Malay, Cocos Islands in Australia

Malay, Cocos Islands in Australia

The Cocos Malays are the majority population of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, a territory of Australia. The Malay were the first permanent inhabitants of the island, along with Alexander Hare. They were brought as slaves and members of his harem. When a previous claimant, John Clunies-Ross, arrived a year later in 1827, he took the island back, employing the existing population in the harvest of coconuts. Because of the unbroken European rule of the islands, the culture has been mostly Western. The majority of the group is Muslim.
Ministry Obstacles
The majority religion in this small island territory is Muslim. There may be resistance to attempts to share the gospel.
Outreach Ideas
Aside from coconut harvesting and a bit of tourism the Cocos Islands have little sustainability. Perhaps the believers there could create a micro-business that would benefit their Muslim neighbors as they simultaneously share Christ with them.
Pray for the followers of Christ
The Christians living on the islands are in the minority and may feel very isolated. Pray they will meet together in joyful unity.
Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Cocos Islanders will continue to feel empowered in making decisions that affect them. Pray they will not be exploited by interests external to the island.
Scripture Focus
"The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands be glad." Psalm 97:1

		People Name: Malay, Cocos Islands Country: Australia 10/40 Window: No Population: 1,200 World Population: 7,200 Language: Malay, Cocos Islands Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Questionable Need Audio NT (FCBH): No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: