UPG Prayer Emphasis « FBC Powell

Tai Daeng, Red Tai of Vietnam

Country: Vietnam
People: Tai, Daeng, or Red Tai
Population: 154,000
World Population: 192,000
Main Language: Tai Daeng
Main Religion: Ethnic Religions
Bible: None
Status: Unreached
Christ-Followers: Less than 2%
Persecution Rank: 18 (1=highest)

What are their beliefs?
The vast majority of the Red Tai practice animism (belief that spirits are located in objects). The people often seek help through supernatural spirits and objects. They also believe in multiple personal souls. Rituals for strengthening the individual personality within are often performed.

Ancestor worship (praying to deceased ancestors for help and guidance) is also a common practice among the Red Tai. “Guardian spirits” and “locality spirits” are revered. If the people wish to avoid being cursed and receive blessing, the spirits must be appeased.

Some of the Red Tai have mingled Buddhist teachings-particularly Theravada Buddhism-with their traditional beliefs.

What are their needs?
There are very few Christian resources available in the Tai Daeng language. There is also a need for more laborers to go to Vietnam and minister hope and healing to these war-torn people.

Prayer Points

Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through worship and intercession.
Ask God to give the Red Tai believers boldness to share Christ with their own people.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Red Tai toward Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
Pray that God will open the hearts of Vietnam’s governmental leaders to the Gospel.
Pray that God will call teams of medical missionaries to Vietnam to live and work among the Red Tai.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Red Tai.
Pray for translation of the Bible to begin in this people group’s primary language.
Pray for the availability of the Jesus Film in the primary language of this people.
Pray for Gospel messages to become available in audio format for this people group.

www.joshuaproject.net

Download: Tai Daeng, Red Tai of Vietnam Kids’ Prayer Card

Gypsy, Domari, Luli of Uzbekistan

Country: Uzbekistan
People: Gypsy, Domari, Luli
Population: 11,000
World Population: 2,021,000
Main Language: Domari
Main Religion: Islam
Bible: None
Status: Unreached
Christ-Followers: Less than 2%
Persecution Rank: 9 (1=highest)

What are their beliefs?
The Middle East Gypsies are often Muslim and they follow the practices and beliefs of the Islamic faith. The traditional beliefs of the Gypsies such as that ghosts, lizards, and snakes are capable of harming humans, that men have the power to curse others by giving them the “evil eye,” and that some people have the power to heal the sick are no longer held by most Gypsies. There are a growing number of Christian Gypsies.

What are their needs?
The quality of health care, nutrition, housing, and education is poor. Adequate educational opportunities must be provided in order to raise their standard of living. Spiritually, the Islamic religion is very difficult to influence. Their nomadic lifestyle has also made it difficult for missionaries to reach them. It is encouraging to hear of recent breakthroughs in ministering to Gypsies. Most Gypsies have no Christian resources available to them. Christian broadcasts and Scriptures must be made available if they are to hear the Gospel. Christian workers are needed to teach them how to live lives pleasing to God.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to share Christ with the Gypsies.
Ask God to strengthen, encourage, and protect the small number of Gypsy Christians.
Pray that those Gypsies who know Christ will be bold witnesses of the Gospel to their own people.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of Gypsies towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
Pray that God will raise up intercessors who will stand in the gap for them.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Middle East Gypsies.
Pray for translation of the Bible to begin in this people group’s primary language.
Pray for the availability of the Jesus Film in the primary language of this people.

www.joshuaproject.net

Download: Gypsy, Domari, Luli of Uzbekistan Kids’ Prayer Card

Xiangcheng of China

Country: China
People: Xiangcheng
Population: 13,000
World Population: 13,000
Main Language: Qiang, Northern
Main Religion: Buddihism
Bible: None
Status: Unreached
Christ-Followers: Few, less than 2%
Persecution level: 16 (1=highest)

Customs
The Xiangcheng build beautiful houses, which have white rocks on the roofs like those of the Qiang people. Xiangcheng homes are square-shaped, two stories, with colorful decorations around the window frames. They are very different from the houses of their neighbors, the Khampa.

Religion
The Xiangcheng are zealous believers in Tibetan Buddhism. Their beliefs form a large part of their identity as a people. There are numerous Buddhist temples and pagodas throughout the region.

Christianity
The Xiangcheng are one of the most untouched people groups in China. Few – perhaps none – have ever heard of Jesus Christ. There are no Christian communities in the region and no gospel literature or recordings in their language. There has been no history of missionary work in the vicinity of this hidden location.

Prayer
Lord, You are the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega, and there is nothing hidden from Your sight. You are the wisest counsellor of all. I thank You for Your promise, that You give wisdom to those who ask.

I’m asking now for Your servants working with the Xiangcheng of China that you would give them the wisdom they need today. Fill them with heavenly wisdom that is pure, peace-loving, and considerate. Reveal to them the divine strategies they need to navigate the cultural issues they are facing with the Xiangcheng of China. Inspire them with creative solutions to the political and religious challenges that hold back the Gospel among the Xiangcheng of China. Lord, release our wisdom and light the path before them to penetrate this gourd with the truth of Your love.
www.joshuaproject.net

Download: Xiangcheng Kids’ Prayer Card

Download: Thai Central of Thailand Kids’ Card

Previous UPG Kids Prayer Cards