missionary

Apr 03

Reaching the Unreached in South Asia

By Brianna Alexander Blog

Two Chenchu children

In January, Anne and I (Dave) led a mission team to South Asia as part of our passionate commitment to bring the Gospel to those who’ve never heard. South Asia has many unreached people – and by unreached we essentially mean people who do not have the Gospel available to them by any means of their own. There isn’t a local church, nor a Bible in their language, and there aren’t people within their own community or culture who already follow Jesus. Did you know that there are more than 50 distinct groups of more than one million people each who don’t have a Bible in their language – and that’s just in south Asia. So it has been a very strategic choice for us to work to bring the Gospel there.

We gave our team a wide range of opportunities as we worked alongside our indiginous ministry partners: medical outreach, food outreach, blessing and praying for orphans and the elderly, as well as those afflicted with leprosy and their families. We held equipping events for pastors and their wives to encourage them amidst oppression from the government and spiritual darkness ever present in Hinduism.

Two days stood out with some amazing highlights and deeply meaningful connection.

On the final day of school before a holiday break, we sponsored a conference for all the students at a women’s college. After we met with all the teachers, the students had their turn to dance and perform on stage for us, much like you would see in a Bollywood movie. Then our team had the platform to share the powerful message of how Jesus sees and values each heart and soul individually. An invitation to receive Christ’s love was provided and we sensed how God was moving that day with so much joy. Many of the young women at the school asked for prayer afterwards and Anne was able to spend time with several of them and left with a special connection from that time.

Every student may be on a different spiritual journey, but they were so receptive to hearing the Gospel from our team. We know how powerfully they were called toward salvation, and we continue to pray for those who made decisions and those yet to take that step of faith.

The other momentous day occurred when we visited an extremely remote village located within a tiger reserve. The tribal people there are called the Chenchu, and they hunt with bow and arrow, and gather and forage for their survival. Their poverty was astonishing, and I share that having experienced some very rural and rustic settings. Fifty children from their village died in 2024 from malnourishment. Although they are bilingual, speaking the local Indian dialect and their own tribal tongue, most of the nearly 50,000 within the tribe are illiterate.

We were deeply moved by God’s compassion to help the Chenchu. This is an unreached people group who cannot read the Bible, do not have any churches nearby, and no one seems to be sharing the Gospel with them. In 2025 we will be working with our ministry partners to share Christ and assist with some of the humanitarian needs of the tribe. Please join us in prayer as we pursue this opportunity to bring the Gospel to those who have never heard.

Mar 21

Love0

Day 22 – Pray For Palestinians in Jordan

By Brianna Alexander Blog

This story was shared through World Prayer Guides. They have published a printable version of “30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World.” We encourage you to purchase it, print it, and join us as we pray for Muslims through the 30 days of Ramadan.

Captivated By The Word

Eve, one of the many Palestianians living in Jordan, came to our clinic with back pain. Amongst the many desperate and demanding people, she had a kind and sincere heart.

Eve desires to please God and know the holy books so she goes to Qur’an classes each week at her local mosque. We invited her to a woman’s exercise class and quickly decided to train her to become the class coach. As we visited each week, she poured out her heart. The gossip and suspicion between extended family members, living in the same building. Her husband’s debt. The deep pain caused by the rejection from her stepsons. Her husband didn’t want to get involved. She ached for peace.

We longed to read the Bible with her and she agreed! She drank in the prophet stories of the Old Testament. ‘Do Christians still have to offer sacrifices, like Abraham and Moses did?’ We replied, ‘Wait and see’.

Week by week, she asked her question. Finally, we said, ‘We do have a sacrifice, but it is very expensive.’ Curious, she mused, ‘Expensive? Maybe a camel?’ We got to Isaiah 53. ’This is about Jesus isn’t it? He’s the sacrifice.’ She paused. ‘But is he the sacrifice for ALL people?’ We replied excitedly, ‘Yes, for ALL people who trust in Him!’ She looked flat. ‘I do believe Jesus is a prophet, but the Qur’an says he didn’t die.’ We weren’t surprised, though were disappointed. ‘But I’d still like to keep reading with you.’ The Word of God has captured Eve’s heart, but Islam blinds her.

How Can We Pray?

That Jesus stirs courage and hunger in Muslim women to read God’s Word.
For Muslims like Eve who do encounter God’s Word, that the Spirit opens their blind eyes to know who Jesus is and trust in him.
For the Prince of Peace to enter and transform family networks through His Word.

Mar 18

Love0

Day 19 – Pray For Asylum Seekers

By Brianna Alexander Blog

Hussain grew up as the only child of a moderately Muslim couple, but within a fundamentalist Islamic regime. In his mid 20s, Hussain worked in a fitness centre where one of his workmates was a follower of Jesus. One day, they had a discussion about the Bible and, as a parting gift before moving to another city, his colleague gave Hussain a copy of the New Testament in his own language.

Hussain read the Scriptures from cover to cover and had many questions. However, there was no-one with whom he could safely talk. Even so, as he read, he experienced the presence and peace of God, and became convinced that Jesus’ words are life and truth. Although supportive of their son’s new beliefs, his parents warned him to keep them to himself. And so Hussain remained alone as a believer for the next five years.

During that time, the Islamic regime became more and more repressive. Hussain knew that if he stayed, eventually he would be caught and killed, and so he decided to run to a safe European country, where he finally met other Christians and was baptised.

Two years have passed and Hussain is still fighting for refugee status in his adopted country. He works hard to learn the language, and dreams of going to university to become an engineer. However, there is still a chance he might be rejected and deported to his homeland, where he would almost certainly be imprisoned.

How Can We Pray?

For Christian refugees from a Muslim background who, like Hussain, are in danger of being deported by their host countries.
For boldness among Christians in Muslim countries to discuss the Bible with their Muslim friends and distribute it wisely.
For revelation for Muslim seekers as they read God’s word, and for access to the people and resources to help them on their faith journey.

Mar 11

Love0

Day 12 – Pray for the Biharis in Bangladesh

By Brianna Alexander Blog

Nadim is an Urdu speaking Bihari whose forefathers came to Dhaka after the partition of India. Caught up in the events of political changes, the Biharis became an impoverished minority people group living in camps in Bangladesh. They are considered an unreached people group and only a handful of believers exist among them.

Nadim worked as a sari designer making patterns for the silk sari weaving cottage-industry that his people are famous for. As the fashion for wedding saris shifted from silk to other types, it became more and more difficult for him to feed his family. One day while he was minding a friend’s shop, the owner came in and threw a couple of books on the counter. “Look here,” he said “the Christians are distributing their book for free on the street because of Christmas. I will try to make some money by selling them here.’’ Nadim took a New Testament home and started reading that night. From then on, he read every night. The more he read, the more his desire to know Christ grew.

One day he met a young evangelist who lived in that area. They started talking and, with the input of several people, Nadim heard the gospel clearly explained. After embracing Jesus as his Saviour, his wife and mother-in-law came to faith as well. Nadim has learned the path of repentance in the years since but now leads a small church in his home.

How To Pray:

That Biharis who experience persecution and rejection would find their identity in Christ.
For improved conditions for the hundreds of thousands of Biharies who live in camps in squalid conditions and for htem to discover Jesus as their True Hope.
For educaitonal opportunities for Bihari young people.

Mar 10

Love0

Day 11 – Pray For Those Imprisoned in Libya

By Brianna Alexander Blog

Imprisoned For Faith

Libya is a country rich in natural resources but devasted by civil war and various armed conflicts. These have caused massive emigration as well as economic hardship and suffering for those remaining in country. There is also spiritual hardship in that deciding to follow Christ in this strict Muslim country carries with it the threat of being punished with death.

Aatiq is one of those who has received a legally disputed death sentence. He came to know Christ through reading the Word some years ago and then wandered away from his faith. A sub-Saharan believer met him and prayed that he would have a vision of the risen Christ. A few days later he had that vision and since then has clung to the Lord in the midst of adversity caused by the boldness of his proclamation. He, somewhat like Joseph in Genesis, has been esteemed by some of those in charge of the prison because of his helpful attitude and good work.

How Can We Pray?

“Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies” (Heb 13:3 NLT). Ask God that those suffering in prison be released.
Pray for media outreach efforts in Libyan Arabic that programs would draw people to Christ and would also comfort and disciple secret believers.
Pray that Libyans who have emigrated to other countries would find Christ and return to share with their own people.

***

During Ramadan, we are taking time each day to pray for people in the Muslim world. We are praying that they would hear the Gospel, have access to the Bible, have a divine encounter with Jesus, and be saved. We are also praying for Christians living as the minority in the Muslim world, that they would be protected from persecution, strengthened in their faith, and given opportunities to share the Gospel.

The stories and prayer requests that we are sharing have been taking from World Prayer Guides. You can visit their website (www.WorldPrayerGuides.org) to purchase a printable prayer guide for just $2.50.

Mar 09

Love0

Day 10 – Pray For The Aimaqs of Afghanistan

By Brianna Alexander Blog

Zai was transfixed by verses from the Gospels shared with him by a Christian worker. Tears came to his eyes as they read John 1:12 together: “Sometimes when I read this book I get goosebumps!” he said. Zai sensed God calling him to repent and surrender his life to Jesus, but he was serious about counting the cost. He also struggled to know if he understood the gospel well enough. He said that sometimes at night, he sensed God’s presence so strongly that it almost scared him, not understanding what God wanted from him.

Zai is Aimaq and his people live in the central and western highlands of Afghanistan. Numbering half a million, they live a full or semi-nomadic lifestyle. Their language is considered ‘lost’ so they speak Dari or Pashto, depending on their location.

Zai’s friend told him to speak to God and ask for faith. Reading together Revelation 3:20, he showed him that Jesus was patiently and lovingly knocking on the door of his heart and desiring a personal relationship with him. Zai was deeply moved and asked, “What must I do?” The two men reviewed the verses in Romans regarding the human condition and Romans 10:9-10 which describe a sinner’s response. Zai pondered and asked, “Is it ok if I just take tonight to think about it?” Zai later confessed that “I was afraid if I waited, Jesus might stop knocking.” Soon after this, God gave Zai a dream and he woke up knowing that he was ready to surrender his life to Christ.

How Can We Pray?

Pray for the good news to be shared in the Aimaq area; the regions where they live have no gospel witness.
Pray for the Aimaqs to find hope and to know the Lord as their great provider as they live in one of the poorest areas of Afghanistan.
Pray that young Aimaq men would find the gospel as they travel to other places for work.

Mar 08

Love0

Day 9 – Pray For The Perfume Islands

By Brianna Alexander Blog

Translating The Bible In Their Mother Tongue

Because vanilla, cloves and spices grow here, the Comoros archipelago is also known as the Perfume Islands, with frangipani, jasmine and lemon grass also lending a delightful fragrance. Almost one million people live on the four main islands, which are located between Madagascar and Mozambique. One of them, Mayotte, is a French overseas territory, which is why many Comorians try to reach France via this island. This has led to unrest and conflict. The population lives in poor conditions and is almost exclusively Muslim.

Said is one of the only Christians on the island. Only a few people around him and in his family know Jesus. He wants the Comoros people to get to have the opportunity to read the Word of God and to believe. Together with other believers and missionary societies, he is working on a Bible translation in the local language. This will give people access to the Word of God in their mother tongue, which is crucial to spreading the gospel and enabling a deeper connection to faith.

The unity and dedication behind this collaboration is impressive. The indigenous believers and mission agencies bring their resources, talents and passions to serve God’s mission together.

How Can We Pray?

That the fragrance of God spreads throughout the Perfume Islands and that the people experience Him.
That Christians may live safely and securely.
For Bible translation to progress well, with great unity in the team.

Mar 07

Love0

Day 8 – Pray For Muslims in Sandzak

By Brianna Alexander Blog

The Only Christian in Sandzak

Hamza is sitting in one of the most famous ćevapi restaurants in the Serbian city of Novi Pazar with his foreign friend. People come here to drink coffee and to enjoy the best sausages and a good view of the pedestrian zone. Hamza, however, is here to learn from the Bible. On their mobile phones they read John 8:32 together: “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

After a moment of silence, Hamza says: “That is what my people need. They should recognize Jesus as truth and as light. And then he will free them from the many dark powers and the slavery of money.” And he continues: “God sent you here for me! Without you, I would no longer follow Jesus.”

Sandzak is a historic region in the Balkans that straddles the border of Serbia and Montenegro. As the only known follower of Jesus in the entire region with around 250,000 Muslim residents, Hamza knows life in Sandzak. It is not easy for him to live his faith, but he always draws strength from the Bible. The Muslims in Sandzak are a significant majority locally, but overall, they are a minority in Serbia and Montenegro. Thirty years after the war, they are still discriminated against. This is one of the reasons why many Muslims here are very religious and devout. In the city of Novi Pazar alone, there are over 60 mosques, three Koran schools and an Islamic university for future religious teachers and imams.

How To Pray

That more Muslims from Sandzak will recognise Jesus as the truth and follow him.
That the people of Sandzak would recognise the light of Jesus to be stronger than all the dark powers that they have experienced.
For more workers and new ideas on how to reach the Muslims of Sandzak.

Mar 04

Love0

Day 5 – Pray For Muslims in Zanzibar

By Brianna Alexander Blog

Fantastic beaches, picturesque sunsets and a natural paradise attract thousands upon thousands of tourists to the popular island archipelago of Zanzibar every year. They make a stark contrast to the local Zanzibaris, who are 99 % Muslim. Deeply entangled in folk Islam and occultism, they try to distance themselves from the influence of the Western world through their religion and traditions. Jesus speaks into this bondage and conflict and calls Zanzibaris to follow Him.

Mansour experienced that through Isa al-Masih (Jesus, the Messiah) he was set free from evil spirits and demonic burdens. Curious, he and his family watched LUMO films about the life of Jesus, and they began reading the Injil (New Testament). They decided to follow Jesus into a life of light and freedom. Mansour’s father-in-law in the south of the island heard that his daughter had been set free by Jesus – something that all magicians had failed to do so far. A group of seekers are now meeting there, too, to learn more about Jesus in the Injil. The first life changes through the Holy Spirit can be seen, and some are ready to be baptized.

Ways To Pray

That the young believers would take courageous steps of obedience and not allow themselves to be prevented from doing so by rumors circulating about baptism.
That Jesus would answer their prayers when they pray in His name for the sick and burdened.
For supernatural protection and care for the believers, who are now increasingly disadvantaged and persecuted by religious leaders and neighbours.

We are praying for different Mulsim people groups around the world during the 30 days of Ramadan. The stories and prayer requests shared here are taken from World Prayer Guides. Please consider making a donation to them or purchasing a printable guide to suppor their ministry.

Mar 03

Love0

Day 4 – Pray For The Kazakhs from China

By Brianna Alexander Blog

Today is the 4th day of Ramadan. As Muslims around the world take time to pray, The Global Mission is taking time to pray for them, to pray for their salvation and deliverance. We would love for you to pray with us and to search for opportunities to share your testimony and the gospel with Muslims in your life.

All stories and prayer requests are taken from World Prayer Guides. You can purchase a printable prayer guide from their website.

The Story

Tolkyn grew up in a big city in eastern China, though his people consider the northwest of the country to be their home area. Despite not being especially religious or traditional, he considers himself a Muslim. Like many younger generation Kazakhs, he’s living abroad. Work, study, family connections, and immigration are common reasons for this phenomenon.

Kazakhs who travel out of China tend to be ambitious and prize worldly wisdom. Having escaped many limitations by coming out of their country, they recognize the relative freedom they’re enjoying. At least some of their dreams are coming true, though their happiness is often mixed with heartache over separation from relatives still in China.

Tolkyn is pursuing advanced studies and thinking seriously about marriage to his girlfriend, Saule. Through Saule, he met some Jesus-followers in the city where he lives. He had read some of John’s gospel in Chinese years ago, but it didn’t make much of an impression on him. Saule’s friends, however, in a conversation about how a husband and wife relate to each other in marriage, brought up the passage in Ephesians 5 where it says, “Husbands, love your wives…” This really made Tolkyn think. The fact that this scripture was in Kazakh, and not some other language, also got his attention— so much so that he got a copy of the Bible in Kazakh for himself.

Ways To Pray

For Kazakhs living abroad to feel a longing to know their Creator that nothing else (education, career, money, emigration, even family) can satisfy.
For them to meet Jesus-followers along their paths in pursuit of worldly ambitions.
That Kazakhs would have the opportunity and desire to read scripture, and that they would receive understanding through the Holy Spirit.

Reaching the Unreached in South Asia

Day 22 – Pray For Palestinians in Jordan

Day 19 – Pray For Asylum Seekers