Pacific Rim October 2006 Prayer Emphasis:
Melayu of Kalimantan, Indonesia

“When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up and harrowing the soil? … His God instructs him and teaches him the right way.” Isaiah 28:24,26, NIV.

More than half a million Melayu of Kalimantan, sometimes called Dayak Malay, live along the west coast of Kalimantan and on the islands of the Karimata Strait. They live in remote areas that lag behind in education, industry, and economic opportunity. Most Melayu of Kalimantan survive from the produce of their gardens and crops. Only a few people from this ethnic group work in trade jobs. While they hold most all of the government jobs, that constitutes only a small portion of the population.

The kinship system is bilateral (tracing descent through both parents). Custom dictates that a new couple stays in the home of the wife until the birth of the first child, at which time the family establishes their own home. Most homes are built on stilts about seven feet off the ground to prevent wild animals from entering the house.

Melayu of Kalimantan are loyal adherents to Islam. Their arts and culture have been greatly influenced by Muslim culture. However, occult belief in witchdoctors called dukuns is wide spread. Dukuns are often consulted for advice on marriage, choosing a name, when to plant crops, and medical concerns. There are few known believers among this people group. The Bible and Jesus Film have not yet been translated into this people group’s heart language.

Pray that:

Believers will find creative ways to improve the education and industry of the people and, at the same time, share the Gospel.

The Bible and Jesus Film will be translated into the heart language of the people.

The sharing of the Gospel will be accompanied by healings, dreams, visions, and miracles as proofs of God’s message.

God will give a burden to mature believers to live amongst and establish the church for the Melayu Kalimantan.

Thousands of believers will accept the challenge to intercede for the Melayu Kalimantan until the church is established.

God will grant grace to Christians working among the Melayu Kalimantan with local authorities.

New Melayu Kalimantan believers will have wisdom and boldness to share the Gospel with family and friends and will stand firm during times of persecution.

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Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.