By a former missionary in the Middle East — From time to time, we ask for prayer for an area of ministry outside of where SEND International works. This month, we ask you to lift up the people of Malaysia.

There are 20 million Malay Muslims, but there is not even a single Malay Fellowship making disciples and reaching their own people. This makes the Malay one of the largest unreached people groups in the world.

>> Read the Joshua Project report on the Malay.

The Malay are not unengaged. The group of Christians I know of has been living among them and seeking to love and reach out to them for over 18 years, but there has not yet been a positive response to the gospel message. There has been much opposition, however, and a number of families and singles have had to leave the field for one reason or another. Adding to the difficulty, Pastor Raymond Koh, a Malaysian pastor who was trying to reach out to the Malay, was kidnapped over two years ago and has not been heard from since.

We ask you to cry out to God for this people and land, praying that 2020 would be the year that a spiritual breakthrough finally happens—to the glory and praise of God.

In fact, we invite you to join us in prayer throughout 2020, asking that God would draw many Muslims to himself, from the Malay and from every other tribe and nation that does not acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Yes, the task is seemingly overwhelming, especially when our eyes get drawn away from the Lord and his power and mercy and we focus on the news headlines and trouble spots of the world. But in the midst of the political wars and civil challenges in Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, Iraq, etc., we acknowledge that the Lord is over all and remains able to bring peace like no one else can.

SEND International is engaging Muslims around the world and in our own backyard because that is where God has impressed us to reach out to them, right where they are, right in the midst of ordinary life. Pray that all our SEND workers will know the empowering Holy Spirit in their own hearts and will be able to communicate God’s amazing love and mercy to a hurting world.

As we begin a new year, you might keep in mind the major Islamic holidays and events so that you can pray and connect with Muslims in your area during these significant times.

When considering events on the Islamic calendar, keep in mind that their day begins at sunset the previous day, not with sunrise. So, for instance, Eid al-Adha celebrations start at sunset on July 30 and continue until evening on July 31.

10/10 Prayer Initiative requests

As part of the 10/10 Prayer Initiative, 180 agencies have come together to ask God to draw to himself 10 percent of the world’s Muslims in the next 10 years. 10/10. Easy to remember, yet such an amazingly big task that only God can do it. SEND International has committed to fast and pray the first Friday of every month. Will you consider joining us?

• Last month we asked for prayer for a friend involved in ministry to Muslims who had heart surgery. After some initial challenges, he is doing well and we are grateful for God’s healing hand. Please continue to pray for complete healing and full restoration for this friend.

• Lift up the many Muslims who attended Christmas programs and parties this year. Pray for their hearts to open to the Good News that was shared with them. Pray that God would remove their hearts of stone and replace them with a heart of tender love. 

• There are Christian agencies broadcasting over TV, radio, and the Internet. Pray for good follow-up with Muslims who have heard or seen the gospel message and who have expressed interest in knowing more. 
  

• Download a free bookmark with daily themes to help you pray for your missionary friends and their children.