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Shan of Myanmar (Burma)
The Shan are one of the most prestigious of the Tai groups in Southeast Asia. They are concentrated in Shan state, Myanmar. For a generation, the Shan Independence Army has fought against the Burmese military to gain independence. The Shan call themselves “Tai Yay”, meaning Great Tai. The Shan have been firm believers in Theravada Buddhism since it was introduced in Myanmar in the fifth century, AD.

Ministry Obstacles
To follow Jesus within a strongly Buddhist culture brings the risk of losing much that is important in this life: friends, status, family, and so forth.

Outreach Ideas
Much prayer for the Shan people is needed, to prepare the ground for the coming of the good news of Christ.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray the Christians among the Shan will be properly instructed in the faith, and will grow to become zealous disciples firmly established on the truth of Scripture.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Shan will live in peace, and will increasingly desire to find a Savior and forgiveness for sin. Pray that Jesus may be known among them.

Scripture Focus
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” Psalm 33:12

Berber, Atta of Morocco
Rather than calling themselves “Berbers,” they refer to themselves by the name of their particular subgroup. Berbers also use the overarching term “Imazighen.” The arrival of Arabs in Morocco in the seventh century resulted in the gradual conversion of some Berbers to Islam. It was not until the thirteenth century, however, with the arrival of large numbers of Arabs from the Middle East, that the majority of Berbers accepted Islam, learned the Arabic language, and were assimilated into Arab culture.

Ministry Obstacles
Morocco does not provide easy access for Christian influence.

Outreach Ideas
Gospel radio and television beamed to North Africa is very helpful. Materials distributed to North Africans on the docks of southern Europe find its way into the hands of many Berbers.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for those who are beginning to find Christ among the Berber communities, that the Lord will protect and nurture their faith, and that they will find each other in order to fellowship and grow together. Pray they will be rooted and established in love.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Berbers of Morocco will have access to the good news of Jesus in many forms, hearing clearly who He is, in their mother tongue.

Scripture Focus
“All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” Matthew 25:32

Hui of China
Numbering over 10 million, the Hui are the largest and most widespread of China’s Muslim nationalities, and are widely scattered throughout the country. Their ancestors are largely Arabs, Persians, and Mongols. One of the worst cases of genocide in history occurred between 1855 and 1873 when one million Hui people were massacred. They may be the largest people group in the world without a single known Christian fellowship group, although there are a few scattered believers.

Ministry Obstacles
The Hui have a long history of strong commitment to Islam. In recent years an increasing number of Hui have traveled to Mecca for the annual Haj pilgrimage.

Outreach Ideas
Perhaps the many Han Chinese believers in Jesus will desire to reach out to the Hui people. Pray to this end.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray the few Hui followers of Jesus will desire to find each other in order to fellowship. Pray the Spirit of Christ will protect their faith and send teachers and other helpers.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the needy Hui people to increasingly be aware of their need for forgiveness of sin, and that Isa (Jesus) has been provided as a sin offering. Pray they will hunger to find out more about this Man, and that this hunger will be satisfied.

Scripture Focus
“You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” Revelation 5:9

Beja, Bedawi of Sudan
The Beja are a pastoral tribe who have made their home in the desert between the Nile River and the Red Sea for over 4,000 years. Due to their crown of fuzzy hair, Rudyard Kipling referred to them as “the Fuzzy Wuzzies.” The Beja do not refer to themselves as Beja, but call themselves by the land in which they are living. The Beja consider life good if they have numerous livestock and green, well-watered pastures. Nearly all Beja live in rural areas.

Ministry Obstacles
The Beja tribe lives in rural areas in a region that is difficult for outsiders to enter, and they are somewhat nomadic.

Outreach Ideas
Christians need to find ways to help the Beja with material and physical needs, caring out of genuine concern for their well-being.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There are few if any followers of Jesus among this large tribe, but pray for those the Lord will soon call to Himself. Pray the Lord is even now preparing pastors and teachers to help them become established in the faith. Pray for Scripture availability, and for other needed resources.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Beja tribe will be able to provide adequately for their families as they live in a harsh area of the world. Pray for good water, sufficient food, and peace with their neighbors.

Scripture Focus
“All nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord, they will bring glory to your name.” Psalm 86:9

Mongour of China
Thirty thousand speakers of the Mongour language were reported in a 1987 study. They primarily inhabit Minhe County in the eastern part of Qinghai Province. Two types of shamans are active among the Mongour. “White shamans” are used to heal sickness, while “black shamans” bring vengeance on enemies. Another highly regarded religious figure is the kurtain. This is a person who allows himself to be possessed by an evil Daoist spirit.

Ministry Obstacles
There are few Christian resources available in the language of the Mongour.

Outreach Ideas
Pray that Han Chinese Christians will remember to carry the Gospel of Christ to the Mongour people.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There are likely a few followers of Jesus among the Mongour people. Pray they will be accurately taught the ways of Christ. They need materials to help them learn, and they need teachers.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray that the Mongour community will prosper, living in peace and providing adequately for material needs.

Scripture Focus
“The time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and see My glory.” Isaiah 66:18

Berber, Zekara of Morocco
The Berbers lived in north Africa long before the arrival of the Arabs and Islam, and had a Christian heritage. Between the 11th and 13th centuries, two great Berber dynasties – the Almoravids and the Almohads – controlled large parts of Spain, as well as north-west Africa. In Morocco, about 40% acknowledge a Berber identity, though many more have Berber ancestry. Many Berber children drop out of school because they are taught in what, to them, is a foreign language – Arabic.

Ministry Obstacles
The Berbers have been removed from the Christian faith for many centuries, and are not likely to quickly learn the ways of Christ.

Outreach Ideas
Christians need to find ways to build friendships and trust with the ancient Berber peoples.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There may be no followers of Jesus presently among the Zekara Berbers, but pray for those that will soon be established. Pray they will find each other and faithfully fellowship together, becoming firmly established upon the truths of Scripture.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Berbers of Morocco will once again find the faith of many of their ancestors, faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Scripture Focus
“Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession.” Psalm 2:8

Berber, Drawa of Morocco
The Berber language is not officially recognized in Morocco, though French (the old colonial language) is. There are a few Berber programs on television, mainly as a token gesture. Berber is basically a spoken language, though there have been (and still are) attempts to gain acceptance for a written form. A Berber alphabet, probably derived from the ancient Punic script, has existed for around 2,500 years.

Ministry Obstacles
Morocco is not a hospitable country in which Christians can live and work.

Outreach Ideas
Sustained and focused prayer is needed for the Berbers. Good things are happening, and it needs to be supported by constant prayer.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There may be no followers of Christ among the Drawa Berbers, but we expect many to soon be born into the faith. Pray for them. Pray they will be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Drawa Berbers to learn that a way of forgiveness for their sins has been provided.

Scripture Focus
“The Lord has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, That all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God.” Isaiah 52:10

Hakka of China
Rev. T. H. Hamburg and Rudolf Lechler were the first missionaries sent out by the Basel Mission. They arrived in China in 1846 to commence work among the Hakka. They experienced great success, and by 1922 Hakka Christians numbered 30,000. Since the advent of Communism most Hakka could accurately be described as nonreligious. Aspects of animism and shamanism are found among some of the more remote Hakka locations. In the past, many Hakka mothers killed their female babies. “Sooner than sell their daughters into slavery or concubinage, Hakka mothers prefer to kill them soon after birth.”

Ministry Obstacles
The Hakka are described as largely non-religious. Pray for spiritual hunger.

Outreach Ideas
Pray that Han Chinese Christians will be faithful to carry the Gospel to the Hakka.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There are a substantial number of Christian believers among the Hakka. Pray they will grow to become mature in the faith, and also grow in numbers. Pray they in all things will grow up into Him who is the Head, Christ.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Hakka to increasingly be open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, desiring to learn more. Pray for messengers.

Scripture Focus
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

Khampa, Western of China
For centuries the Khampa have terrorized other Tibetans. During the 1950s they formed guerrilla groups and took over considerable territory. Many Khampa wear lucky charms, magical strings, or amulet boxes around the neck. The men are never without a weapon. The practice of brothers sharing one wife still occurs in some places. The Khampa rely on demons, ghosts, and the spirits of disembodied deities to guide their decisions. Many monks are able to call up fearsome demons, who sometimes become visible in front of them. The Western Khampa are “the epitome of an unreached people group.”

Ministry Obstacles
To follow Christ within the Khampa community is likely to require overcoming fear. Fear of evil spirits, and fear of other people’s reactions.

Outreach Ideas
Much focused prayer is required to set the Khampa free from darkness. Pray for the light of the Gospel of Jesus to deeply penetrate the darkness.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There may be a few followers of Jesus among the Western Khampa. They need prayer support. Pray they will grow in Christ, resting fully in His provision. Pray they learn to live in the power of His Spirit, demonstrating love, joy, peace, and all the fruit of the Spirit. Pray they will forgive one another, just as Christ forgave them.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Western Khampa people will be released from the bondage and fear of evil. Pray they will be fully set free by the power of Christ.

Scripture Focus
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Bima of Indonesia
The Bima tend to consider outside influences as good, especially cultural and technological ones. They endorse education from primary school through university. The large majority embrace Islam and are known for being very staunch in their religion, but many still believe in spirits and animistic practices. There are many shamans left in the society and many professing Islam rely on their advice and help, especially in times of crisis. They fear the spirits of Batara Gangga and other gods.

Ministry Obstacles
Workers are needed; Jesus said to pray for workers. The harvest is ready.

Outreach Ideas
The Bima are said to be open to outside influences. Christians need to bring the good news of Christ in winsome, attractive ways.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the handful who follow Christ among this Muslim people, that they will search the Scriptures faithfully to learn the truth. Pray they will be joyful always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Bima to be set free from belief systems that are not true, and even harmful.

Scripture Focus
“And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations.” Mark 13:10

Amdo, Hbrogpa of China
“Hbrogpa” which means “nomad” or “herder” in Tibetan, is the largest of the four main Amdo languages. Most Amdo are semi-nomadic herders of sheep, yaks, and goats. Horrendous clashes with the Chinese have resulted in massive loss of life among the Amdo. The Dalai Lama listed 49,049 deaths from battles within the Amdo regions before 1983, in addition to 121,982 deaths from starvation.

Ministry Obstacles
The Tibetan region is difficult for outsiders to enter.

Outreach Ideas
Christians need to build bridges of trust and friendship with the Amdo, being genuinely concerned with their physical and material needs.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the Amdo who follow Christ, that they will fellowship together and will grow in love for Christ and for each other. Pray they will be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Amdo will increasingly be aware of their need for a savior, and will understand that a savior has been provided.

Scripture Focus
“How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” Romans 10:14-15

Arab, Shuwa, Baggara of Chad
Chad is one of the poorest and most illiterate countries of the world. The Arabs of Chad are mostly nomadic, but some live in the villages and towns. The language of the Arabs is the main language of communication in the country, which makes it especially important to evangelize the Arabs. Although the Arabs are respected by the Chad government because of their wealth in animals, they don’t play a very large role in Chad’s political arena.

Ministry Obstacles
Chad is a difficult country to access, and the economy operates on a subsistence level. Hardy workers are needed to carry the Gospel into this region.

Outreach Ideas
Nigerian believers may be able to carry the Gospel northeast to the Chadian Arabs.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the few Arab believers in Chad, that they will be faithful witnesses to family and friends, wise as serpents but harmless as doves.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Arabs of Chad, that they will be able to provide adequately for the needs of their families.

Scripture Focus
“And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes.” Ezekiel 36:23

Qanu of China
The lack of a written script has caused great anguish among the Miao (Qanu are a subgroup) for centuries. A Miao pastor, Wang Mingji, declared his feelings: “We Miao do not have writing. For thousands of years we have been like the blind.” The majority of Qanu are animists. The spirit of the water is particularly held in great fear. They are primarily located in villages to the south of the city of Kaili, in Guizhou Province.

Ministry Obstacles
Lack of literacy can be an obstacle to the Gospel, but this can be partially overcome by using oral communication approaches effectively.

Outreach Ideas
Christians can carry the good news of Jesus to the Qanu community by recounting stories from Scripture, as well as using Gospel recordings and films.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There may be no believers in Jesus among the Qanu today. However, pray for those that will soon emerge, that the Lord will provide excellent teachers and pastors to help them. Pray for Scripture availability.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Qanu people will be delivered from fear of created things, and will come to reverence and know the one who is the Creator.

Scripture Focus
“Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen.” Psalm 72:18-19

Bohra of India
The Bohra claim their origin from the visiting Arab community Qaum-e-Bawahas (meaning a business community, in Arabic). Allah is their only God. The Bohra specialize in the art of cloth-painting. Their attitude towards the higher education of their children is positive. The traditional as well as present occupation of the Bohra is business.

Ministry Obstacles
To follow Jesus, a person in the Bohra community risks losing much that is important, including family, friends, status, and employment.

Outreach Ideas
Sustained, focused prayer for the Bohra community is needed. Pray also for workers to take the Good News to them.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There are a few Christian believers among the Bohra community. Pray they will cling strongly to the truths of Scripture, and grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Bohra community will learn more of who Jesus truly is, the Son of God, deity. Pray they will be drawn to this Man of peace and life.

Scripture Focus
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9

Cypriots, Turkish of Cyprus
As the descendants of Turkish Ottoman invaders who conquered Cyprus in the sixteenth century, the Turkish Cypriots proudly maintain Turkish language, customs and traditions. The Turkish Cypriots are Caucasians; most have dark hair and brown eyes. They are known to be gentle, courteous, and hospitable to strangers. They are proud of their ethnic heritage and remain very loyal to Turkey. They are Muslim, but the people are very superstitious.

Ministry Obstacles
The Turkish Cypriots maintain strong allegiance to their historic faith.

Outreach Ideas
There is a large Christian presence in the Greek portion of Cyprus. Pray that Christians will befriend the Turkish Cypriots.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There are few if any followers of Jesus today among the Turkish Cypriots, but pray for those that will soon come into the Lord’s family. Pray they will faithfully fellowship together, and will grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray for peace and friendship between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots.

Scripture Focus
“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14

Tujia of China
“Tujia”, means “natives”, or “original inhabitants”. Most Tujia are ethnically indistinguishable from the Han Chinese. Common motifs on Tujia embroidery are the bull’s eye, the snake, and the white tiger. The Tujia practice exorcism ceremonies, and invoke the spirits of Fuxi and Nuwa, the first human beings according to Chinese legend. Their ceremonies include supernatural feats such as climbing ladders of sharp knives and walking on hot coals or glass.

Ministry Obstacles
Fear of spirits may prevent some Tujia from following Christ.

Outreach Ideas
Han Chinese Christians may carry the message of Christ to the Tujia people. Pray that many will develop the desire for this. Pray for a burden and for the resources they will need.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There are some followers of Christ among this large people group. Pray they will be quick to repent of sin, living holy lives. Pray they will learn to live in the power of Christ’s Spirit, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit consistently. Pray they will be excellent witnesses for Jesus to family and friends.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Tujia community to be fully delivered from the influence of evil spirits. Pray they will hunger to know the Holy Spirit of Christ. Pray that each individual in the Tujia community will have at least one opportunity to hear of Jesus, presented such that he or she can accurately understand.

Scripture Focus
“Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.” Matthew 22:9

Bedia, Hindu of India
One source considers “Bediya” to be the generic name of a number of vagrant, gypsy-like groups. Traditionally, a large section of the Bedia were reported to be earning a livelihood from prostitution and dancing, however, this has largely been discontinued. The Bedia worship deities like Thakur, Shiva, Parvati, Hanuman, Chamunda, Kali and Sitala and Khermata (a local deity).

Ministry Obstacles
Giving up allegiance to personal deities may be threatening.

Outreach Ideas
Christians need to emphasize the person and work of Jesus to the Bedia community, showing His goodness to them.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray the few followers of Jesus among the Bedia will have pastors and teachers to help them grow to become faithful disciples. Pray they will be taught accurately and well.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Bedia will make schooling a priority for their children, and will be able to improve their standard of living.

Scripture Focus
“The time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and see My glory.” Isaiah 66:18