GLOBAL PRAYER NETWORK: Malay, Pontianak of Indonesia

Minggu, 21 Desember 2014

Malay, Pontianak of Indonesia

The Melayu Pontianak are an agrarian people whose livelihoods depend on crops from their farmland as well as freshwater and saltwater fish. The land where they live consists of swampy lowlands only 0-100 meters above sea level, making it difficult to obtain clean water. Generally, Melayu Pontianak houses are built on stilts two meters high in order to protect the inhabitants from wild animals. They are devout followers of Islam. Their art forms and culture are heavily influenced by Islamic culture. However, they still hold superstitious and animistic beliefs. This is evident in local rituals that blend Islamic culture with animistic elements. Shamans are still very influential.

Ministry Obstacles
The Pontianak Malay are devout followers of Islam. Islam influences so much of their day-to-day living, even though Animism also has influence.

Outreach Ideas
There are any number of good resources available in the Malay language, including a full Bible. Workers are needed to take these to the people, and to help them understand the Gospel. Those who are already Christians need to be discipled so they will grow in understanding and holiness, as well as in numbers.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Please pray for the Pontianak Malay who are Christians. Pray they will live holy lives, and will be zealous to know and serve Jesus Christ.

Pray for the entire people group
One of the greatest needs of the Melayu Pontianak is better transportation access. Accessibility issues have caused the Melayu Pontianak to lag behind other Malay peoples in Southeast Asia in terms of education, industry, and standard of living.

Scripture Focus
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedlingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21