacrifice to travel to Mecca. They know that by completing the Haj, they will be highly honored by family and neighbors for the rest of their lives. Many Sasak people continue to worship the spirits of ancestors and spirits who live in the forest, mountains, or rivers. They also try to appease evil spirits with offerings of food, flowers, and incense. Pray for church-planting efforts among the Sasak. Pray that they would recognize that Jesus is more powerful than the evil spirits that they fear, and that He alone is the one they should worship.

Country: Iran | Population: 416,000 | Language: Azerbaijani, South | Main Religion: Islam | Evangelical: 0.0-0.1%

The Afshari are semi-nomadic people who arrived in Iran in the 11th century. They were traditionally shepherds, and many today still move with their herds each spring and fall in search of better pastures. Large families live together in tents that are hand-woven from goat hair. The Afshari are also known as highly skilled weavers of rugs and other decorative items—early examples can be quite valuable. Most Afshari now have jobs outside of the home. They have followed Islam for many centuries and are proud of their Muslim identity. The Afshari have been very resistant to the Gospel­—there are no known believers. The Ashfari love to listen to music, and most have a radio. Pray that they would hear the Gospel through radio, the Jesus Film, or acquire the Scripture in their own language. Pray that God would open their hearts to learn about the Good Shepherd who wants to lead them to His green pastures and still waters.