Spring 2000

Week three

What's inside:

Mobilize your campus; UPG information; project list; God's Heart for the Nations Bible study

WE NEED YOU! Are you a mobilizer? Help us find students to reach out to a world in need. No one is closer to students than you are. You see them in class, the BSU or BSM and at church. Take some time to find out what they are doing this summer. You can make an eternal difference by pointing others towards service. You and your friends can find more information about summer and semester missions on our Web site www.thetask.org/students, but don’t waste time. Applications for summer projects are due by MARCH 10.

To learn more about how to mobilize your campus, check out these guidelines at www.thetravelingteam.org/mobilize.htm

Unreached People Group (UPG) focus: The Sundanese of Indonesia

The Sundanese are one of the largest groups of unreached people in the world. Their population in 2000 is estimated to be 22,559,700, and less than 1 percent are Christians.

The Sundanese have their own language, Sunda, but most also speak Javanese. The Sundanese are culturally similar to the Javanese, but they claim to be more informal and open. Rice farming is the ideal for the Sundanese, but many villagers do not own enough land to support their families. Many, therefore, turn to crafts, seasonal farming and service occupations. Coastal areas are also known for fishing and fish farming.

Traditional values still guide the lives of the Sundanese. These behavioral codes, known as the adat, were passed down by their ancestors. The adat is followed in order to maintain peace amongst the villagers and within the “cosmic whole.” Slowly, rural areas are beginning to face change as new ideas and experiences filter in from the cities. Although Islam was first introduced in the 15th century by Indian traders, the true principles of Islam have been spread amongst the Sundanese only since World War II. Islam is, therefore, a blend of traditional practices and Islamic beliefs.

Prayer Points:

• Pray that those who understand the Muslim culture will be called into missions so that the Gospel can be shared effectively.
• Pray that God will strengthen and protect current Sundanese Christians.
• Pray that the Bible will be available in Sunda.
• Pray that hearts will be prepared for gospel presentation.
• Pray that Christian teachers will be able to influence Sundanese children with the gospel.

Projects in Southeast Asia

NOTE: Because of the sensitivity of this information, we cannot list the country name beside the positions.

Each of these projects is described in more detail on our Web site at www.thetask.org/students on the Mission projects link.

Bible study:

GOD’S HEART FOR THE NATIONS