The 20,000 Penghulu live in the Western districts of Jambi
Province. They tend to be shorter than average and are believed to be part of
the “Older Malay” race. Their language
is a mixture of Malay and Minangkabau. They do not have a strong cultural
identity. Most Penghulu would not know to identify themselves as such. Only the
keepers of cultural history understand the distinction these days between
Penghulu and other Malay people groups.
Most Penghulu are rice farmers, although some grow rubber,
cinnamon, and coffee. The Penghulu are also known for their traditional methods
of gold prospecting. An important custom for the Penghulu is called menyerayo. In this custom the entire
village works together to plant, cultivate, and harvest the fields. 
The Penghulu are Muslim, but their animistic traditions are
still strong in daily life. Many Penghulu believe in spirits inhabiting sacred
places. Some Penghulu still offer sacrifices to these spirits to appease them.
It is also common to consult the dukun, or occult healer, for health or
personal problems.
There are a few Penghulu believers and an indigenous
Penghulu house fellowship. Still, the vast majority of Penghulu have yet to
hear of God’s gracious provision to pay their sin debt through the sacrifice of
Jesus.
Pray that:
Believers in the area, though small in number, will become
bold to share the Gospel broadly with their Penghulu neighbors.
The Holy Spirit will prepare the heart Penghulu to hear and
receive the Gospel of peace.
Entire families and even villages will come to faith at the
same time among the Penghulu.
Penghulu believers will be bold to share the Gospel with
family and friends.
Penghulu believers will be effectively discipled and
gathered together into house churches.
Penghulu will seek after God and His truth as diligently as
they have sought after gold.
Penghulu believers will make a clean break with animistic
traditions.
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