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Welcome to our worldwide evangelistic prayer focus page.
FBC Summit has established an worldwide prayer focus for the evangelization of the world. Members are encouraged to include the following people groups in their prayer lives during the 2011 year. Information will be provided throughout each quarter on an “unreached” people group in the world.
What is an unreached people group?
An unreached people is a people group among which there is no indigenous community of believing Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize this people group.
Please visit www.joshuaproject.net for more information on unreached people groups. The information on this page comes from The Joshua Project.
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Introduction / History
The Awlad Hassan (who refer to themselves as the Beri), are scattered throughout central Africa in the countries of Chad, Niger, and Sudan. All of the groups, including the Awlad Hassan, speak Zaghawa (sometimes called Beri), which belongs to the Saharan branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family.
The Awlad Hassan inhabit a territory that consists mainly of grassy stretches and plateaus with deep gullies; desert surrounds them to the North, East, and West. Rainfall, though sometimes inadequate, provides the Zaghawa with fairly dense vegetation, since the water can seep quickly into the sandy soil. However, during the dry months, lack of water can become a problem. The tsetse fly, which causes sleeping sickness, can also be found in the southern regions.
The Awlad Hassan are an ancient society dating back to the seventh century. Long ago, they had their own kingdom that was separated into chiefdoms, castes (strict social classes), and family clans. The remnants of this ancient kingdom can still be seen today.
What are their lives like?
Since the independence of Sudan, Chad, and Niger, the governments have greatly reduced the power of the Awlad Hassan chiefs. Also, Islam has weakened their traditional clan system. Today, the Awlad Hassan are concerned about their economic welfare, their political independence, and their national heritage. Their economy is based on animal husbandry, agriculture, gathering, and trading. Cattle, sheep, camels, and other animals are raised and marketed, primarily for their milk. The milk of cattle, sheep, and camels is consumed either hot or cold, sour or fresh, pure or mixed with water or tea, as a porridge mixed with millet, or as butter. The milk of a donkey may also by drunk as a remedy for coughing. Animal skins are used to make clothing and leather items, and the meat is eaten as a part of their diet.
Tubers (starchy root vegetables) and millet are grown in the fields, while vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, and okra are grown in small gardens surrounding the homes. The women are responsible for cultivating these small vegetable gardens. They also gather wild grasses, seeds, berries, and other fruits. Small groups of women set out for journeys that last about a month, taking with them all that is necessary for their gathering expedition. They sleep under shelters built from branches and bundles of grass. After the gathering is complete, the various grains are stored in earthen jars, for cereals are not mixed within the same granary. In addition to the products gathered by the women, the Zaghawa may also gather honey, certain leaves, and locusts for consumption.
Many Awlad Hassan are merchants, traveling southward and eastward to find food supplements and manufactured goods that they lack in their own region. Cattle, sheep, wild grasses, and the gum of the Acacia Senegal are exchanged for sugar, tea, oil, blankets, dried dates, soap, and aspirin.
Some of the Awlad Hassan work as blacksmiths (as these craftsmen are collectively called). Their craft involves making metal tools, weapons, and jewelry; making pottery; and carving wooden stools and musical instruments. A few of the blacksmiths also tan hides, make various leather items, weave cotton, and hunt. In times past, the blacksmiths depended primarily on hunting for survival. However, since the introduction of firearms in the area, there is a limited amount of game in the region. Among the Awlad Hassan, blacksmiths are considered to be the lowest caste.
Most Awlad Hassan villages contain Islamic mosques, which are used for prayer. There is also a "men's tree," where the men gather to discuss the affairs of the village. Inside the villages, young girls may be seen grinding grain and making porridge, while the young boys help with the herds or the harvest. From the time a child is very young, he is taught the way of life that his caste will offer them.
What are their beliefs?
Since the introduction of Islam to the region in the 1600's, most of the Awlad Hassan have gradually converted to Islam. However, some continue to practice their ethnic religion. They are very superstitious and have a strong belief in the "evil eye." This is a curse caused by an intent gaze of an envious person. To avoid such curses, babies' faces are covered in public, charms are worn, and even houses are constructed in a certain fashion. The Awlad Hassan do not believe in ghosts or life after death.
What are their needs?
Sadly, most of the Awlad Hassan have not heard a clear presentation of the Gospel. These precious people deserve a chance to know that there is a Savior who loves them and wants to give them eternal life! The Scriptures need to be made available in their language and Christian broadcasts need to be aired in their region so that they will hear the Good News. Above all, they need people who will begin to faithfully intercede for them, tearing down the strongholds that are keeping them in spiritual bondage. Only then will their hearts be prepared to receive the Gospel as it is presented to them.
Prayer Points
* Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into central Africa to work among the Awlad Hassan.
* Ask God to create a hunger within the hearts of the Awlad Hassan to know the Truth.
* Pray that God will give the small number of Awlad Hassan believers boldness to share Christ with their own people.
* Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the spiritual soil through worship and intercession.
* Pray that God will reveal Himself to these precious people through dreams and visions.
* Ask the Lord to bring forth triumphant churches among each of the Awlad Hassan tribes for the glory of His name!
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Introduction / History
The Bengali are considered to be the original inhabitants of the Bengal region of southwest Asia. This territory is divided politically between Bangladesh and West Bengal, a state in India. Bengali is the native language spoken by most of the groups in this region. While the vast majority of Bengalis live in Bangladesh and northeast India, there are significant communities in a number of other countries and other parts of India as well.
Although the Bengalis are primarily classified according to language, their culture remains very diversified. It is made up of various castes, such as the Brahman, Kayastha, Vaidya, Namasudra, Gandha Banik, Saadgop, Napit, Mahisya, Kanaani, and Subarnabanik. Their assortment of occupations and religious preferences has created other cultural distinctions as well.
In general, the Bengalis are a proud people, highly ambitious, and always striving for excellence. Although outside influences are being incorporated into their culture, the Bengalis remain very proud of their cultural heritage.
What are their lives like?
The majority of the Bengali in India and Bangladesh are involved in some type of farming. Wet rice is their primary crop, and wheat and potatoes have also recently been added. Some families with private ponds may engage in small-scale fishing, but extensive fishing is an occupational specialty of one of the castes.
Most of the Bengalis live in villages containing between 100 and 1000 people. There are approximately 100,000 villages across the Bengal region. Peasant homesteads usually consist of extended families. These families are broken down into households of independent landowners and consumers.
The Bengalis typically live in adobe (mud) brick homes. Since monsoon rains cause frequent flooding in the delta region, the homes there are usually elevated. Many of the Bengalis living in Calcutta have extremely low-incomes. They live in slums, on the streets, or anywhere they can find a place.
As is common throughout southern Asia, the division of labor is clearly marked among the Bengalis. Regardless of a family's occupational specialty, all of the men's activities take place outside of the home. The women, on the other hand, are limited to duties that can be performed inside the home. Land has always been individually owned. Small family farms, which are usually about a single hectare (2.5 acres) in size, are often sub-divided among family members.
Most marriages in Bengali society are arranged. However, there are marked differences between the Hindu and Muslim wedding ceremonies. When mates are being chosen, caste and social rank are very important considerations. Within rural areas, married couples almost always live near or with their parents. Inheritance is governed by the dayabhaga system of customary law. Under such a system, a man has sole rites in all ancestral property. Before he dies, he may then pass it on to his survivors any way he chooses.
India is a land of extreme contrasts. Sadly, while many of the Bengalis are in a seemingly endless cycle of poverty, there are also those that are remarkably wealthy. It is generally only those of the higher castes (the wealthiest), that have been able to migrate to other countries. Once there, they have been able to find work or establish their own small businesses. Nevertheless, in spite of various degrees of Westernization, most Bengalis have retained strong cultural ties.
What are their beliefs?
The majority of Bengalis are Muslims, while the rest are Hindu or Hinduized animists. The Bengali of Bangladesh are the largest group and are nearly all Muslim. In Islam, recruitment of clergy is voluntary. Any man who has a desire to study the Qur'an may do so. Then, he may eventually become the mullah (one highly trained in doctrine and holding a position in the local mosque) if chosen by the congregation.
Bengali Hindu worship many gods, some of which are animals. Cows are sacred, but they revere monkeys, snakes, and other animals as well. They teach such things as yoga and reincarnation (a continual cycle of death and rebirth). They believe that the soul may be reincarnated, or reborn, as an animal or as a human. The law of karma states that every action influences how the soul will be born in the next life. If a person lives a good life, his soul will be born into a higher state. Whereas, if he leads an evil life, his soul will be born into a lower state, perhaps even as a worm! The cycle continues until spiritual perfection is achieved. Then the soul enters moksha, a new level of existence, from which it never returns.
Hindu shrines contain sculptured images of their gods. Everyday priests wash and dress the images and bring them food. This is not considered idol worship since they believe the gods are actually present in the images.
What are their needs?
The Bengali are one of the most significant people groups in South Asia. Although there have been reports of real progress among the Muslims in Bangladesh, a determined effort must be sustained in order to reach the Bengali with the Gospel. The city of Calcutta, home to many Bengalis, is a city of massive oppression, disease, and poverty.
Prayer Points
* Pray for an opening of spiritual understanding among all Bengalis.
* Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to the Bengal region and share Christ with the Bengalis.
* Pray that the small number of Bengali Christians will be a light for the Gospel in this area.
* Ask God to raise up Christian medical teams, businessmen, and teachers to take the Gospel into this region.
* Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of these Hindus and Muslims towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
* Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches in the Bengal region.
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Introduction / History
The Vania people are also called Bania or Mahajan. The word Vania is derived from 'Vaniji', which means 'trader' in Sanskrit. The Vania community has gotras such as Agarwal, Dasora, Dishawal, Kapol, Nagori, Vagada, Modh and Nagar.
Many of these names are based on the names of the place they are from. The Agrawal, though they are settled mainly in North Gujarat, take their name from the Agar Town. The Jharola live in Eastern Gujarat and the come from Jalor of Rajashthan and Maharashtra. The titles used by the Vania are Shah, Shroff, Parikkh, Chokshi, Seth and Gandhi.
The Vania community consists of two religious divisions, namely Vaishnava and Jain. Most of the groups of Vania are split into Visha meaning twenty and Dasha or ten. These subdivisions are further divided into Ekda and Bagda. The Bagda mostly live in villages, while Ekda live in villages and towns. They have an organization called the Mandal to look after the temples and the community's property.
Business, trade, jewellery-making and agriculture are the traditional occupations of the Vania. Floor painting and folk songs represent the Vania's art and culture. The naming of the newborn ritual is performed by a Jangam priest by putting a thread around the infant's neck.
The Vania are Hindu by religion. They are Vaishnavite and devotees of Shrinathji. A section of them are from the Jain community. The Vania maintain intercommunity linkages with the Brahman, Valand, Soni and other communities through trade and service. The Vania in the state of Maharashtra are mostly the followers of the Lingayat Cult.
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Introduction / History
The Han Chinese, or Mandarin Chinese, make up the majority of mainland China's total population. They speak Kuoyu (or Mandarin), which is a form of Chinese that comes from the Sino-Tibetan language family. The Han have emigrated from mainland China for various reasons over the years. As a result, they now live in nearly every country of the world.
Many Han Chinese live in North Korea; yet, they make up a fraction of the country's total population. About four-fifths of North Korea's land is mountainous. The remainder, which is suitable for farming and industry, contains the entire population of North Korea. The climate is similar to that of New England, except for the cold Siberian winds in the winter. Wildlife includes deer, antelope, wild pigeons, and tigers. The Han Chinese living scattered throughout North Korea have, for most part, retained their Chinese heritage and have even influenced Korean culture.
What are their lives like?
After World War II, North Korea changed from an agricultural to an industrial nation. This was due primarily to the plentiful supply of electric power in the area. At that time, many of the Han Chinese in North Korea migrated into the industrial cities. Today, the production of iron and steel, industrial and agricultural machinery, and textiles, are the three most important regional industries.
Railroads are an important means of transportation between cities in North Korea. Few automobiles are available, so highway transportation is not important. The roads that do exist are not yet paved. Walking and bicycling are by far the main methods of transportation.
In 1950, a Mandarin law was passed stating that Han Chinese marriages were no longer to be arranged. It also said that a bride-price was no longer mandatory and that women were permitted to file for divorce. A marriage based on love is ideal today. Marriages between minors are no longer considered legal. A newlywed couple may choose to live with either the bride's or the groom's family.
Education is very important to the Han Chinese. They are encouraged to excel in school and are given adequate study time while away from school. For more than 2,000 years, the Han Chinese have developed the "humoral balance" theory. This involves the balance of what are believed to be the four fluids of the body: blood, phlegm, choler, and black bile. Acupuncture, or surface point stimulation with needles, is the result of this theory. Today, acupuncture is practiced in many Western countries, including the United States. It is known to prevent or control diseases, relieve pain, and induce sleep.
Most of the Han Chinese in North Korea have retained their ethnic Chinese traditions. Family groups are tightly knit and children's births are welcomed, in contrast to the one-child-per-family law in China. The Han Chinese are known to be self-reliant, flexible, hard working, and frugal.
What are their beliefs?
Three-quarters of the Han Chinese in North Korea are non-religious; many are atheists. This is due to the fact that all religious practices were discouraged by the Communist government.
Most Chinese folk religions include the belief that when a Han Chinese dies, his soul is dispersed in the earth to remain in bones before traveling to the realm of the dead. There, the soul is believed to live as it did while on the earth. Finally, they believe that the soul comes to rest in a wooden or paper spirit tablet that is to be worshipped as an "ancestral spirit." The Han believe that these spirits can cause harm if they are not appeased.
What are their needs?
Christian resources are available in Mandarin. Prayer is the first step to seeing them reached with the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
* Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to North Korea and share Christ with the Han Chinese.
* Ask the Holy Spirit to stir up a hunger within the hearts of the Han Chinese to know the one true God.
* Pray that God will use the few Han Chinese believers to share the love of Christ with their own people.
* Ask the Holy Spirit to anoint the Gospel as it goes forth via radio to the Han Chinese.
* Pray that Jesus will begin revealing Himself to these precious people through dreams and visions.
* Pray that God will raise up intercessors who will faithfully stand in the gap for the Han Chinese.
* Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Han Chinese of North Korea.
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