There are three ways to really get involved, in my opinion:

1) Give – We can financially contribute to what God is doing around the globe by supporting missionaries and missions organizations that seek to reach the lost in various places. Giving generously to God’s global mission is certainly one way to invest.

2) Go – We can go to the nations, both through short-term and long-term trips around the globe. We can physically move ourselves across cultures to join in God’s work in locations and cultures other than our own. Going is another way we can invest.

3) Prayer – We can daily join in God’s work around the globe by praying for various peoples and missionaries. There are many great resources for helping to inform our prayers (e.g. JoshuaProject.net, PrayerCast.com, and OperationWorld.org). Prayer is the final way we can invest in God’s global mission.

I think many Christians do these things, yet their hearts are not truly invested in world missions. I have felt that way throughout my walk with the Lord, as I have been involved in giving, going and praying, yet my heart was disconnected.

These past couple weeks I have been thinking about the idea of partnership in missions, and the fact that true partnership is what leads to real investment. If we scatter our giving, going and praying to many different places around the globe, often times our hearts are not truly invested in any of them.

We may give generously to 10 different missionaries, but we don’t really feel involved in their ministry in a significant way. We may pray for every nation, but we don’t feel burdened for any particular nation. We may go on many trips to many places, but we don’t feel heart level compassion for any. I want to suggest a new way!

Perhaps the way to truly invest is by “adopting” a particular place and orchestrating all of your missions efforts to reach that specific nation or people. For me, I think Turkey is going to be that place. I want to give to missions in Turkey, go to Turkey and pray for Turkey. I want to really be invested in seeing the church of Jesus Christ established there.

Who will you “adopt”? What will you do to become truly invested in God’s mission to the nations by diving deep into seeing God’s purposes carried out in one specific place? Pray and ask God where he would specifically want you to focus your efforts in reach the world with the gospel. Please let me know where God is leading you, as I love helping people find resources, establish connections and become equipped to fulfill God’s call on their lives.

Perhaps you want to join with me in “adopting” Turkey…

In line with this thought, instead of posting unreached people groups from around the globe to pray for every day on the blog, I am going to go through all of the different people groups in Turkey. There are 61 total groups, and 39 are considered unreached by the gospel. Please join me in praying for Turkey!

“Prayer is the pulse of life; by it the doctor can tell what is the condition of the heart. The sin of prayerlessness is a proof for the ordinary Christian or minister that the life of God in the soul is in deadly sickness and weakness.” – Andrew Murray

“…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints…” – Ephesians 6:18

Israel: Death to Christianity

A Jerusalem church was vandalized on Monday, Feb. 20, in an attack reflecting the sentiments of Jewish nationalists.

Vandals spray-painted the words “Death to Christianity” on the wall of the Baptist Narkis Street Congregation church. The graffiti included profanity about Jesus and the words “Price Tag,” a slogan used by Jewish extremists to protest policies they perceive as anti-settlement. The vandals also slashed the tires of several cars parked in the church compound.

Police have launched an investigation into Monday’s attack, which is similar to a graffiti attack two weeks ago on the 11th-century Monastery of the Cross, also in west Jerusalem. “Officers are investigating a strong possibility of a nationalist motive, but no one has been apprehended yet,” police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told Ynet News. It is unlikely that Muslim vandals would have denigrated Jesus, who is considered a holy prophet in Islam.

When asked for comment on the attack by a local reporter, a VOM contact in the region said, “Jesus told us persecution would happen, and he told us to forgive when it does happen. So that’s what we think about the incident.”

“Price tag” attacks are carried out all over Israel by Jewish extremists. The term is used to suggest that vandalism is the “price” that must be paid by non-Jews for the evacuation and demolition of Jewish settlements. The extremists have targeted mosques, Palestinian homes and Israeli military installations in the West Bank.

Source: Ynetnews.com

There are many great resources out there that talk about prayer, and specifically help people join in praying for the nations. Please take a minute to watch this video and join in by praying for Nepal – and specifically for the Kami people – today.

It is believed that the Kami entered Nepal from the plains of India and freely intermarried with the indigenous communities of Nepal. A marriage is solemnized at the bride’s residence. The bride and bridegroom are seated on a bed with their feet dipped into a vessel; and the parents and close relatives wash their feet amidst the chanting of mantras by a Brahman priest. The bridal couple then stand facing each other on either side of an earthen vessel containing the sacred fire. They walk round the vessel seven times. Traditionally, the Kami are ironsmiths.

Ministry Obstacles
The Kami may have a low literacy rate. This suggests the need to communicate using stories from Scripture, and recordings of Scripture. Printed Scripture should also be made available for those who are literate.

Outreach Ideas
The Lord is building His church among the peoples of Nepal. Perhaps some Nepali believers will be led to carry the message to the Kami people. And, the current Kami believers can be part of that effort.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the Kami individuals who know and follow Jesus Christ. Pray they will not mix the Gospel of grace with past beliefs. Pray they will be quick to confess sin, and will learn to live in the power of Christ’s Spirit. Pray they will be a faithful witness of Christ’s goodness to family and friends.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray each person in the Kami community will have at least one opportunity to hear accurately of who Jesus truly is. Pray also that their physical and material needs will be met, and that breadwinners will find employment opportunities.

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:	Kami
Country:	Nepal
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,133,000
World Population:	1,263,000
Language:	Nepali
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:	1.2

A widely quoted Bedouin saying is: “I against my brothers, I and my brothers against my cousins, I and my brothers and my cousins against the world.” Bedouins traditionally have strong honor codes, and traditional systems of justice dispensation in Bedouin society typically revolve around such codes. The bisha’a, or ordeal by fire, is a well-known Bedouin practice of lie detection.

Ministry Obstacles
These people live in a harsh environment, difficult for outsiders to enter.

Outreach Ideas
Gospel radio will be useful, and visiting workers bringing videos and recordings are needed. Sustained prayer may be the best thing we can do.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Pray for the few followers of Christ among the Bedouin of Mali. They live in a difficult environment. Pray they will have nothing to do with the deeds of darkness, living as children of light.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the material and physical needs of the Bedouin. Pray they will be able to care properly for their families.

Scripture Focus
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

People Name:	Bedouin, Berabish
Country:	Mali
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	154,000
World Population:	207,000
Language:	Hassaniyya
Primary Religion:	Islam
Bible:	None
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
Christ Followers:	Few, less than 2%
Status:	Unreached
Progress Level:	1.2

It is easy in the midst of an election season, especially in a nation founded upon the principle that the government ought to be controlled by the people, to forget that God is still sovereign over the whole world (including the US). I am currently studying Daniel with a group of men on Tuesday mornings, and we are constantly being reminded of God’s control over all government rulers, including the president of the United States.

King Nebuchadnezzar was quite possibly the most powerful man in the world during his time. The bounds of his reign were unmatched by any American president, however God was sure to put him in his place when he was becoming overly proud. God took this powerful man and humbled him, driving him out of his mind and forcing him to live outside and eat grass (Daniel 4). Do we believe that God could do the same with our president today, if he so desired?

As I read through Daniel and reflect upon the upcoming election, I just want to remind us who our true king is. I want to remind us what kingdom we truly belong to, and what ought to be first in our priorities. Being a good citizen of the United States is not a bad thing, however we must remember that, if we are Christians, our allegiance is first and foremost to the kingdom of God. This means that our eyes must be open wider than the US political landscape, but we must think and see globally.

We belong to the true King of kings and Lord of lords, not to Barack Obama, Rick Santorum, Hilary Clinton or Mitt Romney (funny thing is I had to go to a website to get all these names… maybe I need to be more informed…). Jesus is our king, regardless of who becomes president of the US. He is the ONE we follow!

The Adamawa Fulani are the group of Fulani who live in Nigeria’s Adamawa province, and some of these people have found their way to Cameroon. The Fulani are a proud people who teach their young children to have tribal dignity. Fulani children are required to love their mothers and respect their elders. They are also taught to strictly hold on to important values such as generosity, honesty, and modesty.

Ministry Obstacles
The identity of the Fulani is tied to Islam. To follow Jesus is to risk losing much that is important within the Fulani culture.

Outreach Ideas
Much prayer is needed to prepare the hearts of the Fulani to seek the truth of the good news of Jesus. Pray they will become eager to learn and respond, with faith believing. Pray for workers.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There are some Adamawa Fulani who are Christian believers. Pray they will be taught the truths of Scripture, and will grow to become zealous disciples of Christ. Pray they lead holy lives.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Fulani people will be able to care adequately for their families, and make schooling a priority for their children.

Scripture Focus
“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14

People Name:	Fulani, Adamawa
Country:	Cameroon
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	1,717,000
World Population:	3,776,000
Language:	Fulfulde, Adamawa
Primary Religion:	Islam
Bible:	Complete
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
Christ Followers:	Few, less than 2%
Status:	Unreached
Progress Level:	1.2

The Northern Kurds of Turkey live in a rugged area, along the Turkey-Iran border. Since 1965, these proud and fiercely independent people have made a clear return to their roots. There is an increasing desire to speak Kurdish. This nationalism is laying the foundations for a Kurdish cultural and literary revival.

Ministry Obstacles
Kurdish identity has for centuries included commitment to Islam.

Outreach Ideas
Gospel radio can be very helpful in the Kurdish regions. Pray that Jesus will be lifted up before the Kurds in various ways.

Pray for the followers of Christ
The Lord is beginning to build His church among the Kurds. Please pray the Christian believers will become firmly established in the faith, trusting fully in Jesus, not only for salvation, but for power to live an abundant life here and now.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the ancient Kurdish peoples of Turkey will be given the opportunity to know Christ. Pray as well for peace with the Turkish government, and with their neighbors. Pray for stability in the area of Kurdistan.

Scripture Focus
“That all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no one else.” 1 Kings 8:60

People Name:	Kurd, Kurmanji
Country:	Turkey
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	7,919,000
World Population:	14,419,000
Language:	Kurdish, Northern
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

The Sumbawa (or Samawa) people group live on the island of Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara Province, and are mostly farmers. They are Muslim, but many Sumbawa professing Islam still rely on the advice and help of shamans, especially in times of crisis. They also believe in various spirits and genies, such as samar and bakek.

Ministry Obstacles
The Sumbawa worldview (Islam/Animism) makes it difficult for them to place their faith in the Son of God, Emmanuel.

Outreach Ideas
Indonesian Christians on adjacent islands may bring the Gospel message to the Submawa. Pray they will be given a desire to do this.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There are a few believers among the Sumbawa. Pray they will be properly instructed in the faith, and that they may stand firm and hold to the teachings of Scripture.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray the Sumbawa will find improved markets for their agricultural products.

Scripture Focus
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” Isaiah 52:7

People Name:	Sumbawa
Country:	Indonesia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	400,000
World Population:	400,000
Language:	Sumbawa
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

The Fulani have been largely responsible for introducing and spreading Islam throughout much of western Africa. They have been a nomadic people and influential in regional politics, economics, and histories throughout western Africa for over a thousand years. The height of the Fulani empire was between the early 1800s and early 1900s, being consolidated under Usman dan Fodio and centered in northern Nigeria.

Ministry Obstacles
The Fulani have followed Islam for centuries, giving them a worldview not easily influenced by the good news about Christ.

Outreach Ideas
Sustained, focused prayer is needed to help the Fulani come to a sufficient understanding of who Jesus truly is, the Son of God. Spiritual truths are spiritually discerned, and prayer is needed.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There are only a few followers of Christ among the Toroobe Fulani. Pray their faith will become firmly established on the truth of Scripture.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Fulani to find Isa (Jesus) of the Koran of increasing interest, someone to study. Pray for their curiosity to be satisfied.

Scripture Focus
“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” Revelation 7:9

People Name:	Fulani, Toroobe
Country:	Nigeria
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	7,852,000
World Population:	7,852,000
Language:	Hausa
Primary Religion:	Islam
Bible:	Complete
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
Christ Followers:	Few, less than 2%
Status:	Unreached
Progress Level:	1.2