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.

January

People Within Reach: STIENG

Located in Vietnam and Cambodia

The majority of Stieng people can be found in the Binh Duong and Dong Nai Provinces of southeastern Vietnam. About 6,000 live across the border in Cambodia. Humble farmers who raise various crops on plantations, the Stieng have suffered many hardships— from the dividing of their ancestral lands during French colonization, to carpet bombing during the Vietnam War, to persecution under the genocidal Khmer Rouge. Today, a land rush in Cambodia is forcing even more Stieng to relocate. As a result, most Stieng villages are deeply impoverished and lack schools and medical clinics.

The Stieng were once highly animistic. Today, most follow Christ and are worshiping in local churches built by an ICM ministry partner in Vietnam.

Stieng At a Glance

Population: 56,000
Language: Stieng and Khmer
Main Religion: Christianity
Christian: 80%*

Reflection Questions

• How do you respond when life is unfair?
• What scriptures do you turn to for comfort and assurance?
• What does God say to you during these times?

Prayer Requests

• Pray that they will grow in the knowledge, peace and provision of God.
• Pray that the Stieng can one day have discipleship material in their heart language.
• Pray for an end to the discrimination and oppression of the Stieng people.
• Pray for those who are working as, or studying to become, tribal missionaries.
• Pray for the Lord’s blessing upon the Stieng children to receive a good education.

“I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants.”— Genesis 13:15a