GLOBAL OUTREACH PRAYER GUIDE
2022
MCLEAN BIBLE CHURCH
A NOTE FROM GLOBAL OUTREACH
At McLean Bible Church (MBC), we glorify God by making
disciples and multiplying churches among all nations,
beginning in greater Washington, DC. Global Outreach
serves MBC by equipping and mobilizing church members
to make disciples of Jesus Christ and multiply churches
among all nations. One of the ways we accomplish this
mission is through prayer. Prayer is the foundational work
of mission because God is the author of salvation and the
head of the church. Through prayer, the church participates
in God’s work to advance the gospel to the ends of the earth,
and we prayerfully depend on him. Samuel Zwemer (1867-
1952), pioneer missionary to the Middle East said, “The
history of missions is the history of answered prayer.” We
invite our MBC Church family to pray with us this year for
the missionaries, partners, and countries where the gospel
is growing or has yet to go!
HOW TO USE THIS PRAYER GUIDE
This prayer guide is divided into 52 weeks. Each weekly
session will prompt you to learn about and pray for MBC
missionaries, MBC partner organizations, and some of the
least evangelized regions in the world. Consider using these
prompts as you pray in your personal daily devotions, as a
family or with your housemates, and weekly as you gather
with your Church Group. We may not be able to physically
join the church planting eorts with these gospel workers
among these God-loved peoples, but we can pray! Let’s
commit to do so and celebrate what God does in answer to
our requests in 2022!
For missionaries and partners living in countries where being a
Christian could compromise their security or the security of their
fellow workers, pseudonyms and regions are used.
INTRODUCTION
Dear Church Family,
The progress of the gospel in the world
is dependent upon the prayers of God’s
people in the church. God Himself has
designed it this way. Jesus told us, “The
harvest is plentiful, but the laborers
are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the
Lord of the harvest to send out laborers
into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).
This prayer guide is intended to help
our church family obey this command
from Jesus. I encourage you not only to
take one, but to use it daily and weekly.
Use it alone, with your family, or with
your Church Group. As you use it to
guide your prayers, I want to encourage
you with everything in me: pray with
faith! Pray with confidence that God
is not only listening to you, but also
that you are participating with Him in
the accomplishment of His purposes
in the world. What a thought! What a
privilege! Let’s take full advantage of
this opportunity we’ve been given to be
a part of the spread of God’s glory in the
world, particularly among nations where
Jesus is not yet known, from our knees.
For His Glory!
David Platt
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WEEK 1
January 3 – 9 4
WEEK 2
January 10 – 16 5
WEEK 3
January 17 – 23 6
WEEK 4
January 24 – 30 7
WEEK 5
January 31 – February 6 8
WEEK 6
February 7 – 13 9
WEEK 7
February 14 – 20 10
WEEK 8
February 21 – 27 11
WEEK 9
February 28 – March 6 12
WEEK 10
March 7 – 13 13
WEEK 11
March 14 – 20 14
WEEK 12
March 21 – 27 15
WEEK 13
March 28 – April 3 16
WEEK 14
April 4 – 10 17
WEEK 15
April 11 – 17 18
WEEK 16
April 18 – 24 19
WEEK 17
April 25 – May 1 20
WEEK 18
May 2 – 8 21
WEEK 19
May 9 – 15 22
WEEK 20
May 16 – 22 23
WEEK 21
May 23 – 29 24
WEEK 22
May 30 – June 5 25
WEEK 23
June 6 – 12 26
WEEK 24
June 13 – 19 27
WEEK 25
June 20 – 26 28
WEEK 26
June 27 – July 3 29
WEEK 27
July 4 – 10 30
WEEK 28
July 11 – 17 31
WEEK 29
July 18 – 24 32
WEEK 30
July 25 – 31 33
WEEK 31
August 1 – 7 34
WEEK 32
August 8 – 14 35
WEEK 33
August 15 – 21 36
WEEK 34
August 22 – 28 37
WEEK 35
August 29 – September 4 38
WEEK 36
September 5 – 11 39
WEEK 37
September 12 – 18 40
WEEK 38
September 19 – 25 41
WEEK 39
September 26 – October 2 42
WEEK 40
October 3 – October 9 43
WEEK 41
October 10 – 16 44
WEEK 42
October 17 – 23 45
WEEK 43
October 24 – 30 46
WEEK 44
October 31 – November 6 47
WEEK 45
November 7 – 13 48
WEEK 46
November 14 – 20 49
WEEK 47
November 21 – 27 50
WEEK 48
November 28 – December 4 51
WEEK 49
December 5 – 11 52
WEEK 50
December 12 – 18 53
WEEK 51
December 19 – December 25 54
WEEK 52
December 26 – January 1 55
JOSEPH &
JENNIFER
Serving in THE MIDDLE EAST since 2012
Joseph first attended McLean Bible Church (MBC) in the
1990s, after graduating from college. He served on the
worship team, with young adults, and discipled other men. At
MBC, he gained a vision for cross-cultural work while serving
on an MBC short-term trip to Peru. Later, he completed his
theological studies at seminary, earning a ThM and PhD.
As a teenager, Jennifer taught backyard Bible clubs and
Sunday school classes. She graduated with a bachelor’s
degree and later earned an M.A. from the same seminary
Joseph attended, which is where they first met. Jennifer
then served for five years in East Asia. During this time, she
researched languages and studied minority group cultures.
Joseph and Jennifer eventually married, and now serve
together in the Middle East.
Their current work in the Middle East centers on providing
theological and leadership skills training to believers,
especially those with Muslim backgrounds. The country
they serve in is home to over 10 million people, yet with less
than 30 thousand evangelicals (just 0.27%), it is considered
unreached. Joseph teaches at an evangelical seminary and
leads a discipleship group for men o campus. Jennifer loves
being a mom, and also leads a Bible study for local women.
She is often visiting local homes and sharing Christ with
other women. As a family, they are actively involved in a local
church.
– That God would unite their team together, as they joined a new missionary
team in late 2021 in their city. Pray for successful recruiting of new co-
workers with common vision and complementary gifts.
– That God would foster fruitful development of theological and leadership
skills in the lives of the Muslim background believers they minister to.
– That God would continue to bless their children in their studies and their
time together as a family.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this region.
Week 1
4
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Week 1
4
Disparity of wealth, political corruption, and a predominantly
Islamic following fuels most of the societal and spiritual
issues facing Malaysia. In this Southeast-Asian region, the
Malays are one of the world’s largest unreached people
groups. In all, 77 of the 182 groups living in Malaysia are
unreached. Malaysia’s constitution guarantees freedom of
religion, but religious tensions have risen in recent years due
to Islam’s slow spread into everyday life, causing worry for
non-Muslim groups. Churches are no longer able to be built,
Bibles are thought to be against the Malaysian constitution,
and Christians are not legally allowed to evangelize Muslims.
Many unreached people are rural and indigenous and have
been terribly mistreated and under-resourced by the national
government and local ocials. Over 1,000 Malay languages
(spoken by over 142 million people worldwide), still have no
translation of Scripture. Now more than ever, Christians need
to support Bible translation work like this, so that more gospel
infrastructure can be established to bring the gospel of Jesus
Christ to those who need it most!
– That God would raise up local churches to boldly and clearly share Jesus
with the vast majority of Malaysians who have not heard the gospel.
– That God would raise leaders that would hold the country together in ways
that satisfy both moderate and conservative Muslims, as well as the sizeable
and diverse minorities.
– That God would send Christians to begin translation projects and bring
them to completion.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
MALAYSIA
Total Population: 32,679,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Percent Evangelical: 3.52% (1 in 28)
Major Needs:
Bible translation, evangelism,
healthy churches
Week 2
5
Yemen, once known for its fertile land and natural resources,
such as silver, has suered in recent decades from three
civil wars and numerous tribal conflicts. Currently, Yemen is
divided between Shia rebels and Sunni forces. The conflict
in Yemen has dominated news across the world in recent
years, as aid organizations flooded into the country to assist
the most vulnerable. The people of Yemen are experiencing
one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. There
have been over 50,000 combatant and civilian casualties and
widespread famine as a result of the conflict. The years-long
civil war, economic collapse, and the recent challenge of
COVID-19 have resulted in the highest levels of malnutrition
and starvation Yemen has ever experienced.
– That God would ease civil unrest and conflicts so Yemen can be restored.
– That God would help to further develop biblical materials for the spread
of the gospel and that Yemenis believer would be bold and courageous in
sharing their faith.
– That God would protect and provide for all Yemeni believers, grow His
church, and mobilize ministries to build the local church.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
YEMEN
Total Population: 30,343,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.02% (1 in 5,000)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 3
6
Children are suering the worst. Despite war, Yemenis are
hearing about Christ through the radio, Bible distribution,
bold but careful witness, and dreams and visions from the
Lord! Believers meet secretly and only in small groups. They
experience extreme opposition, imprisonment, and even
death if caught. The emerging church in Yemen has a unique
opportunity and open doors to both show the love of Christ
in meeting physical needs and to proclaim the gospel. MBC
partners in Yemen are responding to these urgent needs
through a food distribution program. This program has a long-
term goal to provide a leadership training to disciple believers,
form healthy churches, and mobilize leaders to respond to the
continued humanitarian crisis.
This landlocked country has a rich history of poetry and
culture. Over 70% of the population can understand the Dari
language, and the Dari Bible was only published for the first
time in 2008. However, the last 40 years have seen a circle
of poverty, hunger, and high illiteracy among women, whom
the Taliban ban from higher education. As a result of the
2021 Taliban takeover, economic and development advances
in Afghanistan seen over the last 20 years will most likely
begin to erode, significantly impacting women and children.
Health care for women and children under the Taliban is
worrisome, and many infants die in childbirth. Afghanistan
has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world.
One million people suer with disabilities, many due to war
injuries or lack of access to basic care. Afghanistan is one of
the least evangelized countries in the world, with thousands
of mosques but no visible churches. To be a Christian in
Afghanistan is often a death sentence, literally. The small
numbers of believers are only able to meet in secret to avoid
Taliban detection. Under Taliban control, many Christian
agencies were forced to evacuate their foreign workers,
leaving Afghan believers more vulnerable and less resourced.
Despite these realities, the church is slowly growing.
– That God would end gender-based oppression and protect the lives and health of
vulnerable women and children. That they would hear about the great love Jesus
Christ has for them.
– That God would provide a spiritual breakthrough for the entry and distribution of
God’s Word and for its translation into languages currently without Scripture.
– That God would allow foreign agencies to find creative ways to send needed
resources and encouragement to Afghan believers.
– That God would convict the Taliban of their sin and draw them to worship Christ.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
AFGHANISTAN
Total Population: 39,637,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.02% (1 in 5,000)
Major Needs:
Bible translations, evangelism,
healthy churches
Week 4
7
EDWARD
& AVA
Serving in MALAYSIA since 2018
Edward and Ava were active with CRU and served
internationally as short-term workers for a year during
college. Once married, Edward began a 25-year career living
and working internationally in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the
Middle East, along with Ava and their children.
Between international job postings, Edward and Ava lived
in Northern Virginia from 2011-2016. During that time, they
became members of McLean Bible Church (MBC) Loudoun.
They faithfully taught Kids Quest, hosted a home group, and
were AWANA leaders. They decided to retire early in order to
apply their experience to full-time ministry, which led them to
their current position in Asia.
In 2018, Edward, Ava, and their youngest two children moved
to Malaysia to work with Bible translation and Scripture
engagement initiatives across Asia and the Pacific. This
region is particularly rich with languages that have no
translation of the Scriptures (there are over 1,000 languages
spoken by over 142 million people)! The Bible is currently
being translated in over 2,500 languages (globally), so there
are many teams of local and international workers bringing
God’s Word to the world. Eva provides administrative support
to the leadership team that manages many projects in one of
the most dicult-to-reach areas in the world. Edward works
– That God would give endurance and peace to international workers still
scattered by the pandemic and, in some areas, repressed by local governments.
Pray they find comfort in God, and that God would raise up more local workers
to lead projects.
– That God would protect local believers and show Edward and Ava’s
organization the best way to support local churches and denominations.
– That God would bless their youngest son, who is a Senior in High School. Pray
that he will have a rewarding year and that God would guide Edward and Ava in
preparing him for a transition back to the U.S. for college in 2022-2023.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
Week 5
8
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
With a total population of over 104 million people, Egypt is
one of the most populous countries in the Middle East. Much
of the economy and industry takes places near the famed Nile
River. Egypt is home to many people, and 25 of the 42 people
groups represented in Egypt are still unreached. 85-95% of
the country is majority Sunni Muslim, with the next largest
religious group being Coptic Orthodox Christians (with
estimates ranging from 5-15%). Currently, the country has a
moderate amount of gospel infrastructure, some of which
stems back more than 1,000 years to the early Coptic church,
even pre-dating Islam. Any advancement of the gospel
today is threated due to intentional eorts by political rulers
to minimize Egyptian-Christian heritage. For more than a
decade Egypt has grappled with political corruption, violent
military intervention, and oppressive leaders who have
restricted religious freedoms. Additionally, increased poverty
rates have made life dicult for many Egyptians. Even still,
the church is growing and opportunities to share the gospel
and disciple believers is the focus of the Egyptian church!
The idea of “outreach” is a growing concept among Egyptian
churches, as they seek to find ways to reach out to Muslim
believers around them.
– That God would refresh and grow healthy local churches, who make
disciples and multiply other healthy churches.
– That God would give courage and faithfulness to Muslim background
believers who are often rejected and ostracized from their families.
– That God would halt the harassment and restrictions that many Christians
in Egypt face, from family and the larger community.
– That God would bring the right people to finish the work for the translation
projects that are in the local dialect.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
EGYPT
Total Population: 104,179,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Percent Evangelical: 4.45% (1 in 22)
Major Needs:
Bible translation, evangelism,
healthy churches
Week 6
9
Turkey is a secular state, yet to be a Turkish national is often
equated with being Muslim. One interesting fact about
Turkey is that it’s largest city, Istanbul, is on two continents,
with both a European and an Asian side! For over 1,000
years, this region was a stronghold of Christianity but today,
66% of the population is unevangelized and less than 1%
claim to be Christian. The country’s constitution, courts, and
military claim to uphold religious freedom, but some secular
nationalists can even be as anti-Christian (and anti-Western,
or anti-minority) as extremist Islamists are. While it’s still
– That God would break the strongholds keeping the gospel from being spread
and that this region would reclaim its Christian heritage.
– That God would grow this new church plant and increase their members.
That it would be a healthy vibrant church.
– That God would encourage followers of Christ and equip new believers to be
bold and courageous for the advance of the gospel.
– That God would allow current missionaries to have favor, wisdom, and
access to build a solid gospel infrastructure.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
TURKEY
Total Population: 84,976,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Percent Evangelical: 0.04% (1 in 2,500)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 7
10
dicult to share the gospel openly with Turks and Kurds,
churches and organizations are reporting they have greater
freedom to minister to and share with refugees from the
surrounding countries of Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan who are
living in various camps and cities within Turkey. Currently,
MBC partners are working to plant a new, English-speaking
church in a hard-to-reach city in Turkey. This church will
also provide pastoral ministry to evangelize unbelievers and
shepherd church members through preaching, counseling,
and prayer. While COVID lockdowns have delayed some of
the plans, as of the Fall of 2021, the church was able to begin
regular worship gatherings again. Their prayer is also to start
a pastoral internship program to train and raise up men for
pastoral ministry in other countries throughout South Asia
and the Middle East.
Somalia is one of the most “homogeneous” nations in the
world, with 85% of its total population made up of ethnic
Somalis. With the world’s highest fertility rates, yet lowest life
expectancy, the country is plagued by failed extremist groups.
The recent creation of a Parliament has generated hope, as
Somalia tries to fight its way to stability. The militant Islamist
group Al-Shabab has been ousted from most urban areas but
is still active in rural parts of the country.
– That God would restore stability and peace, so that basic human needs and rights are met.
– That God would strengthen the small number of Christians and churches to share their
faith and see new believers discipled and raised to leadership.
– That God would protect women and girls from abuse and show them that they are valuable
and loved by him.
– That God would open the door in Somalia to NGOs and Christian agencies to provide
needed resources and support.
– That God would bring terrorists to justice, convict them of their sin, and draw them to
worship Christ.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
SOMALIA
Total Population: 16,262,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.01% (1 in 10,000)
Major Needs:
Bible distribution, evangelism,
healthy churches
Week 8
11
Due to these issues, the economic, social, and physical
health of the nation is in ruin. Out of concern for safety,
many foreign NGOs are not able to operate in Somalia, so
needed aid and resources never reach the most vulnerable.
Somali women suer from genital mutilation, mistreatment,
rape, divorce, abuse, and abandonment. Trackers smuggle
children out of Somalia to exploit or abandon them.
During conflicts in the 1990s, the small Somali church was
driven into hiding. As a result of a successful propaganda
campaign, many Somalis have false fears and prejudices
against Christians. These barriers are frequently encountered
by Somali churches and during evangelism. Persecution of
Christians is great, it is estimated there are less than 4,000
Christians in all of Somalia! The Bible was completed in
the Somali language in 1977 but it is not able to be widely
distributed.
BEN & ERIN
Serving in GERMANY since 2017
Ben began attending McLean Bible Church (MBC) at just
two years old and was active in children’s and youth ministry.
He joined the church at age 14 and traveled to Africa on a
short-term trip. Ben was later on MBC worship sta for over
20 years. Erin began attending MBC in 1991 and was MBC
Access Ministry sta for seven years. During their time at
MBC, their daughters Elise and Emily were both involved
in many children’s ministries. Emily also has CHARGE
Syndrome.
Ben and Erin have had an interest in Germany for many
years. In 2016, the Lord provided Ben a position to help lead
Eurobrass, a Christian evangelistic ensemble group he had
served before, right when their daughters were looking for
new schools! In 2017, the Roundtrees moved to Germany to
serve with Artists in Christian Testimony Intl. God had clearly
been preparing them. He even provided a special needs
– That God would allow them to resume the BellTree Duo concerts and for the
Lord to prepare the way for evangelistic concert tours in Ukraine in early
2022.
– That God would maintain their overall health and for travel protection as
they hope to be out for ministry more as pandemic restrictions continue to
lift in Europe.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
Week 9
12
Major Religion: Christianity
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
school where Emily could excel and gave both daughters the
ability to learn the German language quickly as they made the
transition to attending German schools.
Despite centuries of rich spiritual heritage, Germans today
are quite secular, and most do not personally know any born
again Christians. There are 80 million people in Germany
and roughly half “belong” to either the Protestant or Catholic
church. Of those, only about 9% of Catholics and 3% of
Protestants attend church on a regular basis.
Germany has a great appreciation for brass music which
opens many ministry doors for Ben and Erin, who also share
the gospel through handbell concerts. Ben is able to travel
the country sharing Christ and connecting people to local
churches. Additionally, they support a growing ministry in
Ukraine and have served there as a family.
Cambodia is a unique country famous for its exotic
cuisine and ancient Buddhist temples. The only country
with a building featured on its flag, 43% of the population
is unreached, 19 out of the 44 people groups! But, by
God’s grace, the gospel is spreading! Only 2% of the total
population are evangelical, but as the second-generation
of national believers step into church leadership, the need
for strong biblical teaching and discipleship is growing.
Since Buddhism continues to be the primary religion of the
region, having a strong tie to traditional family units it is
often hard for believers to step away from Buddhism because
it means severed family ties. Even years after the civil war
(1975-79) in which over 2 million people died, the country is
still experiencing the eects of genocide. Many intellectuals
and the highly educated who fled the country during the war
have never returned. Drug and sex tracking trades plague
Cambodia, ruining and aecting the lives of people of all
ages. Disparate wealth and corruption continue to deepen
the divide between the poor and upper classes. This further
establishes a people who need love, restoration, healing, and
forgiveness that is found only in God through Jesus Christ.
– That God would strengthen His church in Cambodia and that He would raise
up strong faithful leaders to teach the Bible to new believers
– That God would break the strongholds of suering and abuse through the
gospel of Christ so the people of Cambodia can experience refreshment
– That God would provide for basic needs, especially among the most
vulnerable, and that the local church will continue to be a bold, clear witness
for Christ while religious gatherings continue are restricted due to the
pandemic.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
CAMBODIA
Total Population: 16,889,000
Major Religion: Buddhism
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Percent Evangelical: 2.05% (1 in 49)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 10
13
The countries represented in this ancient region of the
world have long traditions rooted in Islam, Christianity, and
Judaism. Today, most people in this region are Muslim. MBC
global partner, 9Marks, exists to equip church leaders with
a biblical vision and practical resources for building healthy
churches among the nations. They help pastors, church
leaders, and church members see what biblical church looks
like, and how to take practical steps for becoming one. The
goal is to see churches characterized by the biblical marks of
a healthy church. Throughout the Muslim world, there’s a lack
of accessibility often to solid biblical resources. There are also
– That God would raise up Christian workers in these countries, eager to learn
and make disciples.
– That God would further the reach of the ministry to open new channels for
material distribution.
– That God would stir a heart of learning and passion of the Word for local
pastors so their churches would be strengthened, so they can better serve
their congregation.
– That God would help the ministry plant biblically based, healthy churches.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this region.
MIDDLE EAST
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 3.47% (1 in 29)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 11
14
security concerns for many believers in how to access needed
resources. 9Marks works with partners from all across the
Arabic speaking world in many dierent dialects. Materials
are distributed digitally across multiple platforms, including
on translations platforms, Arabic language websites, Amazon,
and local partner websites. Distribution happens primarily
through local partners in the region who distribute them
digitally for free as well as commercially via print editions.
Their licensing approach allows for the same translation to
be printed legally in any part of the Arabic speaking world as
well as making Arabic translations available on Amazon in
the UK, US, Europe, and across the world. This has created a
unique global distribution platform that will allow many to be
reached with the Good News!
Maldives is well known for its tourism and tropical landscape!
Tourists experience the Maldives as an island paradise, but
a darker reality exists below the surface. Powerful social and
ocial forces limit freedom of expression and belief. The
Maldives has one of the highest divorce rates in the world.
Crime rates and gang activity both continue to rise. Child
abuse and teenage drug abuse in up to 70% of teens, indicate
deep problems. Islam is the only recognized religion, and
the government forbids open practice of all other religions.
– That God would break the strongholds of pride, fear, and lies that the enemy
has created in regard to Christianity.
– That God would use the 2004 tsunami and 2008 economic downturn to
cause many to seek eternal assurance obtainable only through Christ Jesus.
– That God would bless and provide a brighter future for Maldivian peoples,
torn between oppressive religion and empty freedoms.
– That God would make Jesus’ true nature known, and that the state’s
contradictions and heavy-handedness toward Christianity will generate
great curiosity so that many people to come to faith.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
MALDIVES
Total Population: 515,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.1% (1 in 1,000)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
committed pastors
Week 12
15
Beyond Islamic beliefs, many people follow occult practices
called Fanditha. Maldivians are still among the least
evangelized on earth. Neither mission work nor Christian
literature has ever been allowed. The government denies the
existence of Christianity among Maldivians while arresting
those who trust in Christ. The perception of Christianity is so
bad (largely due to Western media and tourist immorality)
that political opponents use the term “Christian” to slander
one another. The desire to honor human rights and increase
freedoms has been expressed by the current government,
but freedom of religion is highly unpopular and violent
opposition to it has been promised. Grassroots religion has
shifted in a decidedly Islamist and Arabized direction, losing
its indigenous Maldivian roots.
MIRIAM
Serving in EGYPT since 2018
Miriam became a member of McLean Bible Church (MBC) in
2016, when she and her family moved to Northern Virginia.
Miriam served with the Young Adults Ministry and led a
women’s Bible study in her home. From 2017-2018, she served
as an MBC Global Outreach Intern. Miriam loved her time at
MBC and is grateful to call MBC her spiritual family and her
home church!
In middle school, Miriam fell deeply in love with Jesus. She
began reading missionary biographies and was captivated
by their stories. In high school, Miriam served on several
short-term trips, and during those trips God gave her his heart
for the nations. After graduation, she learned that around 3%
of all Christian workers go to the almost 2 billion unreached
people of the world. That lit a fire in her, and she knew that
the Lord was inviting her to maybe spend the rest of her life
making His name known among the unreached.
In 2018, Miriam moved to Egypt. While Egypt has a moderate
amount of gospel infrastructure, there is still work to be
done! With a total population of over 104 million people, 25
of the 42 people groups are still unreached. Miriam studied
the language and culture full-time for two years. Since then,
she remains a part-time language student, and can now
participate in a variety of ministry activities! She is engaged
to be married in 2022 and looks forward to all that the Lord
has in store for her next!
– That God would give Miriam wisdom as she evaluates dierent ministry
opportunities and looks to a long-term future in the Middle East.
– That God provides access to gospel truth for Muslims who seek it; that God
will connect them to other believers and to His word.
– That God would incite the government to remove “religion” from national ID
cards, so that those who follow Christ can live more boldly.
– That God would bring the right people on the team to finish the translation
projects that are in progress in local dialects.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
Week 13
16
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Jordan is one of the most progressive countries in the Middle
East. The vast majority of people in Jordan practice Islam
(96.3%), and for those serving there it is not hard to notice
that all parts of life are tied to Islam. Rich in biblical history,
Jordan’s largest city, Amman, is the epicenter of political
activity and economic trade. The King of Jordan declares
Islam the religion of the state but safeguards “the free
exercise of all forms of worship and religious rites” without
– That God would give Christian workers serving in Jordan access to the
many refugees and students there, and that those who hear the gospel would
believe in Christ and carry the gospel back to their home countries.
– That God would show favor to missionary workers in this region and give
them continued perseverance.
– That God would raise up new healthy churches. Pray for the churches
which already exist, that they would develop into healthy, thriving, 12-trait
churches.
– That God would protect Jordan and reduce its vulnerability to violent
troubles that surround the country.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
JORDAN
Total Population: 10,187,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Percent Evangelical: 0.27% (1 in 370)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 14
17
discrimination, which makes it one of the most open to
religious freedom in the Middle East. 13 out of the 20 people
groups found in this country are considered unreached, which
oers the small evangelical population a unique opportunity
to advance the gospel. Being landlocked between the volatile
and Muslim majority countries of Syria, Iraq, and Saudi
Arabia (and even Israel), Jordan has experienced an influx
of refugees from these countries due to ongoing wars and
political conflict. Amman witnessed rapid growth after several
successive waves of refugees: Palestinians in 1948 and 1967;
Iraqis in 1990 and 2003; and Syrians since 2011, in addition
to the many students from the surrounding countries who
come to Amman to study. Amman is strategically placed for
churches and gospel-based ministries to have a wide reach
throughout the Middle East by the direct impact they make on
the people living in Jordan.
Rich in agriculture, natural resources, and known for
its sprawling landscape and wildlife, Kenya has a large
evangelical presence with a long history of missionary
activity. Although there is a large population of Christians in
Kenya, many churches are heavily influenced by prosperity
teaching and are lacking in biblical health. Also, churches
in Africa often lack sucient access to biblical resources.
Sound theological resources are largely unaordable and
inapplicable to the issues Christians face in the African
context, which directly aects the health of existing churches.
Up to 85%-90% of pastors serving on the African continent
have no access to theological education, leaving them ill-
equipped to faithfully shepherd their churches, especially in
– That God would sustain existing churches and help them grow in biblical health.
– That God would give wisdom to the leaders of Ekklesia Afrika.
– That God would equip pastors through SOMA and Ekklesia Afrika events.
– That God would aid in helping the organization in the publishing and
distribution of sound theological resources throughout the African continent.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
KENYA
Total Population: 54,749,000
Major Religion: Christianity
Joshua Project Status: Significantly Reached
Percent Evangelical: 49.21% (1 in 2)
Major Needs:
Healthy churches, pastoral
training, Christian literature
Week 15
18
rural areas throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. In response to this
need, MBC Partner, Ekklesia Afrika, exists to equip the church
in Africa by providing access to sound theological resources
through publishing Christian literature, informal theological
training, and by hosting conferences and events. Ekklesia
Afrika locally publishes sound resources and hosts strategic
conferences to equip pastors through faithful preaching and
teaching in conjunction with Emmanuel Baptist Church
in Nairobi, Kenya. Ekklesia Afrika also oers non-formal
theological curriculum in a cohort learning format through a
program called SOMA. By translating books into Swahili and
printing locally, Ekklesia Afrika oers a sustainable training
program for African pastors. These initiatives have the ability
to impact generations to come for Christ!
Pakistan is unique for many reasons—it has everything from
fertile desserts to high mountain peaks. Though a minority,
Taliban-driven Islam impacts everything. Power and wealth
are held by a few, and Pakistan’s government alternates
between inecient, corrupt party rule and authoritarian
military dictatorships. Women under fundamentalist Islam
lack freedoms, rights, or education, and domestic abuse
– That God would grow strong local churches led by faithful shepherds.
– That God would clearly reveal the gospel of Christ and that Islam’s grip on
the country would be weakened.
– That God would free Pakistan from spirits of violence and that the
government would help the nation.
– That God would equip and give courage to the believers who are sharing
their faith and pouring into younger people in hopes of propelling the
gospel to future generations.
– That God would put the right people in place for media networks to grow,
eectively ministering to Christians and portraying a clear gospel message
to nonbelievers.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
PAKISTAN
Total Population: 224,197,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: Unknown
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
committed local pastors
Week 16
19
is rampant. External pressures include outside Islamist
forces, Afghanistan, Punjab, and the India-Kashmir conflict.
Extremists use strict blasphemy laws to punish innocent
people. Common church struggles involve unequipped or
corrupt leadership, court cases, substance abuse, and division.
Few Muslims repent and trust in Christ because local
churches—emerging from mainly Hindu-background and
lower caste believers—can’t integrate well into society. Most
Muslim background converts to Christ either revert to Islam,
turn to atheism, or retreat to a hidden, private faith. With the
second-largest concentration of unengaged, unevangelized
peoples and second largest Muslim population, Pakistan
lies at the heart of the unevangelized world. Many of the
350 unevangelized peoples/castes have no churches, no
Christians, no missionaries, and no witness.
LIV
Serving in CAMBODIA since 2017
Liv began attending McLean Bible Church (MBC) in 1992
when her family moved to the D.C. area. It’s there that she
repented and placed her faith in Christ and began deeply
studying the Bible. As a student, she was also an avid
volunteer. While participating in her first international
mission trip, she saw the dire need for the gospel on a global
scale. Liv graduated from college with an engineering degree
and began working for an organization that sends Christians
around the world, via their unique professions, to serve the
local church and make disciples. Liv helped mobilize interns,
volunteers, and long-term sta to serve as disciple makers
among the nations. After years of sending others, she co-led
a mission trip with her local church, and concluded that God
wanted her to serve overseas. Liv is now living out the Great
Commission by faithfully serving in Cambodia.
96% of the population of Cambodia is unreached. But by God’s
grace, the gospel is spreading! As the second generation of
national believers step into church leadership, the need for
discipleship is growing. Using her engineering degree and
driven by her passion for the local church, Liv is providing
engineering and architectural services for infrastructure
within her community. All of this gives her incredible
opportunities to share Christ and make disciples!
– That God would give grace to Liv’s organization in the eyes of the
government, as they have accepted their first government engineering
project.
– That God would increase the number of team members on Liv’s team, and
that they would grow in unity.
– That God would allow tourism and other businesses to reopen, as COVID
closures have negatively impacted the country financially.
– That God would provide for the needs, especially of the most vulnerable, and
that the local church can continue to be a light while religious gatherings
continue to be restricted due to the pandemic.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
Week 17
20
Major Religion: Buddhism
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Germany is the third most widely taught language in the
world, and Germany occupies a prominent place in both world
history and the world economy. It also holds a prominent
place in church history, when over 500 years ago, Germany
was the site of the Protestant Reformation led by Martin
Luther. The years that followed the Reformation ushered in a
new era, where the Bible began to be read by “normal” people
and distributed outside of the clergy only. The next few
centuries saw deep religious foundations and traditions built.
Even so, the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in Germany
brought new challenges, both as a country and in the church.
Twentieth century Germany was splintered by two world-
wars, which decimated the country and greatly aected its
churches. Since then, Germany, along with the rest of Europe,
has battled secularism. Altötting is a city located in the
northern part of Germany in the Bavaria region and is also the
site of religious pilgrimages by Catholics in honor of Mary.
New churches are being planted in this city and surrounding
areas and there is a new generation of Germans slowly
returning to church. This is being seen throughout Europe
as well. Additionally, many immigrants from the Middle East
and Asia are hearing the gospel in European churches!
– That God would dispel the spiritual apathy and deadness in Germany and
replace it with a passion to know the true God.
– That God would continue to grow healthy German churches, so that the
gospel is preached, and disciples are made.
– That God would provide for organizations and missionary agencies, so that
more missionaries can be equipped and sent to areas in Germany that need
it most.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
GERMANY
Total Population: 83,726,000
Major Religion: Christianity
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Percent Evangelical: 2.01% (1 in 50)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 18
21
– That God would give wisdom to sta workers to establish student fellowship
on every campus in the Arabian Peninsula.
– That God would give leaders fruitful evangelism as they meet new students
and build relationships with them.
– That God would help new believers to mature and grow as disciples of Christ
in their local churches.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this region.
ARABIAN
PENINSULA
The Arabian Peninsula is a region in the Middle East which is
the original birthplace of Islam and includes countries such as
Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen,
and Bahrain, along with parts of Jordan and Iraq. Due to the
economic growth of several countries, industry and business
workers have flocked to the region from all over the world—
many of those among the unreached. This unique setting
is especially reflected in several universities in the region.
Universities in the Arabian Peninsula attract students from
the whole region and beyond, with some campuses claiming
a student body representing more than 120 countries! While
Total Population: 80,000,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.44% (1 in 227)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 19
22
most countries and universities are very restrictive about
Christians sharing the gospel on campus, other countries are
less so. This oers a unique opportunity to gospel ministry.
One MBC partner is working to serve these students through
collegiate ministry. Their aim is to establish indigenous
fellowships of students on every campus in the Arabian
Peninsula, supported and led by indigenous sta teams,
all of whom bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
They accomplish this through eective evangelism and
discipleship. When this happens, students often return to
their home countries, carrying the gospel and what they have
learned with them!
Almost all the student leaders in this ministry became
Christians through the ministry’s evangelistic outreaches.
These student fellowships also strengthen churches, as
leaders and new believers commit and serve in a healthy
church located in their city. Many alumni have graduated
and returned home to become godly leaders in their home
churches – taking the seed of the gospel far and wide
Iran, also called Persia, is the second largest country in the
Middle East. Home to some of the oldest civilizations and one
of the founders of the United Nations, Iran is experiencing
increased secularism stemming from ongoing corruption
and oppression. The center for Shia Islam, most Iranians
agree that religion has a place in government but are divided
on how that should look. Addiction rates, orphaned street
children, and widespread prostitution are a handful of the
issues ignored by conservative Islamic leadership leading
many to question their traditional Islamic faith. Many young
people (2/3 of Iran is under 30) are open to the gospel
and make up much of the underground church. Many old
churches remain in Iran from the early days of Christianity.
However, converts to Christianity from Islam face persecution
and isolation from their networks. Historically Christian
communities, such as Armenians and Assyrians, while
protected by the government are often treated as second
class citizens and prohibited from holding services in the
Persian language. Today, Christianity is growing with worship
gatherings are happening in homes mainly led by women.
Congregants risking punishment by fines, lashing, or prison
terms, with judges having the authority to even evoke the
death penalty, if they desire.
– That God would establish the local church in His Word and that
congregations would be equipped and encouraged to serve the many
suering in their communities.
– That God would provide for ever increasing distribution of the Bible and that
translation teams be raised for other languages.
– That God would raise up biblical leaders to faithfully teach the whole Bible,
to foster discipleship, and to train church members for local outreach eorts
so they can share the gospel in new contexts.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
IRAN
Total Population: 84,895,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.52% (1 in 192)
Major Needs:
Healthy churches, faithful local
pastors, pastoral training
Week 20
23
STEPHANY
Serving in GERMANY since 2018
As a child, Stephany was blessed with opportunities to travel
and see other cultures firsthand. During these times of travel,
God planted in her a desire to live abroad. At age eighteen,
Stephany felt God wanted her to be a missionary, but she
didn’t know how or when. After college and while working
her first full-time job, God confirmed Stephany’s desire to live
abroad as a missionary.
Stephany first visited McLean Bible Church (MBC) Arlington
in 2015, after moving into a house with a roommate who was
an MBC member and who led a small group out of the home.
Stephany soon became an MBC member and began to serve
as a small group co-leader and in other areas of the church, as
needed.
Stephany now lives and serves in Germany. She focuses on
church planting and training eorts across the European
continent, where she gets to support and train missionaries
in over 20 countries. In addition to her work with church
planters, Stephany has plugged into a local church plant, and
serves there as part of their church planting team.
– That God would bless the leaders being trained in church planting through
Stephany’s ministry. Pray that they will receive guidance and wisdom from
the Lord for the churches they are to plant. Pray for the individuals that they
will be evangelizing, that they will come to know Jesus as Lord.
– That God would grow Stephany’s local church plant; and that monthly
services will bless the community.
– That God would move people’s hearts to know Jesus, and that the team of
volunteers will be strengthened throughout the process of newcomer
follow- up.
– That God would provide additional missionaries and volunteers in Europe.
They need more people as they continue to expand the countries, languages,
and cultures where they are planting churches.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
Week 21
24
Major Religion: Christianity
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Located in Central Asia and four times the size of Texas,
Kazakhstan is a large country that was Soviet controlled until
1991. Since then, the country has made great strides both in
their economy and in human rights. There are large stores
of natural resources, which guarantees great wealth for some
while many in the country struggle economically. It’s the
only country where Islam is not given special status, and the
government works hard to keep Islam moderate within its
borders. Even still, the country has as Muslim majority, but
it is highly intertwined with indigenous practices. 73% of the
total population identifies as Muslim.
In 2011, the government enacted laws that prohibit public
worship, which has hindered ways churches can grow. The
evangelical presence is only 115,000 followers of Christ
(0.61%) so, in this context, Christian witness and establishing
relationships are dicult. Kazakh Christians from a Muslim
background face immense hardship and are often ostracized
from their families. Despite all of this, there is much room for
Christianity to grow in Kazakhstan!
– That God would favor eorts of training and equipping local pastors and
leaders on Transformational Development. Using TD approaches, the local
churches will be able to help people and communities at their point of need
(like water, health, food production, livelihood, others).
– That God would give missionaries helping and caring for people,
relationships of trust, acceptance and respect will be established and
through God’s grace, open doors for gospel proclamation.
– That God would raise up new healthy churches to proclaim Christ for
generations to come.
– That God would encourage Kazakh Christians to boldly and clearly share the
gospel and commit to grow through faithful Bible study.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
KAZAKHSTAN
Total Population: 18,872,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Percent Evangelical: 0.61% (1 in 164)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 22
25
Russia is the largest country in the world. Russia and other
former USSR countries have endured years of Communism
and war. Operation World reports that the fall of the
Iron Curtain opened Eastern Europe and Central Asia to
evangelism, church planting, rebirth of a Christian identity in
society, Bible translation work, and more. While the Russian
Orthodox Church is culturally strong, it is spiritually weak
and in desperate need of renewal. The number of evangelicals
in Russia is less than 2% and there are very few healthy
churches. Evangelical believers often face opposition from
the government, Muslims, and Orthodox. Despite these
challenges, healthy churches are being planted, especially
– That God would provide solid resources for the ongoing support of these
pastors.
– That God would help the pastors to grow in their love for God’s Word and for
fruitfulness in their preaching and teaching.
– That God would raise up the churches of these pastors and they would be
faithful amidst diculty and persecution.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
RUSSIA
Total Population: 144,666,000
Major Religion: Christianity
Joshua Project Status: Superficially Reached
Percent Evangelical: 1.46% (1 in 68)
Major Needs:
Healthy churches, pastoral
training, seminary, Christian
literature
Week 23
26
in Russia’s rural regions. Some of these regions, such as
the North Caucasus region, are among Europe’s least-
evangelized areas. These pastors need sound biblical training
and resources to help shepherd their young and growing
congregations.
One MBC partner working in the region provides pastoral
training programs and theological resources to isolated
Russian-speaking pastors and church-planters to equip them
for faithful church ministry both in Russia and in surrounding
countries. This training program primarily serves pastors
from small churches and rural areas who are unable to aord
solid resources and have little access and exposure to sound
teaching. Around 80% of the participants oversee churches
of 30 members or less and maintain additional jobs outside
of their pastoral ministry. Through this training program,
participants are provided books and mentoring to support
them in their ministry.
The African nation of Mauritania and its tribal culture believe
leaving Islam is not only religious betrayal, but also a betrayal
of the tribe and family. Christians from Muslim backgrounds
will often keep their faith secret, knowing they can lose not
only their status in their community but also their citizenship.
Those who do practice attend secret Catholic or expatriate
church services, there is no national church. The importation
of Bibles is restricted, and evangelism is illegal. Even slight
criticism of Islam can carry the death penalty, and radical
Islam is on the rise. Fewer than 150 believers are known to
live in the country, and only foreigners can worship openly.
Nearly all Mauritanians are Sunni Muslims and the people
here experience huge economic and social challenges. Many
are starving since only about 1% of the land can be farmed, and
that number is constantly decreasing as once rich soil becomes
desert. New discoveries of oil could bring wealth but could also
increase corruption and further divide the rich and the poor.
Though slavery is illegal, thousands still live as slaves.
– That God would bring freedom and justice for all those oppressed in
Mauritania and that they experience the true freedom found in Christ
– That God would break the cultural and tribal bondage of Islam and that
those who repent and trust in Christ would be protected from sin and find
their daily bread
– That God would open access for the Word to be distributed freely and into
the hands of believers so that they may grow in Christ
– That God would heal the spiritual and physical brokenness of Mauritania
and that the local church would grow and serve these people well.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
MAURITANIA
Total Population: 4,741,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.12% (1 in 833)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
faithful local pastors
Week 24
27
JAMES & LYRIC
Serving in KAZAKHSTAN since 2018
James and Lyric were born and raised in Southeast Asia,
where they both came to know the Lord and committed their
lives to Him. They later emigrated to the United States to
raise their children and are now blessed with grandchildren!
James and Lyric are MBC members and have faithfully served
for many years. They were involved in a home Bible study
and various MBC Fellowships, where they helped with several
MBC projects.
After recently retiring from successful careers, both James
and Lyric felt that God wanted them to serve as missionaries
to unreached peoples. To confirm God’s calling, they searched
the Scriptures and prayed for God’s confirmation. They also
sought prayer support from family, their community group,
other church members, Christian friends, and counsel from
MBC Pastors. The Lord showed them in very clear ways that
He indeed wanted them to be missionaries. This gave them a
– That God would give TD course participants opportunities to care for their
communities. Pray that they will bear much fruit as they implement what
they’ve learned in helping the poor and needy in their communities. Pray for
gospel proclamation in an otherwise restrictive and fearful environment.
– That God would grant James and Lyric long-term visas and lift COVID
travel restrictions.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
Week 25
28
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Minimally Reached
deep sense of peace, joy, and excitement, and they wished they
had made this missionary decision earlier in their lives!
Through their careers, the Lord gave them over 30 years of
international development experience in 22 countries. They
now serve in the Muslim-majority country of Kazakhstan
where unreached peoples account for over 73% of the
total population. In this context, Christian witness and
establishing relationships are dicult. They train and equip
local pastors and leaders in Transformational Development
(TD). Using TD approaches, local churches help people and
communities at their point of need (like water, health, food
production, livelihood, etc.). By helping and caring for people,
relationships of trust, acceptance, and respect are established,
and doors then open for gospel proclamation!
Despite centuries of rich spiritual tradition, Germans today
experience mostly a secular culture where many people
do not personally know any true Christians. Germany has
one of the lowest birth rates in the world. Not only are
they expecting a population decline, but Germany is also
experiencing spiritual decline due to a lack of spiritual
interest, diminishing attendance, and church closings.
Only 10% of German people say they believe in God as
absolutely certain. Of the 80 million people in Germany,
roughly half claim (as required and designated on their tax
form) to belong either the Protestant or Catholic church, but
that is where their faith ends for many. Targeted criticism
– That God would increase healthy churches across Germany, and those who
do not truly know the Lord would come to saving faith
– That God would reveal Christ to the many immigrants and students coming
to Germany
– That God would remove the pagan traditions that have had a stronghold on
the country so that Germany would experience a revival of interest in the
Word of God.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
GERMANY
Total Population: 83,726,000
Major Religion: Christianity
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Percent Evangelical: 2.01% (1 in 50)
Major Needs:
Healthy churches, pastoral
training, faithful local pastors
Week 26
29
of the Bible by the Nazi party in the early 20th century led
to the rise of the predominantly secular culture seen today.
Those seeds of criticism have since bloomed into cultural
chaos with many areas of Germany seeing a spike in crime,
suicide, and corruption. Germany today is also diversifying.
Germany is one of the most popular destinations in Europe
for immigrants, with countries from all over the Middle East
and Eastern Europe represented. With 28% of the population
considered unreached, there exists a great opportunity for
missionaries and ministries serving there to preach the gospel.
Opportunities for the gospel to reach beyond Germany exist
as immigrants hear about Christ while in Germany and take
the seeds of the gospel back to their home countries.
Sudan is home to over 160 people groups who are
predominantly Muslim, most of whom practice in the Sunni
tradition. Since their independence in 1956, the country
has suered from political instability and war. For several
decades, the western region of Sudan has been plagued by
armed conflict and many people have been displaced. Despite
the upheaval, the gospel spread as Christian refugees were
scattered throughout the country and churches were formed
among several unreached peoples. The Christian minority,
however, faces severe persecution which threatens the
stability and unity of these churches. Moreover, pastors are
– That God would bring healing and stability to Sudan.
– That God would give local believers courage and protection in order to
establish healthy and long-lasting gospel ministry.
– That God would encourage churches to faithfully proclaim the gospel in the
midst of persecution.
– That God would create unity of churches as they seek to serve their local
communities.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
SUDAN
Total Population: 44,818,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.39% (1 in 256)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 27
30
often isolated and ill-equipped to shepherd their churches and
serve their local communities.
MBC Partner World Relief is working with local pastors
to support Sudanese believers in the face of persecution
and hardship. World Relief also aims to equip church
and community leaders to strengthen their families and
communities for economic development and peacebuilding.
Specifically, the goal is to increase the health of local
churches, so that opportunities to proclaim the gospel in
a sustainable, replicable way are created. There are many
barriers to the growth of the church in this region, from
persecution, lack of training and equipping leaders, the
displacement crisis, and even ethnic tensions. Eective
training programs for church leaders combat these barriers,
as local pastors are empowered to address needs in their
community through partnership and the sharing of resources.
Over 32 million people in Saudi Arabia are considered
unevangelized and live in a region known to rank among
the world’s worst, for religious freedom and human rights.
As the birthplace of Islam and the location of the religion’s
most holy site Mecca, people of other faiths cannot practice
their religion openly or even gather privately. For centuries,
the country has been under absolute monarchy where the
ocial religion is Islam, and the constitution is the Quran
and Sunna. Social restrictions limit women in all aspects of
life and their presence outside the home is discouraged but
are typically more educated than their male counterparts.
Despite having a large expatriate community of various faiths
(more than 30% of the population) Saudi authorities make a
point to monitor them—if Christians are caught assembling
together, either in public or private, they may be detained or
deported. It’s estimated that 56% of the population are under
the age of 30. The number of Saudi Christians has been slowly
increasing, sharing their faith with others on the internet and
via Christian satellite TV channels.
– That God would reveal Christ to anyone who makes pilgrimage to Mecca and that
some of the millions who travel to Saudi Arabia each year would instead put their
faith in Jesus.
– That God would break the stronghold Islam holds on this country and that the
billions of dollars that come from oil resources would help to advance the gospel.
– That God would stir the younger generation that makes up the majority of the
country to diverge from family tradition and be convicted of their need for a Savior.
– That God would protect the believers and missionaries serving in Saudi Arabia
and that the church would be able to worship freely and grow in studying and
understanding God’s Word.
– That God would continue to use the Internet to strengthen and unite believers and
grow the Saudi church.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
SAUDI ARABIA
Total Population: 35,315,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.56% (1 in 178)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
faithful local pastors
Week 28
31
JOHN
Serving in HAITI since 2010
John grew up in Northern Virginia and began attending
McLean Bible Church (MBC) in 2002. He served in Kid’s
Quest, the Rock, and became a member of MBC. He desired to
serve as a cross-cultural missionary but felt he should be free
of debt first.
Once his finances became stable, he began to actively look
for ministry opportunities overseas. In 2010, a pastor asked
him to pray about going to Haiti to assist with the earthquake
relief eort through Score International. John arrived in Haiti
in March of 2010 and has served there ever since!
John is making disciples and attends Rendez-Vous Christ
Church, which is led by godly Haitian leaders who focus on
youth and young adults. They encourage rising generations of
Haitians to know and follow Jesus Christ. John also teaches
classes about Jesus to those who are interested, so that they
may repent and trust in Him.
Haiti has access to vast gospel resources. Yet, recent natural
disasters, political assassinations, violence, and subsequent
poverty have crippled the country. According to Pastor
Julio Volcy, the Director of Haiti Teen Challenge, 90% of
all Haitians grow up without a father. This lack of family
structure is debilitating for local communities and aects the
lives of young people in particular. John and his fellow church
workers faithfully serve to disciple people to follow Jesus, so
they can be the voice of hope and truth their communities so
desperately need!
– That God would bring peace to Haiti. Security in Haiti is volatile, and people
live in daily fear. Crime, political unrest, kidnappings, and violence are at an
ultimate high.
– That God would protect His people and give grace for His church to
grow. Pray John’s sta and co-workers continue to grow in the grace and
knowledge of Christ.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
Week 29
32
Major Religion: Christianity
Joshua Project Status: Significantly Reached
The Republic of Senegal has a rich history. This secular
nation generally tolerates religious freedom, however over
90% of the total population claim Islam as their religion. The
capital of Dakar is fortunate to have upwards of 60 small
churches, but other parts of the country have little to no
gospel infrastructure or churches for the thousands of people
outside major cities. There is a need for healthy churches to
be planted and for missionaries to proclaim Christ to the least
reached. 47% of the total population are considered unreached
with the gospel, encompassing 26 distinct people groups.
The Spring of 2021 saw the worst political unrest in a country
widely seen as one of the most stable in West Africa, while the
summer saw a third wave of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
Many Senegalese attempt a dangerous sea crossing to
the Canary Islands, in the hopes of reaching Europe. As of
September 2021, just 7% of the country has been vaccinated,
with available vaccines concentrated in Dakar. People are
fearful and desperate for some relief. In 2022, Senegal has the
honor of hosting the Youth Olympic games.
– That God would increase the spiritual health of existing churches in the
capital of Dakar so they can be a light for the gospel.
– That God believers in Dakar would boldly and clearly share Christ with their
neighbors and friends.
– That God would increase church planting teams to other areas of the
country where no churches currently exist.
– That God would make a way for Senegal to receive more COVID-19 vaccine
doses which would allow more people to be vaccinated.
– That God would quell political unrest and bring peace.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
SENEGAL
Total Population: 17,108,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.19% (1 in 526)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 30
33
There are over 25 million unreached people in North Korea,
ranking as one of the countries where Christians are most
severely persecuted. Though ocially an atheist state,
the leaders of North Korea have established a personality
cult around the “Supreme Leader” (Kim Jong-un and his
late grandfather, Kim-Il-Sung), organized by the state and
propagated under Juche ideology. As a result, Christians are
considered a threat to the regime and persecution is ongoing
and systemic. Under the rule of Kim Il-Sung, all churches
were closed in North Korea. Since 1988, four church buildings
(one Catholic, two Protestant, and one Russian Orthodox)
were erected in Pyongyang through foreign donations;
however, North Korean citizens are not allowed to worship at
or join any of them. Over the past several decades, there are
numerous reports of Christians being sent to state-run prison
– That God would open the door for the gospel to be shared freely in North Korea.
– That God would protect and grow the underground church.
– That God would give favor and provision to the organizations to carry out their
mission and continue to share the gospel in North Korea.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
NORTH KOREA
Total Population: 25,762,000
Major Religion: Non-religious
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 1.57% (1 in 63)
Major Needs: Evangelism, healthy churches
Week 31
34
campus. Some reports estimate as many as 50,000–70,000
Christians being held in these camps today. Additionally, the
Bible is banned, and it is reported that possession of one is
punishable by imprisonment or worse.
Defense Forum Foundation is a US based partner which
helps fund Free North Korea Radio in South Korea. This
organization works in partnership with both North Korean
defectors (who prepare Bible based radio programs to
broadcast to North Korea) and American churches and
individuals (who support the costs of the program). Since
2013, Free North Korea Radio has broadcast daily powerful
gospel programming to provide Bible teachings and
testimonies for the underground church in North Korea and
to spread the gospel message to all the people of North Korea
to bring them eternal hope!
Tunisia is situated on the Mediterranean Sea and home to
the northernmost point on the continent of Africa. Seen as
one of the most progressive and open countries in the Arab
world, Tunisia’s biggest societal problems tend to be high
unemployment rates, poor living conditions, and economic
decline. The constitution designates the government as the
“guardian of religion” however, only Muslim citizens are able
to run for the presidency and other government positions.
Tunisia has a rich Christian history, as it was home to
Christian martyrs Perpetua and Felicity and the third Council
of Carthage ratified the New Testament canon here in A.D.
397. Although every aspect of life for a Christian involves
– That God would protect believers in the region who are experiencing
increased persecution from friends and family.
– That God would open doors for the local church to grow, and that the
practice of open worship would become acceptable.
– That God would send missionaries to Tunisia to reignite the Christian faith
and that they would bring Bibles so that believers would have access to the
Word.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
TUNISIA
Total Population: 11,911,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.03% (1 in 3,333)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
faithful local pastors
Week 32
35
very high levels of pressure, persecution is highest in family
and church life. Muslim background Christians face the worst
persecution because their new faith is opposed—sometimes
violently—by both family and community. Tunisia law oers
religious freedom but most of these converts choose to
hide their faith and believe they cannot openly worship or
live as Christians. The hostility and pressure they face from
the surrounding community and society make it illegal for
them to share Christ with their family members, relatives,
neighbors, friends, or colleagues. They also find it dicult to
gather for worship and fellowship due to the risk of exposure,
especially if they are monitored by Tunisian security services.
Bibles are not widely available but are able to be distributed
with special permission.
BROOK
Serving in THE MIDDLE EAST since 2019
Brook grew up in Virginia and attended McLean Bible Church
(MBC) as a child, participating in children and youth ministry.
At age 16, on an MBC trip to the Dominican Republic, a pastor
said, “God will ask some of you to move cross-culturally for
His glory.” Brook felt God may want her to do this. After
college, she served on MBC sta. During this time of serving
the vulnerable and living in community, the Lord began to
lay a foundation to “go” overseas. Brook sensed she would be
disobeying the Lord if she stayed in the USA, and through
hours of prayer, along with the confirmation of others, she
began to actively pursue being sent by MBC as a missionary
to the Middle East.
In 2019, Brook moved to the Middle East, to a region where
the evangelical population is just 0.27%. The majority religion
is Islam, and all parts of life there are tied back to Islam. Brook
says, “We have all heard of unreached people groups before
and their great need, but we must remember that behind each
number is a face and a name…God led me to the Middle East
to intentionally plant my life here to invest in these people; to
see men, women, and communities come to know the radical
love of Jesus—the one true God—and to see churches planted,
thriving and healthy, in this part of the world. We all have a
part to play! God is worthy of us spending our lives for the
good news to be known in every nation and tongue.”
– That God would give perseverance to Brook and other workers in this region.
– That God would continue to form healthy churches. Pray against disunity.
Pray churches would be outward focused.
– That God would bless Brook’s relationships. Pray that she would be quick
to speak about Jesus and not fearful. Pray God would open doors for more
relationships.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this region.
Week 33
36
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
India is the world’s largest democracy, but there is still much
to improve in the area of how human rights are defended and
upheld in this large country. India has a total population of 1.3
billion people! In attempts to defend Hinduism, the current
government has incited increasing instances of religious
persecution against other faiths, mainly Christianity. 90% of
India’s population is considered unreached, with little to no
access to the gospel. Even though the caste system is illegal,
it still remains a major issue within Indian culture. Over 25%
of the population is considered (by birth) to be in the “lower”
classes and still face much discrimination and hardship.
– That God would cause the current government to uphold and protect basic
human rights and freedoms.
– That God would cause local churches in Hyderabad to be an example in how
they treat people—regardless of their caste.
– That God would continue to strengthen the churches in Hyderabad. That
they would grow and that new churches would be planted.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
INDIA
Total Population: 1,387,132,000
Major Religion: Hinduism
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: Unknown
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 34
37
Hyderabad is the fourth most populous city in India, and a
hub for information technology companies. Nicknamed “City
of Pearls” due to its role in the 19th century pearl industry,
this metropolitan city is home to a handful of healthy, growing
churches. Hyderabad and cities like it are where the “New
India” is growing. Operation World says, “The “New India”
is a youthful, ambitious, cosmopolitan and modern entity,
where dierences of religion, caste and gender mean less and
less. It is increasingly urban and tech-savvy. The India of call
centers, cricket, Bollywood, bhangra and globally connected
Indian culture is exposed to and open to new ideas and ways
of living, including Christianity.” These change ideas can be
seen in Hyderbad and other large international cities in India.
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES
Dubai is the most populous city in the UAE and one of the
wealthiest cities in the world. Located in the eastern Arabian
Peninsula, Dubai has become a business hub for the region.
Due to the city’s political stability and thriving economy, it’s
one of the world’s fastest growing cities. Dubai is a popular
tourist destination, claiming the world’s tallest building (Burj
Khalifa) and hosting the World Expo in 2021. It’s a vibrant
mix of businesspeople and migrant workers from all over the
world. The city is predominantly Muslim (65%) and Hindu
(28%) and only around 1% evangelical. Unlike other countries
in the region, Christian expatriates are free to worship
privately and in permitted public spaces but are restricted
– That God would foster the continual growth and health of UCCD as they
proclaim the gospel and make disciples of Christ in Dubai.
– That God would raise up believers in the region with training to be godly
pastors.
– That God would mobilize interns as they seek to establish healthy churches
among the unreached.
PRAY:
Total Population: 9,959,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Minimally Reached
Percent Evangelical: 1.18% (1 in 84)
Major Needs: Pastoral training, seminary
Week 35
38
from evangelism or public prayer. Within these unique
circumstances, several healthy churches have been planted
in the city. This has created an opportune setting to disciple
believers and train future pastors to plant and serve churches
in the region and beyond. One of these churches includes
MBC partner United Christian Church of Dubai (UCCD).
UCCD is a growing congregation comprised of members
representing more than 50 dierent nationalities.
UCCD oversees a pastoral training program aimed at
equipping pastors and evangelists from the Middle East,
North Africa, and Central Asia. Pastoral interns are given
the opportunity to observe pastoral ministry, study sound
doctrine, and engage in the life of the church. Upon
completion of the internship, pastors are provided a library of
resources and long-term ministry encouragement. Through
this training program, UCCD has sent pastors to start and
strengthen healthy churches in Morocco, Jordan, Palestine,
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and more!
Arab armies brought Islam to the region around Morocco
in the 7th century. Moroccans are very proud of their strong
Islamic history and culture which has aided in the resistance
of Christianity in the modern day. Up until recently, Morocco
has been ruled by a monarch who is supposedly a direct
descendant of the prophet Muhammad and believed in
leading with Islamic principles. Now promoting a more liberal
– That God would give new believers stamina and courage to grow in their faith.
– That God would help believers remain faithful even if faced with losing basic
rights and possible persecution.
– That God would reopen the country for missionaries and that local churches
would be established to help develop discipleship.
– That God would help to propel the Christian faith through the new government
leadership and that He would raise-up believers to take places of power to
establish lasting change.
– That God would create new ways for believers in Morocco to share the gospel and
that the online and digital platforms currently being used would reach the masses.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
MOROCCO
Total Population: 37,253,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.10% (1 in 1,000)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
faithful local pastors
Week 36
39
government, the Moroccan constitution guarantees freedom
of thought and the right to practice one’s religious aairs, but
Islam and Judaism are still the only recognized religions, and
the king is still seen as the spiritual authority.
Bible distribution is not allowed in the country and hundreds
of missionaries were forced to leave in 2010. Converts from
Islam to Christ face opposition from family members who
do not want them to practice their new faith publicly and
persecution from former government strongholds. Believers
gather in the underground church, and it can be dicult to
find true fellowship. Moroccan law also makes it criminal to
undermine the faith of Muslims, which make evangelism and
church outreach nearly impossible.
DAVID & LARK
Serving in SOUTHEAST ASIA since 2019
David and Lark met during a CRU summer mission project.
At that time, they believed God had called them to use their
gifts and abilities to serve Him overseas, and they assumed
He would send them abroad soon after getting married.
However, the Lord had a slightly dierent timeline in mind.
Once married, David and Lark instead felt called to the DC
area, where they worked and served for fifteen years before
moving to Southeast Asia.
In 2004, David and Lark became active volunteers in MBC
Frontline and the Edge services at the Tysons campus.
When MBC decided to launch Frontline Silver Spring, they
were there to help! They later attended MBC Bethesda and
were thrilled when the two locations combined into MBC
Montgomery! As MBC members, David and Lark served
as small group and discipleship group leaders, led Global
Outreach trips, local outreach projects, and served on Sunday
morning teams.
Today, David, Lark, and their children live in Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia is a region where 630,660,930 people and 2,703
dierent people groups live. Of those people groups, 630 are
unreached and 285 are both unengaged and unreached.
David and Lark help support the missionaries across their
region through media and communications, specifically
by telling the stories of the work that is being done and
communicating the needs across Southeast Asia. They do
this mainly through video, design, writing, and photography.
They are also diligently learning the local language and
serving through their local church which is located among an
unreached people group.
– That God would keep their eyes fixed on Christ and that they will worship
Him as they walk through organizational changes that may impact their
position.
– That God would give them the ability to speak and understand the local
language so that they can share His love and good news with neighbors,
friends, and those they meet.
– That God would open doors for them to creatively tell the stories here, serve
in their community, and honor Him with their time.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this region.
Week 37
40
Major Religion: Buddhism
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
The Caribbean Island of Haiti is currently experiencing one
of the largest conflicts of the last few decades. While the vast
majority of the population claims to be Christian, only 17.5%
are evangelical. There are no unreached people among the
six identified people groups in the country. Yet, the lack of
traditional family structure continues to hinder young people
who struggle to thrive, with 90% of all Haitians growing-
up without a father, or father-figure in the home. Lost and
forgotten youth are often then initiated into the many gangs
throughout the territory. Gang activity on the one hand and
corrupt politicians and law enforcement on the other, have
contributed to a climate of ongoing insecurity. Armed groups
have invaded large areas of the capital and their aggression
has forced thousands of people to flee their homes for their
lives. People live in fear daily, with many now seeking political
asylum in the United States, only to be deported back to a
country in chaos. Ministries are being forced to close and are
unable to help the people. In addition to all of this, natural
disasters, economic collapse, and spiritual brokenness continue
to plague this country in desperate need of God’s redemption.
– That God would raise up faithful Haitian pastors who will teach the Bible to
rising generations of Haitians.
– That God would intervene with ongoing security situations in Haiti. That
Christians would resist all corruption and churches would be part of the
solution. That the enemy would be bound and that there would be a decrease
in violence, political unrest, kidnapping, and gang activity.
– That God would raise up honorable, truthful, God-fearing leaders and law
enforcement to remove the corruption and heal the country.
– That God would care for the needs of the 650,000 displaced people who have
lost their homes due to gang violence or natural disaster.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
HAITI
Total Population: 11,504,000
Major Religion: Christianity
Joshua Project Status: Significantly Reached
Percent Evangelical: 17.53% (1 in 6)
Major Needs:
Healthy churches, pastoral
training, faithful pastors
Week 38
41
This mountainous country is known for its peaks and lakes,
and over 90% of the country is covered in mountains. This
creates diculty in road travel and isolates many remote
communities. The civil war of the 1990s caused many issues
in this former Soviet run state. Over 80% of the country
lives below the poverty line and there is great need for
education. The primary religion is Islam, and the country is
in desperate need of relief-and-development work. Thirty-one
of the thirty-nine people groups in Tajikistan are considered
unreached. Christians in Tajikistan often face persecution, as
the government keeps tight control over “deviant” religions.
– That God would raise up faithful Tajik pastors as leaders in the church.
– That God would increase the proclamation of the gospel of Christ through
faithful, national believers.
– That God would get Bibles into the hands of those who need to read it and
those who need to distribute it.
– That God would heal the material and spiritual brokenness of the country
and build new churches to encourage and equip the new believers.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
TAJIKISTAN
Total Population: 9,730,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.07% (1 in 1,428)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 39
42
Churches and religious activities must be “approved” by the
government. Christians who are found to be involved with
Christian activities or in possession of Christian materials
not approved by the government face interrogation and jail.
Missionaries have been working tirelessly for many years on a
new, more understandable, and complete version of the Bible
in Tajik to address the spiritual brokenness of the region.
To date, the New Testament is finally finished and is in the
process of being printed! There have been a lot of challenges
in getting to this point. The desire of this MBC partner is for
as many copies of the updated New Testament to be printed
as possible, so new believers can grow in maturity and so that
non-believers have access to the Word.
The Christian faith in Algeria has a long history, especially
among the Berber people. Muslim occupation drove many
to rural areas or underground which opened doors for Islam
to become the state religion. The Berber people still practice
the faith even though Christian persecution is intensifying
due to unprecedented church growth. New legislation has
criminalized evangelism and “non-Muslim worship” outside
pre-approved buildings. In the past three years, authorities
in Algeria have engaged in a targeted campaign resulting in
– That God would remove corruption and Islam-biased practices from the
government and raise-up leaders who love Jesus.
– That God would give Christian families strength to stand against religious
and social pressures that force Christian girls to marry Muslims.
– That God would reopen closed churches and establish new strong, Bible
preaching local churches where believers can grow in their faith, learn how
to share the gospel, and develop disciples.
– That God would reduce unemployment among Muslim background
Christians and that their economic situation would improve.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
ALGERIA
Total Population: 44,584,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.06% (1 in 16,666)
Major Needs:
Healthy churches, faithful local
pastors, pastoral training
Week 40
43
13 churches forcibly closed by the authorities. Others have
received orders to cease all activities. All of this aside, Algeria
has experienced one of the world’s largest movements of
Muslims coming to faith in Christ in recent years.
Years of hard work and prayer have produced fruit in the
Algerian church! The Christian community enjoys unity,
in contrast to historical ethnic conflict with most coming
to faith in Jesus through supernatural visions and personal
evangelism. Believers face intimidation by family, friends,
employers, Muslim extremists, and the government, yet the
church grows. Algeria is becoming a leader in Northern Africa
for theological training and church development. Printing
and importation of Bibles is allowed, but carefully monitored,
limited, and controlled by the government.
ZOE
Serving in THE MIDDLE EAST since 2020
Even as a young child, Zoe could see how God was preparing
her for overseas ministry. She especially enjoyed when
missionaries visited her home church to share about their
work among the nations. Through her teaching career, the
Lord continued giving Zoe a specific love for certain parts of
the world. During her first years of teaching, Zoe got to know
several students from the Middle East, which only increased
her interest for that region.
Several years later, Zoe got the opportunity to travel the
Middle East as part of a short-term ministry team. While
there, she sensed that she should return to the country they
were serving in, in a more permanent capacity. Zoe was able
to return to this country through her profession as a Special
Needs teacher and served at a local special needs school from
2015-2017.
In 2017, Zoe returned to the United States and began
attending McLean Bible Church (MBC) Tysons. She faithfully
served on Sundays and participated in all aspects of life at
MBC, especially through Access Ministry and Local Outreach
during the pandemic. In 2020, she returned overseas to
rejoin the school she had previously served at and will soon
transition into a new leadership role within the school.
– That God would give wisdom to the school’s leadership as they start next
year and for God’s provision of the right place for a new building, as the
current building is too small.
– That God would open discipleship opportunities special needs families; that
these individuals and families would know the great love God has for them.
– That God would convict and incite local communities to care for those with
special needs; that they would accept them and allow them to be included in
all areas of life.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this region.
Week 41
44
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Jordan is a socially conservative country with a rich, diverse
history. Christians have enjoyed relative freedom, even serving
as government ocials. Operation World reports that, “Jordan
serves as a regional center for many Christian activities and
ministries, and much Christian work in the Middle East would
suer if religious freedom in Jordan changed.” Even so, Jordan
has very few Christians, with just 0.27% evangelicals.
Women’s rights in Jordan have improved greatly over the past
twenty years, yet women still struggle to join the workforce and
have the same freedoms as men. Jordanian women typically
wear a hijab (headscarf) and modest clothing. They are able
to attend university and drive. Due to the ongoing conflict
in Syria, Amman is now also home to thousands of Syrian
refugees, many of whom are vulnerable women and children.
The refugee crisis and the eects of the COVID-19 pandemic
have resulted in an increase of all forms of violence against
women and girls, particularly domestic in Jordan. Churches
in Amman have clear opportunities to minister to women and
girls in these situations and meet their felt needs. The Lord is
working in surprising ways to get the gospel to women!
– That God would give churches specific and tangible ways to meet the felt
needs of women, in order to build relationships and share Christ.
– That God would specifically open opportunities for Syrian women to hear
the gospel and that their lives would be radically changed by Him.
– That God would stop violence against women in Jordan and that the
government would continue to support programs and laws to support this.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
JORDAN
Total Population: 10,187,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.27% (1 in 370)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 42
45
This small landlocked country boasts the famed Himalaya
Mountain range. Renowned for its beauty and treacherous
peaks, it draws thousands of tourists a year to its summit.
Until 2008, Nepal was considered a Hindu monarchy. Since
then, a new Republic was created. Although Nepal is now a
secular state, a recent law criminalizing religious conversion
directly targets Christian activities and defends Nepal’s
Hindu traditions. With only a 1% Christian population, the
goal of one MBC partner working in the region is to exalt
– That God would allow churches to be planted in remote areas. Operation
World reports that among the Loba people of Mustang peoples, almost no
churches exist.
– That God would protect the right to religious freedom and that local
believers and missionaries would fearlessly proclaim the gospel.
– That God would soften the hearts of the people in the remote villages to
hear, know, and accept Jesus as Lord.
– That God would establish strong, Bible-based churches that would serve new
believers and generations to come.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
NEPAL
Total Population: 29,555,000
Major Religion: Hinduism
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: Unknown
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 43
46
Christ and see his church established in the Himalayas. This
organization takes the gospel of Jesus Christ to the most
remote, and unreached people in Nepal. Specifically, they are
praying to see the 23 ethnic Tibetan people groups residing in
the Himalayas hear about Jesus and worship him.
The indigenous Nepalese church is growing, and it is
important to help these churches grow. One program they
have established is frontier church planting which addresses
both the urgent physical and spiritual needs these remote
people face. Supported by various discipleship networks they
seek to resource the local church, where it currently exists.
This is done by providing training materials, church supplies,
evangelistic tools, Bibles, discipleship training conferences for
pastors and believers and other expenses.
Japan is the largest unevangelized nation that is open to
missionaries, yet spiritual, sociocultural, and linguistic
diculties abound. Despite 500 years in Japan, Christianity
is still regarded as a foreign religion. Many Japanese
claim no religion yet follow Buddhist and Shinto rituals
and superstitious new religions start up frequently. Due to
constant threats of natural disaster, economic decline, and
social isolation, suicide and divorce prevail across most age
groups. Japan has 24 cities, 595 towns/villages, and some
– That God would remove the spirit of delusion! May the Holy Spirit grow new
churches through the faithful evangelism of Japanese Christians.
– That God would intervene and encourage the emperor and royal family of
Japan to abandon Shintoism and embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ.
– That God would send Christian missionaries to Japan to help start healthy
churches, faithfully teach the Bible to Christians, and boldly proclaim Christ
to the Japanese.
– That God would equip and convict the Japanese Church to have the vision
and passion to proclaim the gospel in rural areas.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
JAPAN
Total Population: 125,972,000
Major Religion: Buddhism
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.57% (1 in 1,754)
Major Needs:
Healthy churches, faithful local
pastors, pastoral training
Week 44
47
1800 rural areas which still lack a church. Korean descendants
of forced immigration are classified as resident aliens and their
500+ church plants across the country lack spiritual vitality. In
addition, Japan’s Chinese population is very unevangelized,
with only 30 Chinese churches and 2,000 known believers.
The shunned Ainu people of northern Japan are dying o
without known believers, so focused outreach is critical. There
is little outreach to Muslims in the country.
Powers associated with temple idolatry and home ancestor
worship remain strong; a God who created all things is foreign
to the Japanese worldview. Christians form a tiny minority
in this society, fragmented into hundreds of denominations,
all lacking unity. Pastors are overloaded, so the congregation
must engage in persistent outreach to create more viable and
active churches. Christian media, Bibles, books, music, videos,
computer software, education materials, tracts, plus Christian
TV and radio are widely available.
HEATHER
Serving in INDIA since 2021
Heather grew up in a Christian family who prioritized
missions and attended church. As a graduate student in DC,
she met and married a non-believer. A few years after the birth
of her second son, the marriage ended. Meanwhile, Heather’s
love of culture and international relations led her to a career
as a diplomat. About that time, Heather wrote, “I had travelled
to more than 55 countries and during my overseas postings
I attended local churches. In these churches, I served as a
Sunday school teacher and hospitality volunteer. Despite this,
the hurt, pain, and stigma of my life choices held me back
from being vulnerable to other Christians I encountered.
Instead, I just became focused internally and even though I
prayed and read my Bible, I wasn’t connected significantly to
a local church and thus did not grow in Christian maturity
during this period.”
In 2018, while on assignment to DC, Heather began attending
McLean Bible Church (MBC) and became a member. There
she repented of her lukewarm Christianity and began to serve
God wholly. She served through Access Ministry and as a
Global Outreach leader. In a 2019 sermon, Pastor David asked,
“what if God is calling you for more than just the American
dream?” After prayer and counsel, Heather felt the Lord
urging her to use her life and work to be on mission cross-
culturally. She was equipped through MBC’s Sending Pipeline
and is now serving in India as she pursues marketplace
opportunities for gospel advancement. Her desire is to obey
the Lord and to see new disciples and churches multiplied in
the region she’s serving in.
– That God would help Heather’s high-school aged son be a light at his school.
– That God would give Heather and her son continued health. Pray for God’s
mercy and that the government will take measures to decrease the spread of
COVID.
– That God would give Heather an opportunity to start a Bible study at work.
– That God would bless her local church as they begin new classes and a
counseling ministry.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this region.
Week 45
48
Major Religion: Hinduism
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
It is believed that close to 10% of Egypt’s total population
has a special need or physical disability. While services
and government programs are improving, many resources
available to families with special needs are concentrated in
the capital city of Cairo. Similar to other countries, there is a
prevalent belief among Egyptians that physician disabilities
– That God would continue to give local churches the opportunity to build
discipleship relationships with families with special needs.
– That God would open doors for Christians organizations and programs currently
serving the special needs communities, to share the gospel and make disciples.
– That local churches would be strengthened through outreach to special needs
individuals.
– That God would soften the Egyptian culture to those with special needs, and that
their local communities would love and support them and their families in tangible
ways.
– That God would continue to help the government oer programs, services, and
schools to those with special needs in order to bridge gaps and fill felt needs.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
EGYPT
Total Population: 104,179,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Partially Reached
Percent Evangelical: 4.45% (1 in 22)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 46
49
are the result of God’s punishment. Many resources such
as special needs schools, equipment, or medical treatments
require private funding, which most families cannot aord.
Most Egyptian private and public schools require entrance
exams, which often result in the exclusion of children
with special needs. Culturally and practically, Egypt is not
equipped to help those in their society with special needs
excel. As a result, Christian churches and organizations have
a unique opportunity to minister to those with special needs.
The last 15+ years have seen the creation of various Christian
run special needs programs and schools. Muslim parents are
experiencing the love of Christ, through watching Christians
care for their children and invest in their family’s wellbeing!
Syria has a geography rich in biblical history. Damascus,
the capital city, is the oldest continuously “lived-in” city in
the world! In the past, Christians could worship in Syria
with relative freedom, as both the Orthodox and Catholic
churches existed in Syria long before Islam did. However,
since a bloody civil war began in Syria in 2011, it is estimated
that over 400,000 people have died, with over half the
– That God would bring peace and rebuilding to Syria.
– That the Sunni Arab majority, most who have not heard the gospel, would have
opportunities to hear and respond to it.
– That God would continue to bless this organization as they advance the gospel in
the Middle East.
– That God would raise up faithful leaders with the gift of teaching to aid in the
ministry’s eorts to train and equip new believers.
– That God would protect his church in Syria and allow it to grow despite hardship.
– That God would bless the eorts being made to meet material needs in an eort
to meet spiritual ones.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
SYRIA
Total Population: 18,153,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Minimally Reached
Percent Evangelical: 0.19% (1 in 526)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 47
50
country internally displaced with thousands more fleeing to
surrounding countries. This has also created a food shortage
aecting and killing the most vulnerable. Throughout this, the
small church within Syria has struggled to survive. Radical
Muslims heavily persecute and even kill Christians. Many
Christians have fled abroad in order to survive.
MBC partners working in Syria have a variety of projects.
These projects currently focus on outreach, evangelism, and
discipleship to Syrians who are both displaced in surrounding
regions and to those still in Syria to equip and empower
believers and local churches in reaching Muslims. Recently,
they have also been managing child sponsorships, COVID-19
relief programs, food intervention, and hosting training
conferences in Egypt and Syria.
Found in the Eastern Himalayans and being one of the world’s
least-evangelized nations, Bhutan’s geographical location
is naturally isolated causing the country to suer from poor
infrastructure and poor international relations. The need of
focused missionary outreach and Bible translation is much
needed. Though Buddhism replaced the ancient practice of
Bon, it still holds a strong influence over some today. Only
the Lepcha people group have significant Christian numbers.
There has been progress in translating Scripture into
Dzongkha (ocial language), but the government continues
to restrict widespread distribution and most other languages
found in the country do not have access to the Bible.
Recent changes to the constitution in 2008 award greater
levels of religious freedom but Christians still experience
persecution in various ways. Church buildings are forbidden
with most fellowships meeting in homes. Bhutanese who
become Christian face the loss of citizenship, as well as other
basic human rights. Many Christians are seen as following a
false Western religion but those who come to faith in Bhutan
heard of Christ through evangelism and literature distribution
by Indian believers coming from the south in particular, but
also Nepalis and others.
– That God would reveal Christ to King Wangchuk and the royal family, so
they know His love and power.
– That God would use the new government for His glory and that doors for the
gospel would be opened.
– That God would aid in the eective spread of Christian materials in the
country and at the borders.
– That God would encourage and equip believers to witness for Christ to every
ethnic group of the Bhutanese, and that Bhutanese in Bhutan, India, and
around the world would hear, repent, and place their faith in Christ.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
BHUTAN
Total Population: 777,000
Major Religion: Buddhism
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: Unknown
Major Needs:
Bible translation, evangelism,
healthy churches
Week 48
51
TODD & JESS
Serving in SENEGAL since 2021
Todd and Jess each came to faith in Christ as young children.
As a young adult, Todd knew that God was drawing him to
overseas missions, specifically to Muslims. As a youth, Jess
went on several short-term mission trips, but it wasn’t until
serving the unreached in India, that God broke her heart with
a desire to see all nations reached.
Todd and Jess began attending MBC in 2019 with their
children and became members shortly after. They served
in the Adoption and Foster Care Ministry, Kid’s Quest,
and Global Outreach. During this time, they learned and
experienced even more the importance of belonging to a local
church. Most recently they enjoyed serving with their children
to distribute food to surrounding communities as part of
MBC’s COVID-19 response.
Todd and Jess were equipped through MBC’s Missionary
Sending Pipeline and in 2021 relocated their family to Senegal
for Todd’s job. With a total population of over 17 million
people, this Muslim-majority country is considered unreached
with just 0.19% evangelicals. For example, the Wolof people
group have less than 100 known believers and no known
church. Todd and Jess are excited to see how the Lord will use
them next, as they continue to abide in Christ and be obedient
to His calling.
– That God would help Todd thrive in his new job and be a good steward of
this opportunity.
– That God would help their children acclimate to this new culture and excel
in their new school. Give them opportunities to make friends.
– That God would help them plug into a healthy local church and build
community.
– That God would provide clear avenues for Todd, Jess, and the children to
actively support and minister to the Wolof people, most specifically to help
meet their greatest need, which is knowing Jesus as Lord.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
Week 49
52
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Thailand means “Land of the Free,” because it remained
free when Western powers colonized the countries
around it. However, there is a spiritual oppression over
this predominantly Buddhist country. Less than 1% of the
population is Christian, even after hundreds of years of
missionary work in the region, as the church continues to see
slow but steady growth. Thailand was one of the countries
that had the most success in containing the COVID-19 virus,
but the economy suered greatly in 2020, due to the loss of
tourism and other factors. Operation World says, “Praise God
that national leaders now have a bold goal to reach every one of
Thailand’s 80,000 villages and neighborhoods with the gospel!
Pray for their plans: a national prayer network, leadership
development, extensive research, community development
ministry, all in addition to evangelism. Many church and
mission leaders feel Thailand is ready for a breakthrough of
church growth.” Chiang Mai is north of Bangkok and located
in a mountainous region. This historic city welcomes over
14 million tourists a year. There are a variety of churches
in Chiang Mai, ministering to the city population and also
continuing outreach eorts in more rural areas.
– That God would grow the Thai church through faithful Bible study, and
cause gospel infrastructure to expand.
– That God would send missionaries to people groups who have no known
church in their area.
– That God would encourage churches in Chiang Mai to boldly and
clearly proclaim Christ and that God would add new believers to their
congregations in 2022.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
THAILAND
Total Population: 69,737,000
Major Religion: Buddhism
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.65% (1 in 154)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 50
53
Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is the oldest
independent state in the whole Arab world, a fact of which
they are proud. With maritime industries, large oil reserves,
and tourism, Oman has a high-income economy. Even
though Oman has a modern society, especially compared to
other neighbors in the region, government and culture are
still intricately tied to Islam. Even still, Oman also loves to
boast of it’s almost non-existent crime rate (most likely due
to Sharia law) and is a relatively “safe” country to visit, with
no known terrorist attacks in the preceding decades. Even
though the Omani government claims to be tolerant to other
religions, Islam takes priority and dictates daily family life
– That God would open the hearts of people in Oman, that despite their wealth
they would see their need for a true Savior.
– That God would allow leniency to foreign Christians and give them
opportunities to share the gospel with Muslims in creative ways.
– That God would send out workers to plant healthy churches to the semi-
nomadic Mahra people and the Jibbali of Dhofar.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
OMAN
Total Population: 5,209,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: 0.65% (1 in 1,538)
Major Needs:
Evangelism, healthy churches,
pastoral training
Week 51
54
and legislation. Most Christians in Oman are foreigners from
the Philippines, India, or Western countries, and they are
concentrated in the country’s urban areas. Foreign Christians
meet together in locations designated by the government
and are allowed to share with other foreigners, but it is illegal
to evangelize Muslims. Muslims background Christians face
immense pressure to return to Islam and are more persecuted
than foreign Christians. In the rural and tribal regions,
there are no known churches. Bibles are widely available
to foreigners but not for Omanis. Omani believers do have
access through digital and audio Bibles online which are
easily available.
Bangladesh is a small country with many diverse people
groups and six distinct weather seasons, each celebrated
with elaborate festivals. With few natural resources, 25% of
Bangladeshis live in poverty. The Bengali people are one of
the largest unreached people groups in the world. The country
suers from political corruption and religious and ethnic
tensions. Large parts of the region are regularly devastated
by flooding and the government seems unable or unwilling
– That God would continue to protect minority and tribal groups and provide
the Bible in their languages.
– That God would strengthen the health of existing churches ministering to
the Bengali majority, that they would understand and boldly follow Jesus as
their Lord.
– That God would raise up a new generation of strong healthy pastors for the
Bengali church.
– That God would comfort and reveal Christ to the Rohingya Muslims, who
fled Myanmar and now live in refugee camps in Bangladesh.
PRAY:
Visit Joshua Project to learn more about the unreached in this country.
BANGLADESH
Total Population: 165,551,000
Major Religion: Islam
Joshua Project Status: Unreached
Percent Evangelical: Unknown
Major Needs:
Bible translation, evangelism,
healthy churches
Week 52
55
to facilitate infrastructure improvements which would aid the
poor majority.
Christianity is said to have first arrived to Bangladesh
through travels of the Apostle Thomas around 52 A.D. and its
growth can be attributed to focused eorts by missionaries
like William Carey and other ministries up to this day.
Churches have seen major growth in the past 50 years, but
there’s still much work to be done. Bibles are available in
several languages, but those in rural areas and converts have
diculty finding and accessing them. The country also suers
from 50% illiteracy rates, so many cannot even read the Bible
if/when translations become available. Tribal and indigenous
peoples in particular are even harder to reach, as they are
marginalized by the unreached Bengali majority.
globaloutreach@mcleanbible.org
mcleanbible.org/globaloutreach
SOURCES
Country & Region Statistics
https://joshuaproject.net/
Quotes & General Information
https://operationworld.org/