Name November 2012
1. AMHARA OF ETHIOPIA (ahm-HAR-ah) - An Ethiopian believer who has been trained in evangelism and discipleship lives in one town, but his family lives in another town, a small one in the rural highlands. He and his friend, also trained, will be visiting his family on a regular basis to continue to share with them, and also to disciple two believers. One of those believers is his brother, and the other is an Orthodox priest. Please pray for wisdom for all involved. Pray for the trainers to be consistent and get out to this town often. Ask the Holy Spirit to move mightily among the trainers and the learners, resulting in spiritual growth, obedience, faithfulness, an increased love for the Father and Jesus, and a hunger for His Word. Pray that the learners will share what they learn with others.
2. ARAB PEOPLES OF CENT - English class [upload on November 2 or 5; Tuesdays every week in November]
ARAB PEOPLES OF CENTRAL UNITED KINGDOM - Pray for some Arab women who are studying English with a follower of Jesus. For half of the class, they study practical things such as reading a menu, buying a train ticket, or understanding a point of grammar. For the second half, they look at a story from the Bible. Pray for God’s Word to penetrate their hearts and minds. Ask that the follower of Jesus will have eyes to see which of these women are really seeking to know how to enter the kingdom of heaven. Pray for more co-laborers in this work, as there are few volunteers at this time.
3. Gulf Arab Bedouin (BED-oo-in) - Bedouin (pronounced BED-oo-in) tribes have thrived throughout the Arabian Peninsula since ancient times. While holding fast to traditions of hospitality, dress, honor and tribal loyalty, their nomadic lifestyle has given way to small villages of concrete-block homes rather than tents, and four-wheel-drive vehicles instead of camels. As herders, farmers, fishermen or traders, they still vary where they call home according to the farming season, available water for livestock, or intensity of the heat. Marrying within the tribe is a priority, and they live in tight-knit family groups. Relative isolation, as well as the overwhelming influence of their religion, has resulted in very little access to the Gospel. As do all adherents of Islam, they honor Jesus as a prophet, yet only as one who came to point the way to the coming religion of Islam, in which one must earn his way to heaven. They don’t know that their loving Creator has made a way for them to have an eternal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Please pray for the salvation of the Bedouin of the Arabian Peninsula.
4. Gulf Arab Bedouin (BED-oo-in) - Pray that followers of Jesus will have opportunities to interact with the Bedouin, encountering “people of peace” (Luke 10:6) and being a witness. Ask that His light will shine in Bedouin communities and that the believers will find favor with the people. Pray for open doors, guidance, wisdom and protection.
5. CONSERVATIVE CLERICS AND STUDENTS OF ISLAM IN THE UNITED KINGDOM - A. is a Muslim who is interested in knowing more about Jesus. His wife, daughter and son are all followers of Jesus. They have been sharing with A. for several weeks. Pray that A.’s heart will be opened to the Gospel and that he, too, will become a follower of Jesus.
6. GURAGE OF ETHIOPIA (goo-ra-gay) - Several small groups are meeting every week or two. Many of the followers are learning how to share Bible stories orally, ask for a commitment to Jesus, harvest new believers, and gather those new ones into small groups. They love their own small groups for the accountability and encouragement they receive from them, but pray that these followers will also faithfully share and start new groups with neighbors and family members. Pray that they won’t be discouraged by non-responders and opposition to Jesus Christ. Ask for their listeners to have open ears and understanding hearts prepared by the Holy Spirit. Pray that they will be protected from evil each day.
7. HADRAMAUT YEMENI ARABS OF YEMEN (HAH-drah-maht YEH-muh-nee) - As young Hadramaut Yemeni Arab boys grow to adulthood, extremist groups ask them to join the cause, be part of the fight, and have a place in Paradise if they die in battle. Pray that the young men will not be tempted to join these groups. Pray that they will hear the Gospel and be drawn to it before the men approach them. May they come to Jesus and become bold witnesses of Truth.
8. HIJAZI SAUDI ARABS OF SAUDI ARABIA (hi-JAH-zee) - “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14, NAS). A literal interpretation of this Scripture can be seen when driving down the highway towards the Muslim holy city of Mecca. Six lanes go straight into the city, and there is a one-lane mandatory exit for non-Muslims to go around the city on a smaller, somewhat dilapidated road. The vast majority of people head right into the city; very few exit and take the longer, more difficult road around it. Pray that those who enter that wide gate will have their eyes opened to the truth of God’s Word.
9. ISHELHAYN BERBERS OF NORTHERN AFRICA (ISH-el-haine) - Many people are coming to faith; however, a few are trying to blend their old beliefs with their new beliefs. Pray that they will see that Jesus is sufficient for the forgiveness of their sins and that they will grow deeper in Him.
10. JEBALA OF NORTH AFRICA (jeh-BAH-lah) - The Jebala (pronounced jeh-BAH-lah) are a beautiful and ancient people living in North Africa. More than 1.9 million Jebala (which means “hillbillies”) live in the cities and Riff Mountains of North Africa. They are a colorful people, having rich traditions dating back at least to the Phoenicians, but barriers of isolation, non-literacy, a lack of resources, and religious and governmental restrictions put them in danger of never hearing the Truth. Prayer is needed for every Jebala village and neighborhood of the cities and surrounding mountainous regions to worship our Lord Jesus with Jebala music and worship styles, share Him with every member of their community, start new churches in neighboring communities, and send workers throughout North Africa, the Middle East, and the world. Please pray for the salvation of the Jebala.
11. JEBALA OF NORTH AFRICA (jeh-BAH-lah) - Recently nearly 60 Bible stories were translated and recorded into the Jebala Arabic dialect (the heart language of the Jebala). In addition, the Book of Matthew has been translated into their heart language. Please pray for the distribution of these recordings so that all 1.9 million Jebala will have the opportunity to hear the Good News in their heart language. Ask that hearts will be receptive. Pray for national and international Christians among the Jebala to identify effectively those open to the Truth. Ask the Father to guide in following up with seekers. Pray, too, that believers among the Jebala will be able to meet together for worship, fellowship and growth. Ask God to raise up Jebala men and women leaders who can effectively disciple others.
12. MIDDLE EASTERN ARABS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM - Petition for continuing influence over a growing number of language students. Ask that the market will continue to expand so that relationships can be developed with students and people of influence in countries with strong Muslim populations. Give thanks and pray for developing opportunities in Iraq and Bahrain. Remember the Thanksgiving presentations that will point students and staff to faith as a vital part of the colleagues’ worldview. Pray that God will provide, protect and purify.
13. NORTHERN AFRICAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN PEOPLES - News headlines screech of burning flags, embassies attacked and young people rioting. Yes, these things have happened in some of the home countries of the Northern African and Middle Eastern peoples in recent days. Will peace come to these needy lands? It is only when hearts are changed and the Prince of Peace enters that true peace can come. Pray that every man, woman and child will hear the Good News and have peace in their lives.
14. NORTH AFRICANS IN MADRID, SPAIN - Among Northern African and Middle Eastern peoples, North Africans are the majority peoples in Spain and make up nearly 5 percent of the immigrant population in Madrid. Approximately 60 percent have arrived in Spain in the last 10 years and are of Arab and Berber descent. Many work in temporary jobs in the construction, agriculture, service, and hospitality sectors. Their apartments are often shared with relatives or friends. An average North African family in Spain has three children. The men usually commute long distances to work, while the women care for the children. Due to the current economic crisis, many have lost their jobs, forcing some to return to their home country and others to depend on social services provided by the government or religious institutions, including evangelical churches. The six known North African believers in Madrid meet together for worship on occasion and regularly in local evangelical churches. There are Bible portions available in their dialect of Arabic, and believers in their homelands are working on translating additional Scripture portions, which need to be released freely and quickly into the community of believers in Madrid as they are completed. Please pray for the salvation of the North Africans in Madrid.
NORTH AFRICANS IN MADRID, SPAIN - Pray that God will call out “people of peace” (Luke 10:6) from the North African communities as He uses evangelical churches, North African believers, and international workers serving in Madrid to share the Gospel with boldness. Ask the Holy Spirit to touch North Africans’ hearts so that they will understand the Truth that will set them free to worship His name forever! Pray that the North African children and youth will have the opportunity to hear and know the Author of salvation, and see their whole family come to follow the Savior as well. Lift up the few families who come to the Friends Club that meets at least twice each month and exposes them to Bible stories, games and crafts that point to Jesus. Pray that this Friends Club will be granted access to public buildings during the winter weather so they can meet indoors.
16. NORTHERN AFRICAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN UNENGAGED PEOPLES - The Gil Bedouin, also known as Beni Guil, are unique to Morocco. No one has been born again among them; in fact, of the 44,761 Gil, 100 percent are Muslim. When one considers the lack of Scriptural resources in their dialect, Algerian Saharan Arabic, it is not surprising. There is not even a completed New Testament! “But how can they call on Him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about Him?” (Romans 10:14a, HCSB). Jesus commanded His disciples to “pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:38). As these Gil Bedouin roam the desert, pray that they will encounter believers who know their language, can tell them about Jesus, and can translate the Bible into Algerian Saharan Arabic. John recorded in Revelation, “. . . there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. . . . And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9-10). From zero believers to some believers, thank God that the Moroccan Gil Bedouin who speak Algerian Saharan Arabic and believe in Jesus will be worshipping before the throne in heaven!
http://prayerthreads.imb.org
17. SAUDI ARABS OF SAUDI ARABIA (SAU-dee) - “We drive fast because we are empty inside.” Many Saudis have “everything”--fast cars, money, family, influence, religion--yet they still feel empty. Nothing can truly satisfy a soul that is separated from God. Pray that millions of Saudis will recognize their emptiness, seek Truth, hear the Good News, and find abundant life in the Savior.
18. SHAWIYA BERBERS OF NORTHERN AFRICA AND EUROPE (sha-WEE-yah BER-bers) - “. . . but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32, ESV). S accepted the Son years ago and set on the path to share Him with others, ultimately coming to lead a group of individuals in worship and study. Pray for more Shawiya men to come to faith and lead many groups among their communities.
19. SWAHILI-SPEAKING ARABS OF EAST AFRICA (swah-HEE-lee) - A young woman chose to follow Jesus several years ago; however, out of fear, she never shared her decision with her family and friends. Over the past year, she returned to her former faith and practices. Praise the Lord that she recently began realizing the negative changes in her life and has started making contact with believers in Jesus again! Also, her brother recently chose to follow Jesus. Please pray that they will share with each other their decision to follow Jesus and that they will grow together, becoming the beginning of the first church among this people group.
20. TIHAMA YEMENI ARABS OF YEMEN (tih-HAH-mah) - About half of the Tihama Yemeni Arabs are non-literate. That means that a written copy of the Word, even if one could be found, would not be useful for very many. Please pray that the oral communicators of the Tihama will have an opportunity to hear the Truth by oral means. Pray that listening devices containing the Word and radio programs containing Gospel presentations will be widely circulated and accepted, and that the faith that “comes by hearing” will spread throughout the Tihama!
http://www.pray4yemen.com/tihamis
21. TUNISIAN ARABS OF SOUTHERN TUNISIA (too-NEE-zhan) - A young believer recently suffered a serious beating--and lost several teeth--at the hands of four robbers. Two other young believers escaped the attack. The amazing thing about this was how Muslims in the community came to their aid. They went to the thieves’ house and retrieved the believer’s laptop and phone. Many in the neighborhood came over to check on him. The believers, who all live together in one house, are considered “good people,” and the neighbors wanted to express their shame about what had happened to them. Many new relationships have formed because of this incident. The believer decided to show mercy on these men and not press charges. He and his friends are continuing to share boldly in the face of such trials and are seeing some fruit. What the evil one desired for evil--to silence them by smashing them in the mouth--the Lord has used for good, shouting from the rooftop of a house of light about the Good News of Jesus. Another young believer in the same area broke his wrist in a fall. He loves to hand out Christian materials and books, so now he just uses the other hand! Believers here are still working hard, pressing on in the face of tough times. Pray that young believers in this region will remain faithful in the face of persecution and that many others will be led to faith as a result of their boldness and undeniable witness of the Truth.
http://www.pray4tunisia.com/
22. TUNISIAN ARABS OF TUNISIA (too-NEE-zhan) - R is pregnant and worried. She and her husband make their living by selling clothing and household goods. They took out a small loan this summer to increase their inventory in anticipation of better business during the autumn wedding and holiday season. Then the U.S. embassy was attacked in September. Pictures of riots in the capital city caused cruise ship companies to avoid the country and other tour operators to cancel many trips. The economy, still fragile from the Jasmine Revolution in January 2011, slowed to a crawl as the tourism sector took a major hit. More people have been thrown out of work, and customers are limiting their spending to necessities. Now the bank wants R’s husband to repay the loan, but there is not enough money. R smiles at her children, but there is anxiety in her eyes. Please pray for the families who are being economically hard-pressed by the uncertain future of Tunisia. Ask that their distress will cause them to seek God. Pray that they will hear and respond to Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
