Pray for the 700,000 Indian Ocean Islanders who live on a group of islands off the coast of Africa. Though they boast picture-postcard beaches; failing infrastructure, corruption, and a sputtering economy lead many to seek a better life abroad, with sizeable communities found in France and Madagascar. Nearly all Islanders are Muslims. Those who have chosen to follow Jesus tend to live isolated lives and many experience pressure and persecution from their families, villages and government. Give thanks for Mary* and Elisheba* who are reading God’s Word with workers on the plateau. The story of Abraham offering Isaac (they know this story as Abraham offering Ishmael) gave an opportunity to share that Jesus is our sacrificial lamb, taking our place. Pray that they would remember and think on this as they celebrate Eid al-Adha (the annual celebration of Abraham’s sacrifice).

*Names changed for security reasons