Introduction / History

The island name originated from Kawi which means "having the sunlight." In 1350 Sailors saw a glimpse of light around it. In the 18-20th centuries the island was named Lubok by the Dutch but the name Bawean continued to be used among locals and the name Lubok was abandoned in the 1940s. The island can also be known as Boyan and it's inhabitants known as Boyanese. The island officially joined the Republic of Indonesia in 1950.

Where Are they Located?

Bawean is an island of Indonesia. It is north of Java Island. It is a small island (only 15 km in diameter) and is home to an extinct volcano. The population is 75,000 but more than 26,000 live and work outside of Bawean including Malaysia. Of the island population over half lives in the city of Sangkapura.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Bawean in Malaysia work and send money back to relatives. Their relatives who remain on the island, grow rice, maize, potatoes, and cocunuts. But there is frequent drought on the island. Islanders also fish and mine for onyx. Malayan influence is found in their customs, ceremonies, and folk dances.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the islanders are Sunni Muslim with some remnants of the traditional local beliefs.

What Are Their Needs?

Work in order to care for their family.
Friends who will help them adjust to a new life and introduce them to Christ.

Prayer Items

Pray that the Spirit would begin to work in Bawean hearts.
Pray for the Bawean who work in Malaysia would meet authentic Christian friends who would share their lives and the message of Christ with them.
Pray that God would raise Christians among those who work in Malaysia. Pray that they would be discipled and have a heart to return to their island in order to spread the gospel.

Scripture Prayers for the Bawean in Malaysia.

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bawean