Pray For…The Minangkabau of Indonesia

Stats
•Population – 5,500,000
•Percentage of Evangelicals – 0%
•Language Spoken – Minangkabau
•Major Religion – Islam (Sunni)
•Human Development Rank of Indonesia – 111
•Persecution Index of Indonesia – 48
•Global Evangelical Status – Level 1, Less than 2% Evangelical. No active church planting in the past 2 years.

Situated in the province of West Sumatra, the Minangkabau are one of Indonesia’s largest people groups. The Minangkabau have been relatively successful in education and business. In December of 2006, the island of Sumatra was hit by a large tsunami that devastated the Aceh province and affected a large portion of the western part of the island. Response of the international community to bring relief opened the door for workers to share the Gospel. Many came to faith in Christ but very few among the Minangkabau. Minangkabau culture is strongly tied tho their adherence to Islam. In fact, to not be a Muslim is said to not be Minangkabau. If one comes to faith in Christ, they are rejected by their family, community, and live under the threat of persecution. Today, it is very difficult for foreigners to live in the areas where the Minangkabau due to the dangers and government restrictions. Due to this, there are few if any able to share the message of faith in Christ. (Sources: IMB Global Research, Joshua Project, Window on the World, UN Human Development Index, Open Doors)

•Pray that God would soften the hearts of this people and send laborers into this region.
•Pray for those who come to faith in Christ that they would have the grace from God to endure persecution and ostracism from their family and community.
•Ask God to give wisdom and courage to our Minangkabau brothers and sisters that they may share the gospel of Christ boldly with love.
•Pray for the missionaries who God has led to take the gospel to the Minangkabau that they would be faithful to opportunities God gives them.
•Pray for God to redeem many from the Minangkabau people.