Creative Praise:
In response to the following Scripture, sing a song of praise to Jesus, draw Him a picture, or write Him a poem.
“Praise God for “how great a love the Father has lavished on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.” (1 John 3:1)
3-Stage Bible Study: Read the Q—Analyze the Verse—Write Your Response
What is the foundational reason every believer should worship God? Stop and pray this verse before you answer.[i]
“And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” (Revelation 5:9)
Prayer Journal Questions: Listen to the Lord as you meditate on the following verses.
What are sins that God is showing you that need to be confessed in your life and in your generation?
“For You will save the humble people, but will bring down haughty looks.” (Ps 18:27)
What are ways you can pray for and pursue revival on your campus?
“’Escape for your life! Do not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be destroyed.’ Then Lot said to them, ‘Please, no, my lords! …but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die. See now, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.’” (Genesis 19:15-20)
GLOBAL PROCLAMATION:
Forgotten People Group: The Acehnese of Indonesia
The Acehnese (pronounced ah-chu-NEEZ) live on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra in the Aceh province, Indonesia. Very few Acehnese live in any other country. They are a blend of many races, which explains why they are fairer skinned and slightly taller than most other Indonesians.
A mountain range with thick tropical forests runs through the middle of the Acehnese province. One of the chief cities in this province, Banda Aceh, is commonly known as "the doorway to Mecca" or "the front porch of Mecca." Historically, Banda Aceh has been a stopping place for Muslims journeying by ship to Mecca, the "holy city," in Saudi Arabia.
What are their beliefs?
The Acehnese are strict Sunni Muslims and have been very instrumental in the spreading of Islam throughout Indonesia and other parts of southeast Asia, often at the point of the sword. It is often stated that to be Acehenesian is to be Islamic.
In spite of their dedication to Islam, many Acehenese are still influenced by "animistic" ideology (belief that non-human objects have souls) and various superstitions.
There are some small groups of non-Acehnese living in Aceh who practice Buddhism, Hinduism, and even Christianity.
What are their needs?
Though sophisticated and intelligent, the Acehnese are living in spiritual darkness and ignorance. Only portions of the Gospel have been translated into the Acehnese language. They desperately need the light of the Gospel; only it can pierce the darkness that surrounds them.
The Acehnese are very resistant to Christianity; some are openly hostile. From 1979 to 1981 more than ten church buildings were burned and more than fifty Christians were killed in the Aceh province. (The victims were non-Acehnese who were living in the area.)
The Acehnese believe that their land is holy and that Christians living there only pollute it. Any Acehnese person who openly confesses his belief in Christ will be killed. As a result, very few missionaries serve there.
There are fewer than 300 known Christians among the Acehnese. Islamic law is strictly enforced and puts tremendous pressure on these believers.
Prayer Points
- Ask the Lord to send qualified linguists to translate the Bible into the Acehnese language.
- Pray that God will strengthen and encourage the small number of believers living among the Acehnese. Pray for His protection over them from physical harm.
- Pray that God will raise up qualified laborers who can effectively cross the Muslim cultural barriers.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to the Acehnese that Islam is a religion of death, but that believing in Christ will give them life.
- Pray that the hostility towards Christians will cease and that they will be allowed to freely preach the Gospel.
- Pray that the non-Acehnese Christians living in Sumatra will be given open doors and opportunities to share Christ with the Acehnese.
Promise from Scripture:
“If you return, then I will bring you back; you shall stand before Me;” Jeremiah 15:19
Generational Barrier:
Encountering Jesus – There is nothing that stirs the vibrancy of an individual’s spiritual life like the power of seeking and finding Jesus in the secret place. Jesus longs to encounter our hearts and the Holy Spirit consistently yearns to reveal Jesus to us in deeper dimensions. Pray for the emerging generation to give themselves to seeking Jesus with abandoned devotion until they meet with Him and are drawn into greater intimacy then they have ever known to be possible. (Acts 9:4-6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Prayer Journaling Response:
Take a few moments to record thoughts, prayers, and any insight. Also, it is often helpful to record how the Lord led in prayer – Scriptures, mental pictures, or a word or thought. Practice not only praying but also listening to the Lord. As we understand how the Lord is leading us, we can more quickly tune into the Lord’s voice when we have major decisions facing us or in times when the Lord feels far from us.
