Missions

Unreached People Group Adoption Day is Oct. 3 at Cinco Ranch Campus and Oct. 10 at North Katy Campus

"I believe that God's greatest purpose for Grace Fellowship is located outside of Katy. The nations needed a church to be birthed in Katy, TX that would not stop praying, giving, and going." - Jim Leggett, Sr. Pastor

Join us to celebrate on October 3 and October 10 as we adopt our next two Unreached People Groups (UPGs)! We're on our way to Grace Fellowship's lifetime goal of adopting 10 UPGs! Get ready to learn about our two new UPGs through smell, sight, taste, touch, and hearing prayers lifted up just for them.

What it means to Adopt a UPG:

At Grace Fellowship Church, adopting a UPG means standing in the gap on behalf of the people in that people group who do not have access to the lifesaving truth that Jesus is Lord and for the fieldworkers serving among our UPGs. We do this by praying, giving, going, serving, and learning in many ways such as:

• Every Sunday as a church, praying for the salvation of the Ban*jar, Mak*asar, Bug*is,  Raj*put, Af*ar and Azer*baijani people.
• On the first Sunday of each month we hold a UPG prayer meeting to lift up our UPGs and those faithfully serving among them. This meeting is open to everyone. (12:30pm in the Vista)
• We financially support the field workers and project work among our UPGs.
• We are sending Grace Fellowshippers to serve short-term and long-term (3+ years) among our UPGs.
• Grace Fellowship Small Groups adopt UPGs and serve as encouragement to the field workers through e-mail correspondence and their dedication to prayer.   

Learn About All of Grace Fellowship's Adopted People Groups     

Have questions?

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The Af*ar of Ethiopia

Our adopted UPG #5, the Af*ar of Ethiopia, represents 2 million people with only 500 known believers in Jesus Christ. We are trusting God for 100,000 souls.

• Name: Af*ar
• Adoption Date: October 2021
• Population: 2 million
• Location: Ethi*opia
• Language: Af*ar
• Religious Make Up: 99% Muslim

Introduction / History

The Af*ar people of Ethiopia live on the earth's hottest and driest spot, the Danakil Desert, which is nearly 400 feet below sea level with daytime temperatures reaching up to 145°F in the sun.  The Afar are herdsmen and mine for salt living a  nomadic family life in huts. 

The Af*ar (Danakil) claim to be descendants of Ham (Noah's son). They are located in the East African countries of Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. They prefer to be known as the Af*ar, since the Arabic word "danakil" is an offensive term to them. They are a proud people, emphasizing a man's strength and bravery. Prestige comes from killing one's enemies.

The Af*ar consist of two subgroups: the Asaemara ("red ones"), who are the more prestigious and powerful nobles living primarily in the area of Assayita; and the Adaemara ("white ones"), who are the commoners living in the desert areas. Those who live in the desert inhabit one of the most rugged regions in the world, known as the Af*ar Plain or the Danakil Desert. One area, called the Danakil Depression, consists of a vast plain of salt pans and active volcanoes. Much of it lies 200 feet below sea level and has daily temperatures as high as 125 degrees F. The average yearly rainfall is less than seven inches.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Af*ar are nomads who herd sheep, goats, cattle, and camels. A man's wealth is measured by the size of his herds.

Not all of the Af*ar are herdsmen. Many of those who work in the Danakil Depression pry loose slabs of solid salt during the dry season, supplying ready-to-use salt in the form of crude blocks. Some of them live in apartment buildings in the country's capitol city, Addis Ababa. They remain there year round and work in government jobs such as the Af*ar broadcasts of the Ethiopian radio station.

Meat and milk are the major components of the Af*ar diet. Milk is also an important social "offering". For instance, when a guest is given fresh warm milk to drink, the host is implying that he will provide immediate protection for the guest. If a person is killed while under the protection of an Af*ar, his death must be avenged as if he were a member of the clan.

The Af*ar live in camps surrounded by thorn barricades, which protect them from the attacks of wild animals or enemy tribesmen. Their oval-shaped huts, called ari, are made of palm mats and are easily moved.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Early in their history, the Af*ar were heavily influenced by the Islamic religion; and today, Islam is still held in great esteem. The people do not eat pork and rarely drink alcohol. Those who can afford to do so, make a pilgrimage to Mecca. In addition, many pre-Islamic beliefs and customs are also prevalent among the Af*ar. They believe that certain trees and groves have sacred powers. They also have various religious rites such as anointing their bodies with ghee (a type of butter). Spirits of the dead are believed to be very powerful, and a "feast of the dead", called Rabena, is celebrated each year. They also give annual offerings to the sea to ensure safety for their villages. Many people wear protective leather amulets that contain herbs and verses from the Koran.

• *Asterisks are included for security purposes.
• Content is provided by The Joshua Project

The Azer*baijani of Azerbaijan

Our adopted UPG #6, the Azer*baijani, represent almost 9 million people in the country Azer*baijan and over 30 million worldwide.  Less than .5% are known believers in Jesus Christ. We are trusting God for 550,000 souls in their home country.

• Name: Azer*baijani
• Adoption Date: October 2021
• Population: 8.8 million (in Azer*baijan)
• Location: Azer*baijan
• Language: Aze*ri
• Religious Make Up: 88% Muslim; 12.5 % Atheist/Non-religious

Introduction / History

Azer*baijan is located in the Caucasus Mountain region on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. It is there, in the land of the ancient Medes, that we find more than eight million Azer*baijanis (also known as the Aze*ri). The name "Aze*ri" is thought to have come from the fourth century ruler, Atropat, who governed the area that is now northwestern Iran. However, it may have been derived from azer, the Persian word for fire.

Shortly after Jesus' death and resurrection the gospel was introduced to this region and there is a rich tradition of Christian influence and architecture under the "Alban" kingdoms during the first centuries of church history.  Islam was introduced into the area during the seventh century A.D., eventually becoming the dominant religion, and has been practiced there in various forms ever since.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Azer*baijan is a low, fertile plateau located in the South Caucasus bordered by the Caspian Sea on the East and the Caucasus Mountains in the North and West. The region's largest city, Baku, and its surrounding areas are low and not covered with trees, but its border areasare covered with thick forests.

The climate ranges from warm to sub-tropical temperatures. Grain, grapes, cattle, sheep, and goats are raised in abundance. Vegetables, fruits, and some teas are also important products. Although the land is ideal for farming, about one fourth of the population now lives in Baku, the nation's capital, working in industry.  Energy resources including petroleum and natural gas are major exports and economic factors.

Modern life in Azer*baijan, as in most countries, varies widely from person to person and family to family.  The affluent live in ultra-modern skyscraper buildings or large Villas in the suburbs or scenic areas.  The poor often live in small makeshift homes, dilapidated apartments, or rustic villages.  Most people fall between these two extremes.  Many people work in the energy sector, agriculture, or other industries.  Most urban people and many in the other regions use modern electronics for many aspects of life.  Education is valued and literacy is very high.

The Azer*baijani diet consists mainly of rice pilaf and a variety of grilled and boiled meats, including beef, goat, and lamb. Traditional dishes include bozartma (mutton stew), dovga (a soup made from yogurt), meat, and herbs. Other dishes are doma, khingal, kabab, and dushbara. Tea and wine are popular drinks.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Azer*baijanis are primarily Shi'ite Muslims, but there are a number of Sunni Muslims as well. Islam among the Azer*baijani is a reflection of the historical ties that exist between Azer*baijan and Iran. Until the twentieth century, most Azer*baijani identified themselves as Muslims rather than Azer*baijani or Turks. They believe that being a "spiritual community of Islam" was much more important than being a nation.

In Azer*baijan, religious practices are less restrictive of women's activities than in most other Muslim countries. Most women have jobs outside the home, and a few have attained leadership positions. However, some evidence of the traditional, restrictive female role remains.

• *Asterisks are included for security purposes.
• Content is provided by Bethany World Prayer Center

What is an UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUP?

It is estimated that of the 7.75 billion people alive in the world today, 3.23 billion of them live in unreached people groups (UPGs) with little or no access to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. According to Joshua Project, there are approximately 17,446 unique people groups in the world with 7,400+ of them considered unreached. That’s over 41% of the world’s population! The vast majority (85%) of these least reached groups exist in the 10/40 window and less than 10% of missionary work is done among these people.

Scroll down to learn about Grace Fellowship Church's commitment to adopt TEN UPGs and begin to pray for the SIX that we've already adopted. Click on the QR code to receive prayer request for our UPGs, via text. Questions? Contact Amy at aachgill@whatisgrace.org

FriendSpeak

Reach out to international friends in our area, helping them practice their English! Read the book of Luke with them for 45 minutes each week in a one-on-one setting. These English conversation sessions allow time to build friendship and share Christ's love. You plant the seed by being their friend while allowing God’s Word to work in their hearts.

FriendSpeak has been blessed with 100+ amazing FriendSpeak workers at Grace Fellowship Church, outreaching to 150+ international readers  from Malaysia, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, India, Brazil, Venezuela, and Angola with English, Friendship, and the Word of God! We are looking for more volunteers as we still have many internationals on the waiting list. Many of them do not know Christ and are looking for an American friend to read the Bible with them, helping them practice their English.

Our FriendSpeak live training via Zoom will be on September 30, from 7-9:30pm. Anyone who is interested in volunteering may register!

FriendSpeak Volunteer Registration

Questions?

Celebrate 25 years of Grace Fellowship Church all year long by bestowing 25 Blessings onto our community and the nations!

25 Events to Glorify God focused on:

• Prayer for Unity and the Unreached
• Discipleship and Sharing Your Faith
• Celebrate Our Community Heroes
• Provision for Our Under-Resourced
• Love on Our Chronically Ill
• Care for the Isolated and Vulnerable
• Serve our Special Needs.

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