Kanuri, Bilma of Niger

Kanuri, Bilma of Niger The Kanuri people are an African ethnic group living largely in the lands of the former Bornu Empire. The Bilma are one of the subgroups of Kanuri. Following the downfall of the Kanem-Bornu Empire and the scramble for Africa in the 19th century, the Kanuri were divided under the rule of the British, French, and German African empires. The Kanuri became Muslims in the 11th century. Some superstitions are still practiced in conjunction with Islam. Charms and amulets are worn around the neck or in pockets for various reasons. There is a charm to ensure a good pregnancy for a mother. There is also one to keep the ghost of the dead from haunting its descendants. Ministry Obstacles No scripture is reported as available in the language of the Bilma Kanuri. Outreach Ideas Please pray for Christian radio to be made widely available throughout Niger, and that the Kanuri will learn of its availability. Pray for the followers of Christ There very well may be no followers of Jesus among the Bilma Kanuri today, but there may be a few. Please pray for new believers among the Kanuri, that they will be protected from discouragement and doubt. They need fellowship with mature believers. Pray for the entire people group Please pray for the Kanuri of Niger, that they will be drawn to the man Isa (Jesus) as the Koran is read and studied. Pray for an increasing interest in this man, a curiosity to find out more about him. Scripture Focus "And those who lead many to righteousness [will shine] like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3		People Name: Kanuri, Bilma Country: Niger 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 31,000 World Population: 31,000 Language: Kanuri, Bilma 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

Khoja of Pakistan

Khoja of Pakistan The Khoja are a Muslim community which still retains some Hindu practices. They maintain intercommunity linkages with all the communities, both of the Islamic faith and of the non-Islamic faith. They accept and exchange food and water with other communities. The majority are engaged in trade. Only sons inherit ancestral property and the eldest son inherits the father's authority. First cousins are preferred as spouses. They arrange marriages through negotiation and marry within subgroups. Disposal of the dead is by burial. They attend the mosques of both the Shias and the Sunnis. Ministry Obstacles The Khoja community speaks a number of languages in Pakistan. Each language subgroup may need its own church planting project. Outreach Ideas Pray the Khoja will learn they can download scripture, the Jesus film and Gospel recordings from the Internet. Especially pray the younger people will become interested in these downloads, and will read and listen to them. Pray for the followers of Christ There probably are no followers of Jesus today among the Khoja of Pakistan. However, please pray the Lord will prepare and send teachers and pastors at the proper time to those who will soon come to saving faith in Christ. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Khoja community will increasingly desire to know the love of God, and will learn that a relationship with a loving God is possible because of the sacrifice of God's Son, Jesus. Pray they will become convinced that Jesus is indeed deity, and that he died for them. Scripture Focus "For behold, darkness will cover the earth, And deep darkness the peoples; But the Lord will rise upon you, And His glory will appear upon you. And nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising." Isaiah 60:2-3		People Name: Khoja Country: Pakistan 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 816,000 World Population: 1,226,000 Language: Panjabi, Western 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

Ainu, Aynu of China

Ainu, Aynu of China The history of the Ainu is shrouded in uncertainty. Why they came to be hated by their fellow Muslims is a mystery. Their Persian language suggests they probably originated in Central Asia long ago. Most Ainu lead simple lives, herding sheep and goats. Some Ainu men in recent years have been forced to travel to large cities in Xinjiang to seek employment in industry and construction. The Ainu are Muslims of the Sunni sect; they worship in mosques scattered throughout their villages. Few Ainu have ever studied Arabic, so even the religious leaders of their communities are unable to read the Qur'an. Ministry Obstacles The Ainu live in a remote region of China, and are strongly committed to their belief system. "No trace of Christianity remains in Kashgar today." Outreach Ideas Much prayer is needed so that workers will be sent to these people, and that hearts will be prepared to understand and believe. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray for the Ainu who will soon become disciples of Jesus Christ. Pray they will have scripture available, and will be able to read it and understand it. Pray for the entire people group Being a despised people, the Ainu eagerly desire the acceptance of their Uygur neighbors, an acceptance that makes the practice of Islam a prerequisite and the acceptance of Christianity unlikely. Pray the Ainu will desire truth more than acceptance. Scripture Focus "Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." Psalm 105:1		People Name: Ainu, Aynu Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 7,500 World Population: 7,500 Language: Ainu 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

Chalvadi of India

Chalvadi of India The traditional occupations of this Scheduled Caste were carrying carcasses and working as village servants. They used to remind the Lingayat Bania about the full moon and new moon days of the month, so that the latter could perform the necessary rites to Lord Shiva. More recently, they are engaged as wage labourers in agricultural operations and some are employed in government service. Some of their deities are Durgamma, Mariyamma, Hanumantha, Yellamma and Huligamma. They accept water and cooked food from all communities except the Madar and Dhor. The 1981 census shows their literacy rate as 22%. Ministry Obstacles The low literacy rate will be an obstacle if the good news of Christ comes to this community only in written form. Outreach Ideas Much prayer is needed to prepare hearts to understand and receive the Gospel message. Teams of workers relating and explaining stories from scripture can partially overcome the low literacy rate. Pray for the followers of Christ There are a few followers of Jesus Christ within this community, and they need our prayers. Pray they will consistently clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, and will represent Christ well. Pray for the entire people group Pray this low caste community will be able to increasingly educate their children, find improved employment situations, and see their standard of living rise in years ahead. Scripture Focus "...that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no one else." I Kings, 8:60		People Name: Chalvadi Country: India 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 202,000 World Population: 202,000 Language: Kannada 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

Spiritual Rebirth in India

Spiritual Rebirth in India  

More than 1,500 people attended two days of evangelistic meetings that were led by a Christian Aid-assisted ministry in Uttar Pradesh in May. The large turnout was repeated throughout the region as gospel workers traveled from village to village preaching, distributing tracts, and rejoicing as people responded to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. In one village, 86 people from different castes stood waist deep in a river, waiting patiently to be baptized. The ministry leader commented, “It was very hot under the sun when the baptisms took place, yet the heat did not lessen the joy of the people.”

The Latest Casualties of War: Ukrainian Christians

The Latest Casualties of War: Ukrainian Christians

Exploding shells are destroying homes and churches in the Donetsk region, where Ukrainian security forces and pro-Russian rebels have been battling for control since March.

Senseless violence in embattled eastern Ukraine took on added ramifications last week with the downing of a Malaysian commercial airliner near the Russian border. As that investigation begins, new reports are surfacing of additional casualties of war—this time Christians who are caught in the crossfire.
Christian Aid Mission has received word from ministry sources inside Ukraine that church leaders are being targeted by terrorists in the volatile Donetsk region.
A pastor, his two adult sons, and an elder have been missing since June 8, when they were kidnapped from an evangelical church in the city of Slovyansk. Some six weeks later, the ministry finally learned what happened to the four men. The following report came from a Ukrainian ministry leader who is a long-time friend of Christian Aid:

These four brothers in Christ were kidnapped a month ago by terrorists. All the while their families prayed for them, not having any information about their whereabouts.
Only a week ago, witnesses revealed that on the night of June 8, terrorists abused and tortured them, and in the morning they let the men go. The elder deacon was driving the car. Once they left the city, the terrorists reappeared, chasing after them in a vehicle. They started shooting at the deacon’s car.
The pastor and his sons jumped out of the car to try to escape. They were shot to death immediately. The driver was also killed and his body was burned when they set the car on fire.
On the second day fighters took the bodies and buried them with other victims in the same grave. Just now the families of the four men received this information. All this time they have been waiting for their husbands, fathers, and sons to come back home.

The oldest of the pastor’s sons leaves behind a wife and two young children. The other son had three children. The elder deacon had eight children, and his wife is due to give birth to their ninth child in August.

A ministry supported by Christian Aid is delivering food parcels and clothing to families impacted by the war.

This is by no means an isolated incident. For the past few months, church leaders from various Christian denominations have been threatened, kidnapped, beaten, arrested, and in some instances, killed, allegedly by pro-Russian supporters and militants. Some pastors have fled to the western part of Ukraine.
A spokesman for Christian Aid said the rebels are taking aim at believers because they support the Ukrainian government and its security forces. He surmised the abuse of pastors may be in retaliation for congregation members who give food and clothing to Ukrainian soldiers.
International Christian Concern (ICC) noted two incidents on its website. In May Archpriest Pavel Zhuchenko of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate was shot dead near a roadblock post in the Donetsk region. Pro-Russian rebels were blamed for his death.
Days later the national bishop of the Ukrainian Church of God was abducted in Slovyansk. According to ICC, militants seized his church building and used it as a base for their operations. The bishop was placed in an isolation cell for several hours. He was released unharmed the next day.
Civilians living in the conflict zone have also suffered greatly, and thousands have lost their homes and possessions. Electricity and water have been cut off in some areas around Donetsk.
“Christians of the western and central regions of our country are trying to help families who are going through tremendous pain and loss. The terrorists destroy everything: homes, schools, and even peaceful, innocent citizens,” said the leader of one Christian Aid-assisted ministry.
“We are grateful to God that there are people who do not stand aside during this terrible affliction. Several work teams are bringing in building materials and fixing up damaged homes. Pray for God’s protection over them day and night. We understand this is a big risk, but we cannot be indifferent when thousands of our brothers and sisters have nowhere to lay their heads,” he said.
The Ukrainian military reclaimed Slovyansk from separatists in early July. The city, located 90 miles from the Russian border, sustained heavy damage from the fighting. Power is expected to be restored soon, but the recovery process will take months, if not years. Ukrainians and ethnic Russians remain sharply divided on the issue of separatism.
Another Christian Aid-assisted ministry has been partnering with evangelical churches in western Ukraine to assist Christian families living in the war-torn east. Last week they delivered 27 tons of food and three tons of clothing.
“At first glance that may seem like a lot of supplies, but for many thousands of hungry and hurting people, it is like a drop in the ocean,” said that ministry’s director. “The war rages on, and the number of needy people is increasing.”
These Ukrainian ministries are seeking financial assistance to provide food and clothing for additional families, as well as funds to replace windows, doors, and roofs on houses damaged by shelling. One of the ministries is also in need of tires for its large truck, so it can be used to deliver relief supplies to affected communities.

Use the form below to contribute online. Or call 434-977-5650 to contribute by phone. If you prefer to mail your gift, please mail to Christian Aid, P.O. Box 9037, Charlottesville, VA 22906. Please use Gift Code: 368REF. Thank you!

Vaddar, Hindu of Sri Lanka

Vaddar, Hindu of Sri Lanka The Vaddar or Bhovi people trace their origin to Odisha, from where they are believed to have migrated to various southern states of India and Sri Lanka. They are earth-workers and other kinds of laborers, and are constantly moving about in search of work. They have been involved in digging wells. The Hindus generally treat them as untouchable - the Sudras. While earth digging, stone cutting, and daily wage labors are their traditional and primary occupations, agriculture is the secondary occupation for those settled in villages. Their patron deity is Muneshwar and many are devotees of Anjaneya. They also worship other goddesses. Ministry Obstacles The literacy rate of these people will be quite low. The Gospel needs to come to them in oral forms, as well as in written forms. Outreach Ideas Perhaps workers who know how to tell stories from scripture will come to the Vaddar of Sri Lanka and India. Please pray for this to occur. Pray for the followers of Christ None of the Vaddar in Sri Lanka have identified themselves as Christians, but there are a few in India who have identified themselves this way to the Indian census. These people need prayer support. Pray they will understand clearly the distinction that must be made between a cultural identification with the Christian religion and a life-giving relationship with Christ. Pray for the entire people group Pray that this poor community of laborers will be able to improve their lot in life. They need to seek a better education for their children, and they need employment opportunities. Scripture Focus "For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations ... says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 1:11		People Name: Vaddar, Hindu Country: Sri Lanka 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 155,000 World Population: 3,551,000 Language: Telugu 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

Nukak Maku of Colombia

Nukak Maku of Colombia The Nukak Maku are jungle nomads. At any moment, they can roll up their hammocks and carry their possessions to the next camp. They live off the land, utilizing an incredible list of jungle products. Some of their possessions now are modern, such as metal pots, but much of what they use is from their surroundings. They were an uncontacted tribe until 1988. Contact with them resulted in devastation, as half the population died of diseases they had previously not known. They hunt a variety of animals in the jungle, using a blowgun and poison darts. The Nukak think humans have three spirits that go to different places at the time of death. Ministry Obstacles No Christian resources are reported as available in the Nukak Maku language. Workers will have to find other ways to communicate with them. Outreach Ideas Perhaps Christians in other jungle tribes can be challenged to share Christ with the Nukak people. Stories from scripture may be the most effective approach. Pray for the followers of Christ There may be a handful of Nukak who know of Jesus, but even that is doubtful. Pray for those who will soon come to know Him, that they will be accurately taught who Jesus is and will understand what He has done for them. Pray for the entire people group Pray these jungle dwellers will find the food and water they need, and will not be further devastated by disease. Pray they will be able to make needed transitions to the modern world. Scripture Focus "All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will worship before You." Psalm 22:27		People Name: Nukak Maku Country: Colombia 10/40 Window: No Population: 800 World Population: 800 Language: Nukak Maku Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

Kaur of Indonesia

Kaur of Indonesia The Kaur are one of the original peoples of Bengkulu Province. Most Kaur villages are located in groups along the banks of small rivers in this area. One unique feature of Kaur houses is that they are all painted blue and white. Chickens, ducks, and cows roam freely in the villages. The older generation had families with an average of thirteen children, but because of the government-sponsored, family-planning program, families currently have only three children on average. The Kaur people have been Sunni Syafi'I Muslims since the 17th century. Like other Malays they observe religious ceremonies with a communal meal (sedekah) to celebrate a birth, give thanks for a harvest, ask for rain, commemorate a death, and ward off evil spirits. Ministry Obstacles No scripture or other Christian resources are available in the primary language of the Kaur. Outreach Ideas The nearest group with a significant number of believers is the tiny Engganese group on Enggano Island. Could they catch a vision to reach the Kaur on the mainland? Pray for the followers of Christ There are no known Christians today among the Kaur. Pray the Lord will soon stir many hearts to seek a way to find forgiveness for their sin, and at the proper time, reveal to them that a Savior has been provided. Pray for the entire people group Currently, the Kaur need better technology in order to increase agricultural production so they can produce enough food for their own consumption as well as for trade. A few people have become fishermen using motorboats and their income is considered quite high. Scripture Focus "But indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord." Numbers 14:21		People Name: Kaur Country: Indonesia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 51,000 World Population: 51,000 Language: Kaur 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

Baima of China

Baima of China The Baima speak their own language, wear a distinct dress, and proudly maintain their traditions and culture. They live in 14 villages along the Baima (White Horse) valley, on both sides of the Sichuan-Gansu provincial border. After they are married, Baima women wear fishbone necklaces and hats made of goatskin and chicken feathers. The Baima regard Lord White Horse as the greatest of all gods. Baima tombs are topped with small colorful flags, nine flags for a deceased male and seven for a female. It is said that these flags will lead the souls of the dead into heaven. The Baima also regard the rooster as one of their protective gods. Ministry Obstacles The Baima have never been exposed to the Gospel. Their cultural, linguistic, and geographic isolation has blocked them off from the rest of the world. Outreach Ideas Perhaps some Han Chinese Christians will be given a burden to share Christ with the Baima people. Pray they will be obedient to this leading. Pray for the followers of Christ Please pray for the few individuals in the Baima tribe who identify themselves as Christians. Pray they will learn to put on the full armor of God, and will live holy lives. Pray for the entire people group Pray for this isolated community to make the adjustments necessary to live productively in the modern age. Scripture Focus "Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; and let them say among the nations, 'The Lord reigns.'" 1 Chronicles 16:31		People Name: Baima Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 17,000 World Population: 17,000 Language: Baima Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: Questionable Need Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

Guiqiong of China

Guiqiong of China The Guiqiong inhabit the tablelands along both banks of the Dadu River, north of Luding County in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in western Sichuan Province. Today most Guiqiong grow maize and barley, while those living near the river or some other source of water grow vegetables. However, large quantities of opium were manufactured throughout the region until the Communist takeover in the early 1950s. The new government forced the people of western Sichuan to destroy their opium crops. The Guiqiong are nominally Tibetan Buddhists, although they retain many aspects of animism and shamanism in their religious beliefs. The Guiqiong have no understanding of the gospel or the name of Jesus Christ. Ministry Obstacles The Guiqiong have no background of belief or experience that will help them comprehend the good news of Jesus when it comes to them. Outreach Ideas Perhaps Han Chinese Christians will be led by God's Spirit to take the Gospel to the Guiqiong. Pray for this, and that they will be obedient to follow through with this leading. Pray for the followers of Christ Even though there are no known Christian believers among this people group today, please pray for the many who will soon come to Christ. Pray they will thoroughly understand the basis for their acceptance by God, that is, faith in Christ and his substitutionary death. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Lord will give the Guiqiong the gift of conviction of sin. They need to know they need forgiveness. Scripture Focus "For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations ... says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 1:11		People Name: Guiqiong Country: China 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 12,000 World Population: 12,000 Language: Guiqiong Primary Religion: Buddhism Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Tsamai of Ethiopia

Tsamai of Ethiopia The Tsamai are a people group that live in the plain of the Weyt'o River. They may have been part of the Konso people and because of raids from the Borana, had crossed the Sagan River to settle and intermingle with the Banna and Dime. They are neighbors of the Hamar and Banna, with whom they have built a strong alliance. They are farmers as well as livestock producers. They grow sorghum and maize, and use the hoe to cultivate the land. Their administrative and trade center is Weyto town. The Tsamako are predominantly followers of their ethnic religion which believes that the male and female star created the world. Ministry Obstacles No scripture is reported as available in the Tsamai language. Outreach Ideas There are many evangelical Christians in Ethiopia. Please pray that some of these people will be given an interest in taking the Gospel to the Tsamai tribe. Pray they will follow through and spend the necessary time among the Tsamai to help develop disciples. Pray for the followers of Christ There are a few Christians among the Tsamai tribe today, and they need prayer support. Pray that workers will be sent to them to help them become firmly established in the faith. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Tsamai tribe will soon be set free from superstition, and will come to know and worship the creator God. Scripture Focus "For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations ... says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 1:11		People Name: Tsamai Country: Ethiopia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 28,000 World Population: 28,000 Language: Tsamai Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

Kurteop of Bhutan

Kurteop of Bhutan Lhuntse District, home of the Kurteop, is extremely isolated. As recently as 1998, one book noted, "It is very rural and there are fewer than five vehicles, including the ambulance, and not a single petrol station in the whole district." Formerly known as Kurtoe, the region is the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family. Lhuntse is famous in Bhutan for its weaving, embroidery, and basket-making. There is no large-scale industry here, and many families earn their livelihood by weaving in their homes. Tibetan Buddhism dominates the lives of all people in this part of Bhutan. It is considered a great honor for a family to send its sons to the monastery for a time. Ministry Obstacles There will be spiritual opposition as Jesus is presented in this Buddhist land. There is no scripture available in their language, nor are there other resources such as Gospel recordings. Outreach Ideas There are a number of indigenous followers of Christ in Bhutan. Pray that some will be sent to the Kurteop people, that they won't be overlooked. Pray for the followers of Christ It is questionable if there is a single follower of Jesus among the Kurteop tribe. If there are some, they need prayer. And pray for those in the tribe who will soon become Christian disciples. Pray they will be set free from dark spiritual forces that have inhabited the valleys of Bhutan for generations. Pray for the entire people group Pray this isolated tribe will be able to cope with the outside world as time moves on. They will need to adjust. Scripture Focus "Now it will come about that In the last days, The mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, And will be raised above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it." Isaiah 2:2		People Name: Kurteop Country: Bhutan 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 16,000 World Population: 16,000 Language: Kurtokha Primary Religion: Buddhism Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2