Kerinci in Bahrain
Photo Source:
Rafel Pranata - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Kerinci |
| Country: | Bahrain |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 23,000 |
| World Population: | 326,000 |
| Primary Language: | Kerinci |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 2.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 1.00 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Online Audio NT: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Minangkabau-Rejang of Sumatra |
| Affinity Bloc: | Malay Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Kerinci are the original ethnic group which lived on the east coast of Sumatra, a huge island in the Indonesian island chain. The Kerinci fled from local Muslim sultanates in an ancient war and moved into their existing homeland high in the Bukit Barisan Mountain range around Mount Kerinci in part of Jambi Province. Although the highlands present challenges for living, intensive agriculture coupled with fishing has been sufficient to sustain sizeable indigenous populations. In the past, the Kerinci have been able to resist assimilation from the more numerous lowland peoples of Sumatra.
Though most live in Indonesia, a small number have migrated to Bahrain for work.
What Are Their Lives Like?
From hot and humid to hot and dry; that is a climate change faced by the Kerinci people who migrated from Indonesia to Bahrain for work. The drop in humidity is only one of the changes they had to face. They were a farming people in Sumatra, Indonesia; but farming is not something many people do in Bahrain.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Islam is the main religion, although the Kerinci retain many animistic beliefs. In their daily lives, they use the phrases tataman (met with a ghost), tatampo (hit by a ghost) and tapijek (stepped on by a ghost) on a regular basis, demonstrating their strong belief in the spirit world.
What Are Their Needs?
The Kerinci people, be they in Indonesia or Bahrain, need to put their faith in Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords.
Prayer Points
Pray for God's abundant spirit and physical blessings for the Kerinci people.
Pray for those who love the Savior to go to the Kerinci people in Bahrain.
Pray for Kerinci elders and other decision makers to accept those who come in the name of the Lord.
Pray for a movement to Christ among the Kerinci people in Bahrain and Indonesia.