PACIFIC RIM October Prayer Emphasis – the Makassar of Indonesia

"I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I.'” Isaiah 65:1 NIV

There are less than 500 known Makassar believers in Indonesia. That is 0.02%!

The southwestern leg of Sulawesi island is home to over 2.25 million Makassar people. The Makassar are almost all Muslims; nevertheless traditional beliefs continue to influence them, especially in remote areas. They maintain beliefs in gods and ancestral spirits and offer ritual sacrifices to the spirits in special ceremonies at the beginning of planting and harvest seasons. Though their practice of Islam is strongly influenced by traditional beliefs, their self-understanding is that they are Muslim. There are approximately 500 believers and five churches among the Makassar. Although the Makassar have a Bible and the Jesus film in their own language, a church planting movement has not yet begun among them.

Pray that:

Heads of households will turn to faith in Christ resulting in entire homes and even villages coming to faith at the same time.

Stereotypes and misconceptions of what it means to be a follower of Jesus will be overcome by the faithful witness of those Christians who live among the Makassar.

Men and women of faith will be called to plant their lives among the Makassar so that they may hear the good news and place their faith in Jesus.

Wisdom and insight will be granted to those seeking to reach the Makassar and that bridges of understanding will be built which leads to their salvation .

Thousands of intercessors will be called to intercede for the salvation of the Makassar in the heavenly realms.

God will raise up Makassar believers with a heart for planting reproducing, indigenous churches to carry the gospel to the entire community.

The Holy Spirit will convict the Makassar of sin, righteousness and forgiveness that is only found in Jesus.

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