Austronesian Peoples
“You make known to me the path of life,
in your presence is fullness of joy …” Psalm 16:11
A BRIEF SYNOPSIS
The Austronesian Affinity bloc is almost entirely comprised of Muslim peoples. While some portions of this region are strongly Christianized, others have heavy restrictions against sharing the gospel. Of the one-half billion people in this region, over 1000 people groups – or roughly 34% – are Unreached.
Natural disasters in this region have opened pathways to be a blessing by meeting the physical and spiritual needs of people. And the gospel is being spread — sometimes at great cost to disciples.
Beyond seeks to catalyze and serve disciple-making movements in Austronesia. By coming alongside local disciples, we can equip and encourage them to be obedient to the Bible’s commandments.
HOW CAN WE PRAY
- Pray that God would provide MANY spiritually hungry people ready to read discovery stories from the Bible and be discipled.
- Pray that those who have just begun discovering may find fullness of joy in Christ! “You make known to me the path of life, in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
- Pray for workers to commit to each of the people group regions by the end of 2025. Each region has its own people groups with unique needs, cultural backgrounds, and anamistic beliefs!
BIBLE STUDIES IN THE MOSQUE
Four ulamas (Islamic theologians) visited a community with a growing number of culturally Muslim Jesus followers. Having heard concerning reports, the ulamas decided to investigate.
Dowad*, the community’s leader and a new disciple of Jesus, brought them into the mosque where the local followers frequently study the Bible. There, one of the ulamas spotted a copy of the Injil (New Testament) in their language.
The ulama picked it up. “What is this?”
“This is what we study and follow!” Dowad answered.
“Don’t you study the Qur’an?”