Pray Your Way Around The WorldSample

The Traditions in Southeast Asia

Ritual sacrifice is a prevalent practice in many world religions. In Southeast Asia, Buddhism and Hinduism instruct their adherents—a high percentage of the population—to offer food, water, and other gifts to show their dedication. Even those who have heard the gospel can still feel the cultural pull toward the superstitions and traditions that they have known throughout their lives. 

Spirit worship is common for many people across Southeast Asia, and its hold over entire communities is strong. There is a man in Southeast Asia who has lived his entire life in the same small community with his friends and family. They depend on him to offer gifts to the spirits to keep them satisfied. The man has heard the gospel and is drawn to its message, but he’s afraid. If he leaves behind the spirit worship of his ancestors, it’s believed that he, his family, and his community would lose the protection these spirits provide, resulting in sickness and death for him and those he loves. He may be kicked out of his home and community for believing Christ. He may lose everything and everyone he loves for following Jesus. 

Pray for those in Southeast Asia who have heard the truth and feel drawn to it, but are afraid. Pray for strength, boldness, and assurance of Christ’s love. 

Southeast Asia is made of up eleven countries south of China and east of India.