Maldivian in Maldives
mahl-DEE-vee-un

Most of the Maldivians are fishermen, merchants and boat builders who take advantage of their position in the center of Indian Ocean trade routes. Despite their trade travels, the Maldivians are resistant to ideas from the outside world. Each inhabited island has its own chief, and no one may leave or come onto the island without the chief's knowledge. Islamic law is the law of the land, so marriages with non-Muslims are illegal acts and all the children bear Arabic names. Ironically, however, the Islamic religion is only a ritualistic tradition that most people nominally follow. Maldivians embrace folk beliefs and often live in fear of evil spirits.

Ministry Obstacles
Any kind of Christian witness is prohibited. Maldivians cling to various forms of Islam, so they are less open to accepting the singular truth of grace.

Scripture Focus
"Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD God, when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD."  Amos 8:11

Scripture Prayer
Pray that the Bible becomes available to this people group. Pray that they listen to and obey the words of the Lord.

Prayer Focus
Pray that the people of the Maldives would soon be delivered from fear. Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among the Maldivian that will spread from family to family. Pray for the gospel of Christ to become easily available via radio, television and the internet. Pray that the Lord would raise up witnesses to go to the Maldives and show them the way to the cross.

Presented by Joshua Project
www.joshuaproject.net