Southeast Asia includes an archipelago with many ethnic groups and several hundred native languages. Many of the ethnic groups living here are unreached people groups (UPGs) — where the percentage of Christians is statistically below two or even one per cent.

OM in Southeast Asia is eager to play a part in reaching out to these people groups. Currently, a team is focusing on certain UPGs through its own ministry and in partnership with others. One of these teams is working on a large island. 

Sani* is an OM worker who owns an early childhood education school. She joined OM in 2019 through a relief project which followed a devastating 7.5-magnitude earthquake and tsunami in 2018. 

After receiving training in how to lead a Discovery Bible Study (DBS), Sani began putting it into practise by intentionally building relationships with the parents of children at her school — as well as with teachers, principals from several other schools — and with her mostly Muslim neighbours. 

In 2023, she started a DBS group with Mrs Hani*, who was Muslim and whose husband was a nominal Christian. Sani had met Mrs Hani to make a video about the local ethnic community. After the filming was completed, she invited Mrs Hani to join a study on the stories of the prophets. Mrs Hani attended the sessions regularly until, in October 2025, she decided to become a follower of Jesus and publicly expressed her faith through baptism. 

God is at work 

Currently, Sani is leading two DBS groups; one with Mrs Hani, her husband and son, and the other with women who work at the hospital where Mrs Hani works. During these gatherings, Sani uses story cards and videos to share Bible stories, or sometimes she simply tells the stories aloud.  

In June 2026, when a 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck the region, women in the DBS group asked Sani to pray for their safety. She saw this as an opportunity to share that earthquakes can remind people both of God’s judgment on sin and of His work of salvation. 

Sani shared the account of the earthquake that occurred when Isa Almasih — the contextual name of Jesus — was crucified as the perfect and holy sacrifice, taking man’s place and bearing the punishment for the world’s sins. Sani also explained that another earthquake occurred when Isa Almasih rose from the dead. 

These events remind believers that God is sovereign over human life. They also reveal His great love for sinful humanity and His desire to save mankind by giving His one and only Son as the sacrifice for our redemption. Pray that this story might impact the women’s lives; may the Holy Spirit reveal more and move their hearts.  

Pray for spiritual hunger to know the truth and a longing to live out the Word and be a witness to these people who have already been discipled.

Pray for Mrs Hani, prepared to start her own DBS Group and to reach out to her family (her children and spouse). 

Ask God for multiplication of believers from this DBS group, so many more people will come to know Him.  

*name changed