By and far the most dominate of the ethnic groups in Riau
Province on Sumatra is the Riau Malay. The Riau Malay are dispersed among 3,200
islands in the area. Although the 1.8 million Riau Malay are neighbored by
other ethnic groups such as the Javanese and the Minangkabau, they have
remained largely insulated against outside influences to their culture.
Most Riau Malay work as farmers and fishermen. Many of them
live in traditional wooden homes raised on stilts next to the river. They have
also been known to build floating houses on rafts. Because their livelihood
depends on farming and fishing, the economic standing of most Riau Malay is
below that of other ethnic groups that have migrated to the area.
In Riau Malay culture, to be Malay is to be Muslim. Yet, for
life’s everyday problems, they often consult the dukun or religious shaman to
protect them from evil spirits. They believe these spirits are the cause behind
most illnesses. As for education, Riau Malay parents generally value religious
education above academic education.
There is not yet an indigenous Riau Malay church. There are
only a handful of believers from among the Riau Malay and they are scattered
among other ethnic groups that have churches.
Pray that:
The Holy Spirit will prepare the soil for broad, bold
sharing of the Gospel.
Workers in Riau will not lose heart in sharing as the Gospel
is often rejected.
Spiritual strongholds among the Riau Malay will be destroyed
and the captives will be set free.
The church in Riau will be unified and bold to take the
Gospel to the Riau Malay.
Riau Malay believers will grow in grace and maturity and
leaders will emerge to lead Riau Malay house fellowships.
Spiritual apathy among the Riau Malay will be broken and
they will see the true spiritual condition of their lives and respond with
repentance.
Riau Malay will know Jesus Christ as the way, truth, and
life.
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