UPG’s
Praying for Unreached People Groups (UPG’s) has been an integral part of the spiritual life of RVA for many years. On Sunday mornings, prayer chapels, special UPG prayer times, Bible studies, dorm devos, and in personal time with God we pray for peoples without the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for laborers to be sent, for laborers to be strengthened, for God’s Word to be translated, for churches to be born, for churches to be mobilized to evangelize their neighbors, for hearts to be transformed, and for God to be glorified!
This year we’ve asked each class at RVA to “adopt” a UPG to pray for and follow throughout the time they are here. Last week we heard from the sixth grade class during our Sunday service. They have adopted the Islanders, peoples from the islands of the Indian Ocean. So for the next seven years this class will be praying earnestly for gospel fruit among these peoples, where progress has been slow over several decades. But exciting things are happening. Will you join these sixth graders in praying that God’s name would be Hallowed and that we see this people move from unreached to reached?
Islanders
Location and background: Islanders live on a group of islands off the coast of Africa. They boast picture-postcard beaches, dramatic volcano peaks and an array of rare wildlife. Alongside these are found corrupt governance, political bickering, failing infrastructure, and a sputtering economy. Many seek a better life abroad, ending up living in high rise flats in dangerous neighbourhoods, working long hours to send back generous support to family members still on the islands.
History: The islands have a colourful history steeped in slavery and trade with the East African coast, Arabia and the Persian Gulf. More recently the Islands have suffered 20 coups or attempted coups since independence. Today it blends the warmth of its African location with the Arab traditions of its first settlers, alongside an increasingly strong Western influence.
Culture: Though people are increasingly moving to the capital and seeking opportunities overseas, an Islander’s identity is still firmly linked to their village. Islanders are proud of their religious and cultural heritage, and a strong marriage tradition featuring large, lavish weddings keeps home ties strong. Each island has its own dialect and though French is the language of education the local language is very much the language of the home and of the heart.
Religion: The Island National Anthem declares that they are one people, one blood and one religion, and with 99.9% of the population being Muslims it is not far from the truth. The Island’s spiritual roots intermingle the Islam of the early Arab traders and settlers with African spiritism. The combination plays out in a Muslim routine of life, while still seeking to live lives that appease the demons or “djinns” that harass them. Spirit possession and demonic affliction is common, especially amongst women.