The Power of Pastors Praying Together

By Ronnie Floyd

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There is nothing like seeing pastors praying with other pastors. I just returned from Little Rock, Arkansas, where I led a prayer gathering for 304 Arkansas pastors, church staff members, and ministry leaders. In light of this, I am reminded again of the value of praying with other pastors.
Prayer between pastors is needed
Every Christian needs someone to pray with from time to time. This experience is valuable, especially if you pray with someone who takes prayer seriously. Pastors have a unique need to pray with other pastors.
We need prayer. We believe in prayer. We need people to pray for us and with us.
Prayer binds pastors with other pastors
No one understands pastors like another pastor. The size of a church is really not a big deal to a pastor who walks before God humbly. Whether we preach to 25, 2,500, or 25,000 people a week, we all face challenges, criticism, and discouragement.
Prayer with another pastor binds us together. I have seen hundreds of pastors praying with other pastors, and I promise you, they form a strong bond between them.
Prayer with another pastor creates vision
When a man of God prays for me, my vision is enlarged. Why? Because pastors impart vision through their prayer. They help us to believe again that God can do anything, any time, anywhere.
Personally, I love to pray with and for other pastors. When I have the opportunity, I do my best to pray for their vision. Pastors get discouraged. Nothing moves a pastor out of discouragement more quickly than visionary, believing prayer.
Prayer with another pastor will empower your ministry
The Holy Spirit uses prayer with another pastor to empower our ministry. Rarely do pastors ask other pastors to pray with them. There is something about pastors that we try to make it alone for as long as possible. Yet, this is not God’s desire for any of us.
Be willing to acknowledge your need for other pastors to pray for you. Do not be ashamed, but embrace the power of prayer by asking other pastors to pray for you.
I am a big believer in men of God praying for other men of God. I need it. You need it. We need it. Why? It will empower your ministry like nothing else!

Bania, Kasaundhan of India

Bania, Kasaundhan of India The Kasaundhan are generally well educated, though education for the males is preferred. The remarriage of widows, widowers, and divorcees is allowed. In the event of a death, the corpse is cremated and the ashes are immersed in the river. The Kasaundhan are divided into several gotras (clans). They do not traditionally accept food and water from the Dom, Dhobi, Musahar, and Kadar communities. They are Hindu by faith, and worship Ganesh and Lakshmi as family deities. Their regional deities are Durga, Kali, Bajrangbali, and a few more. They seek the services of the Brahman for their religious and life-cycle rituals. Ministry Obstacles The Kasaundhan speak some 30 languages. Separate church planting projects may be needed for these language subgroups. Outreach Ideas Pray some Kasaundhan youth will discover the availability of the Jesus film and other good Christian resources on the Internet. Pray they will download, view, and listen to these, and that the Lord will give them understanding and faith to believe. Pray for the followers of Christ None of the Kasaundhan have reported themselves as Christians to the Indian census. However, those who will soon come to saving faith need prayer. Pray they will clearly understand what it means to know Christ as Savior and Lord, and will follow him with wholehearted devotion. Pray for the entire people group Please pray for this people group to be completely set free from the worship of created beings, and come to worship the one true God. Pray the light of the Gospel will soon come to them in power. Scripture Focus "I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations ... Be exalted above the heavens, O God; Let Your glory be above all the earth." Psalm 57:9-11

People Name: Bania, Kasaundhan Country: India 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 502,000 World Population: 511,000 Language: Hindi Primary Religion: Hinduism Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Gera, Gerawa of Nigeria

Gera, Gerawa of Nigeria In contrast to many of their neighbors, the Gera are quite modern. Many are educated; some are businessmen; and others even hold high positions in government. Most, however, are still farmers. The majority of the Gera is Muslim. However some of their traditional ethnic religion remains in place. They believe in an invisible supreme god named Kpa, who lives in heaven. Each Gera family chooses an object to represent Kpa, such as a stone or a tree. There, sacrifices and prayers are made to their god. Ministry Obstacles Scripture is not yet available in the Gera language, although many Gera speak Hausa and Hausa has scripture available. Outreach Ideas Gospel recordings are available in the Gera language. These would be one way for workers to communicate with the Gera. Pray for the followers of Christ There are probably a few Christians among the Gera people. Pray these Christians will completely turn away from their past religions, embracing fully the forgiveness and grace offered by Christ. Pray they will live holy lives in the power of God's Spirit. Pray for the entire people group Pray against spiritual forces active within the Gera tribe, so they will be free to respond positively when the Gospel of Christ comes to them. Scripture Focus "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." Mark 16:15

People Name: Gera, Gerawa Country: Nigeria 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 342,000 World Population: 342,000 Language: Gera Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

She of China

She of China Music is important to the She: "They sing in the fields, as well as on special festival occasions." When a guest comes to their village they are asked to sing songs. Most She spend their days tending to rice fields on their hilly land which also yields cotton, tea, and grain. When visiting a She home, visitors must place their umbrella outside the door; placing the umbrella inside is a way of announcing a death. The main religious adherence among the She is Daoism, mixed with ancestor worship. The She share the Yao belief in Pan Hu, the dog-king they believe was the forefather of their race. Although there are scattered Christian communities among the Chinese who live near them, the Gospel has never taken root among the She. Ministry Obstacles The She may have observed the practice of Christianity in neighboring peoples and found it unattractive. Nominal Christianity has that effect. Outreach Ideas Perhaps workers will be sent to the She people who can communicate the Gospel of Christ using oral means as well as written means. They have a tradition of valuing oral communication. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray for the few She who identify themselves as Christians. Pray they will hunger to know Christ as their Lord, the One who provides not only eternal life, but power to live this life with fruitfulness. Pray for the entire people group Pray for a growing discontent with their current religion for the She. Pray they will be given the gift of discontent with a religion that does not provide forgiveness of sin and access to the creator God. Scripture Focus "Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed" Acts 17:30-31

People Name: She Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 1,020,000 World Population: 1,020,000 Language: Chinese, Hakka Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

Garoda, Hindu of India

Garoda, Hindu of India The Garoda are strictly vegetarian, and their staple cereals are wheat and bajra. They have territorial subgroups, which are also marriage circles and marriages are to occur only within these marriage circles. Common surnames include Srimali, Sharma, Gandhi, Pandiya, Srigaur, Purani, etc. Their women mainly do household work. The earlier practice of child marriage has been replaced by adult marriage. Traditionally, the Garoda are priests to the Vankar, Chamar, Khalpa, Nadia, Turi, Tirgar, and Shenva communities, who also engage them as astrologers. Each of the Garoda gotras (clans) is associated with a specific deity. Ministry Obstacles Lack of Christian workers who are well prepared for the task is usually a hindrance as the Gospel goes forth in the world. Outreach Ideas The Garoda have a fairly high literacy rate. Printed presentations of the Gospel will be useful, as well as oral presentations. Workers are needed. Pray for the followers of Christ None of the Garoda have identified themselves as Christians to the Indian census. There may possibly be a few hidden Christians. Please pray the Lord will soon send workers to tell these people about his Son, Jesus Christ. Pray for the entire people group Please pray the Garoda community will soon be completely set free from superstition and the influence of evil spiritual forces. 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

People Name: Garoda, Hindu Country: India 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 141,000 World Population: 141,000 Language: Gujarati Primary Religion: Hinduism Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Bhat, Muslim of Nepal

Bhat, Muslim of Nepal The Bhat are known for their 'phakra' (speaking poetically in praise of others). Their women wear vermilion and iron bangles as marriage symbols. They are mainly a landowning community. Muslim Bhat are Hindu converts to Islam. The Muslim Bhat place themselves in the higher order of Muslim communities. Regarding their funeral practices, the kalma and some verses from the Quran are recited in the ears of a dying person. Ministry Obstacles The Muslim Bhat in Nepal is a tiny community and may be difficult to even find. Outreach Ideas Pray that Christians in the tribes near the Muslim Bhat in Nepal will be prompted by the Lord to take the good news of Christ to these people. Pray they will be able to overcome tribal hostilities. Pray for the followers of Christ There are no known Christians among the Muslim Bhat in Nepal, India or Pakistan. But pray for the many the Lord will soon lead to himself in these countries. Pray they will soon see Jesus as deity, the very Son of God. Pray for the entire people group Pray this small community in Nepal will be able to live in harmony with their neighbors, especially their Hindu neighbors. 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

People Name: Bhat, Muslim Country: Nepal 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 200 World Population: 279,000 Language: Nepali Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Matmata of Tunisia

Matmata of Tunisia The Matmata are a small Berber speaking tribe in a town of the same name in southern Tunisia. Some of the local residents live in traditional underground "troglodyte" structures. The structures typical for the village are created by digging a large pit in the ground. Around the perimeter of this pit artificial caves are then dug to be used as rooms, with some homes comprising multiple pits, connected by trench-like passageways. Today, Matmata is a popular tourist attraction, and most of the population lives on tourism and folklore exhibitions in their homes. The Matmata are entirely Muslim. Ministry Obstacles Southern Tunisia is not generally accessible to outsiders, certainly not to Christian workers. Creative means of access is called for. Outreach Ideas Please pray for Gospel radio to be available in the Nafusi language and that the people will learn of these broadcasts. Pray the Lord will give them understanding as they listen. Pray for the followers of Christ There almost certainly are no followers of Jesus among the Matmata today. Pray the Lord will give these people a growing interest in Isa (Jesus) as the Koran is read, and that at the proper time Jesus will reveal himself to these people as Savior and Lord. Pray for the entire people group Please pray for peace throughout Tunisia. Pray also the small Matmata tribe will have adequate rainfall for their crops and herds, and for improved educational opportunities for their children. Scripture Focus "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations." Luke 24:46-47

People Name: Matmata Country: Tunisia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 9,600 World Population: 9,600 Language: Nafusi Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Avar of Georgia

Avar of Georgia The Caucasian Avars are the most predominant of several ethnic groups living in the Russian republic of Dagestan and the Caucasus area. They have lived in the Caucasus region since at least the 6th C. AD. Sunni Islam has been the prevailing religion of the Avar since the 13th century. Between the 5th and 12th centuries, Georgian Orthodox Christianity was introduced to the Avar. However, the influence of Islam was more lasting, and today the Avar are almost completely Muslim. They hold fast to their religion, and tradition seems to keep them from being receptive to the Gospel. Ministry Obstacles Spiritual opposition will be present when the Gospel is presented. Pray against this, that the Avar people will have freedom to understand and believe. Outreach Ideas There are many good resources available in the primary language of the Avar people, including the New Testament, Gospel recordings, and the Jesus film. Pray that Georgian Christians will be given a burden to take these to the Avar in their midst. Pray for the followers of Christ There are likely no followers of Jesus Christ today among the Avar people of Georgia. But pray for those the Lord will soon call to himself, that they will clearly understand and believe who Jesus is, deity, the Son of God. Pray for the entire people group Please pray the Avar people will be granted faith to believe that Isa (Jesus) who is mentioned in the Koran is more than an honored prophet. Scripture Focus "Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see." Matthew 22:9

People Name: Avar Country: Georgia 10/40 Window: No Population: 1,900 World Population: 981,000 Language: Avar Primary Religion: Islam Bible: New Testament Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Java Banten of Indonesia

Java Banten of Indonesia The Banten people grow rice and other crops, such as coffee, cloves, jengkol, and petai. Working the land is done in cooperative groups. One type of cooperative work is royongan. In royongan, workers are not paid directly; rather, wages are collected and stored by a community elder to be used for repair of mosques and smaller prayer houses. Another form of cooperative work is called liliuran, which is helping one another work the rice fields without any expectation of payment. Cooperation of this kind is expected of community members. They are obedient Muslims, but they still have deep involvement in black magic and the occult. Ministry Obstacles The worldview and religion of the Banten people can be traced back many centuries. Much prayer is needed to prepare hearts to receive and believe the good news of Jesus Christ. Outreach Ideas Christian businessmen can work to form business ventures with the people, helping provide employment and training. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray the few followers of Jesus among the Banten tribe will be united in mind and heart, faithfully fellowshipping together. Pray for the entire people group The people need better education facilities as well as joint business ventures with outside companies. Scripture Focus "Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see." Matthew 22:9

People Name: Java Banten Country: Indonesia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 289,000 World Population: 289,000 Language: Javanese Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

Jhalo Malo of Bangladesh

Jhalo Malo of Bangladesh The Jhalo Malo people are mostly employed in activities related to fishing. Many supervise fish trade while some are employed in fisheries and fishing cooperative societies. Some are self-employed, while others are in salaried jobs. Rural development programs have helped them secure loans for fishing. Their literacy rate is low. They have established a caste association for the all-round development of their community. Their family deities are Lakshmi, Bipadtarini, and Itu. Ministry Obstacles There are no known Christian believers in this community. Christian workers will likely have no initial contacts of this nature. Outreach Ideas Much sustained and focused prayer is needed as workers prepare. Many good resources are available in the Bengali language, the primary language of this community. Pray for the followers of Christ Although there are no known Christians in this group (in either Bangladesh or India), please pray for the ones the Lord will soon call to himself. Pray they will know the hope to which they have been called, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints. Pray for the entire people group Pray for a substantial improvement in the literacy rate, especially for the young people in the community. Pray for opportunities to attend good schools. Scripture Focus "That they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." John 17:21

People Name: Jhalo Malo Country: Bangladesh 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 265,000 World Population: 696,000 Language: Bengali Primary Religion: Hinduism Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Oromo, Hararghe of Ethiopia

Oromo, Hararghe of Ethiopia The Hararghe Oromo are the descendants of the Barentu confederacy that moved toward the east of the Ganale River during the Oromo migration of the 16th century. They consist of the Ittu, Ania, Ala, Nole, Jarso, and Babile tribes. The Hararghe Oromo are a friendly and hospitable people. They are farmers and they also have livestock. They were able to occupy the land of the Harar uplands where they came in contact with the Somali and the Harar city-state. Many of the Hararghe Oromo were converted to Islam through the influence of the Harar city-state, which also became instrumental in spreading Islam to all other southern parts of Ethiopia. Ministry Obstacles The Hararghe Oromo have been Muslims for hundreds of years. Islam is part of their identity as a people. Outreach Ideas The few believers that are from among the people have left their community to join the Christian communities from other people groups. Pray they would be burdened with the spiritual need of the people they have left behind. Pray for the followers of Christ There is a small but growing body of Christian believers among the Hararghe. Pray they will be given a vision to take the message of Christ to all of their own people. Pray for the entire people group Please pray the Lord will draw increasing numbers of the Hararghe people to himself. Pray for reproducing church planting movements to occur, so that all of the people can hear the way to eternal life. Scripture Focus "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations." Luke 24:46-47

People Name: Oromo, Hararghe Country: Ethiopia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 4,892,000 World Population: 4,892,000 Language: Oromo, Eastern Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2