How can we ensure there is a church within walking distance of everyone in the world?

We must be patient. We must be steadfast. Most importantly, we must pray.

Thousands of indigenous people groups exist around the world, each with their own unique history and culture. While some have heard the Gospel, there is still much work needing to be done. Many of these people face persecution, especially those who have converted to Christianity. A strong church provides hope, safety and support for these new Christians, and spreads the Gospel to others.

As the Global Church Developer, our mission is to equip our indigenous partners with resources they need to plant churches, disciple believers and provide refuge. Without you, we could not accomplish that mission. Each month, we highlight some of those groups that may be blessed by ICM and our partners.

Please take time each month to pray for them as our work continues, and reflect on your own spiritual journey with the Lord. We pray each month’s post is a blessing to you. We thank you for your endless support.

All Scripture references come from the New Living Translation (NLT). Joshua Project used for Profile resource and stats.

July

People Within Reach: TURKANA

Located in Kenya

The Turkana are one of the most resilient people groups in the world. They live in the northwest portion of Africa’s Great Rift Valley—a harsh, arid landscape. They also have the distinction of being Africa’s fiercest warriors, particularly since they fought off British colonists in 1918. They raise livestock and travel semi-nomadically to graze their cattle. Their layers of beaded necklaces, which can weigh several pounds, denote a person’s social status within the tribe.

The Turkana pray to a god named Akuj to bless them with water. However, these prayers are mostly ritual. An ICM partner in Kenya is helping to plant healthy, reproducing churches among the Turkana.

Turkana At a Glance

Population: 1.3 million
Language: Turkana
Main Religion: Ethnic/Tribal
Christian: 48%*

Reflection Questions

Think of a time in your life when you may have been in need, whether it was physically, emotionally, or spiritually. How did the Lord provide for you? Were you feeling stressed or anxious, or did you give it all to God and have faith in Him that He would provide?

Prayer Requests

• Pray that the Living Water of Christ will flow through the Turkana people group.
• Pray that the Lord would soften the hearts of even the harshest Turkana warriors.
• Pray that the Turkana would turn from Akuj and worship our God and Savior.
• Pray that the Lord would give pastors knowledge and wisdom as they serve the Turkana.
• Pray that the Lord would give our partner in Kenya the resources to reach these resilient people.

  The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.—Proverbs 18:10