Bakumpai of Indonesia

Bakumpai of Indonesia The area where the Bakumpai live is crisscrossed with many rivers. They usually farm wet fields which depend on the rise and fall of the river. In the past, when the area of Banjarmasin was still a Hindu kingdom, the Bakumpai social system followed the Hindu caste system. Today, the Bakumpai are followers of Islam. The influence of Islam can be seen in almost every aspect of their lives: in their social system, their extended family relationships, and even in their artistic endeavors. Marabahan, the center of the area where the Bakumpai live, has produced many famous Islamic teachers who have spread Islamic teaching as far as the source of the Barito River. The number of Bakumpai people is steadily increasing, not only because of offspring, but also by Dayak Christians who join the Bakumpai by converting to Islam. Ministry Obstacles There is no scripture reported in the language of the Bakumpai people. Outreach Ideas Much prayer is needed to prepare the hearts of the Bakumpai to understand and believe that Jesus is in fact deity, the son of God, and that he died for their sins. Pray for prayer warriors to be raised up for this purpose. Pray for the followers of Christ Please pray for the few in the Bakumpai tribe who identify themselves as Christians. Pray they will live holy lives, and will be kind and compassionate with each other; forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave them. Pray for the entire people group The Bakumpai need to improve agricultural methods to facilitate development of their swampy land. They do not yet have a dependable irrigation system sufficient for all their needs. The Bakumpai also need more medical clinics and medical personnel. Scripture Focus "And to Him was given dominion,Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations, and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed." Daniel 7:14		People Name: Bakumpai Country: Indonesia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 165,000 World Population: 165,000 Language: Bakumpai 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