Deli Malay People Group Profile

“And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch’” (Luke 5:4, ESV).

The 2 million plus Deli Malay live along the Eastern coast of North Sumatra, Indonesia. They live on the banks of rivers and near the ocean in marshy areas that often flood. Because of this, most Deli houses are raised off the ground on stilts. The Deli typically work as fishermen or traditional farmers. Because of poor sanitation, the Deli often suffer from skin ailments and mosquito borne illnesses. Many Deli also suffer from cataracts caused by the glare of the sun off the water.

The Deli believe that men and women have equal status in the family. According to the Deli this agrees with teachings of Islam. Hence both sons and daughters are able to receive a share of the inheritance from their parents.

 

The majority of Deli Malay follow Sufi Islam. It’s often said that once you become Malay, you become Muslim. Despite their strong identification with their religion, the Deli also hold equally strong animistic beliefs about spirits. They have many traditional ceremonies that focus on seeking protection from spirits through magic by either appeasing or controlling these spirits.

Pray that:

God will turn the Deli Malay people into fishers of men.

God will break up the hard ground of Deli Malay hearts so that they can receive Gospel seeds in good, fertile soil.

The Holy Spirit will break the demonic stronghold of spirit worship among the Deli Malay.

Believers living among the Deli Malay will become burdened to pray for and bold to share the Gospel with their Deli Malay neighbors.

New Deli Malay believers will be bold to witness, obedient to God’s Word, and courageous in the face of persecution and opposition.

The first indigenous Deli Malay church will be formed this year.

God will receive the glory He is due from the Deli Malay.