September 2007 Pacific Rim Prayer Emphasis:
The Pasemah of Indonesia

“‘And I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.’” Jeremiah 24:7, NASB.

There are over 650,000 Pasemah living primarily around the slopes of Mount Dempo in South Sumatra, Indonesia. The Pasemah are an energetic and enthusiastic people. They often hold leadership roles in government and education in their area. Most Pasemah are farmers; their three most important crops include rice, rubber, and coffee.

The Pasemah mostly follow Sufi Muslim teachings. This means that subjective feelings about God are highly valued. Knowing God personally is more important to the Pasemah than religious rituals. On the Pasemah plateau, 26 different historical sites contain various artifacts, cemeteries and Buddhist stupas that have been considered holy for nearly 2,000 years. The Pasemah still visit these sites to make sacred pledges. They believe in calling out to their ancestors’ spirits to provide blessings and protection from misfortune.

Scripture portions and the Jesus Film are available in the Pasemah’s dialect. There are no known Pasemah churches. Some of the great needs of this people group include improved medical care and agricultural management. The Pasemah are seeking to know God personally. May they find what they are seeking!

Pray that:

The Holy Spirit will lead the Pasemah into experiences that will prepare their hearts to receive the Gospel.

A rapidly reproducing gathering of Pasemah believers will be formed before the end of 2008.

God will call local Christians to have a passion to reach the Pasemah with Truth and live among them.

Agricultural specialists will volunteer to help the Pasemah live a better life and then tell them about eternal life.

The Pasemah will seek blessings from the living LORD Jesus instead of their deceased ancestors.

Wisdom, courage, endurance, and joy will be granted to believers seeking to reach the Pasemah.

God will receive the worship from the Pasemah that He alone deserves.

Download other requests from Around the Rim.
Download the September PacRim Prayer Calendar.

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