Pacific Rim Prayer Emphasis for March 2007 –
Malay of Malaysia

“And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.” Isaiah 11:2, NAS.

The Malay of Malaysia number more than twelve million but could be considered the gateway people to the more than twenty-five million Malay spread throughout Southeast Asia. Ethnic Chinese, Indian and various tribal groups comprise the other half of Malaysia’s population.

In the years since 1957, when Malaysia was given independence by Great Britain, the Malay have gradually gained dominance in the political structure, leading to socioeconomic gains for the Malay community in general. For centuries they worked as farmers, fishermen and traders, but now Malays are now competing with the traditionally more prosperous Chinese in every economic arena.

Today many urban Malays drive their own car, carry a mobile phone, wear a tie to work and surf the Internet in their free time. Regardless, the Malay are at heart still a rural people and like to balik kampung, or return to the traditional family village or kampung during the holidays.

Malays are warmhearted people who love to socialize. They value harmony, honor and hospitality. They naturally find their identity in the context of their community. Nothing could be worse than being alone.

Most Malaysians would say that to be Malay is to be Muslim. After all they have never met a Malay person who is anything but Muslim. Even though urbanization has brought incredible change to the Malay community, most Malays still identify fervently with Islam and cling to traditional customs and values. Vocal conservatives often intimidate those who might be open to change.

Pray that:

God will pour out His Spirit of love on the Malay drawing them to Himself.

God will burden the heart of His church in Malaysia to share the Gospel with the Malay boldly and wisely.

Believers in Malaysia will come to a greater understanding of the Malay people, and will be led to people of peace within the Malay community.

God will raise up men of peace who will be a light in their communities for the Truth.

God will cause the Malay to hunger and thirst for the Truth and seek Him with all their heart.

God will supernaturally validate His Word and the testimony of His people to the Malay through dreams, healings and more.

God will call out at least one intercessor and champion for reaching the Malay from within every district in Malaysia.

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