Papuan Malay in Indonesia
pronounced: pah-POO-ahn muh-LAY

Are they Malay or Papuan? Both! Papuan Malay is a language spoken that is similar to Bahasa, the generic trade language used in Indonesia and Malaysia. There is a growing number of people speaking this language. These people live on the island of Borneo, which is shared by Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.

Ministry Obstacles: The Indonesian government would like the people of Papua New Guinea to become Islamized. Christianity spread on Papua New Guinea after World War II, which made animistic tribes far more peaceful, as there was one movement to Christ after another there.

Outreach Ideas: Believers can help Papuan Malay speakers to understand the basics of faith in Christ through skits and songs.

Scripture Focus: "In the path of your judgments, O LORD, we wait for you; your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul."
- Isaiah 26:8

Prayer Focus Pray that many from this people group will trust the Lord, obey Him, and glorify His name through their actions. Pray that the few believers who speak Papuan Malay would show through their personal lives how Christ blesses those who accept his lordship. Pray for Papuan Malay speakers to understand the vast difference that Jesus Christ makes in a person's life, and cling to him no matter what the cost may be. Pray for many Papuan Malay speakers to come to Christ this decade.