The 10/40 Window = a term used to describe those regions of the eastern hemisphere located between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator. This general area was named the 10/40 Window in 1990 by Luis Bush, because it represented the highest level of socioeconomic challenges and least access to the gospel on the planet. This band of countries include Northern Africa as well as almost all of Asia (West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia and much of Southeast Asia). Roughly two-thirds of the world’s population lives in this window. The people in the 10/40 Window are predominantly Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Animist, Jewish or Atheist and most governments are formally or informally opposed to Christian work within their borders. This area is significant when we look at making disciples of all nations. Following is a spotlight on one city in the 10/40 Window:

KUALA LUMPUR

by: Paul A.

The city of Kuala Lumpur, popularly known as “KL,” has in the last decade become one of the most vital cities in all of Asia. Founded in the 1850’s as a mining village, KL today is home to more than 7 million people (metro population). Along with being a business hub, it has developed into one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in all of Asia. The city is clean, safe, modern, and has everything one would want in a “world city.”

KL is an ethnically diverse city with well-educated, multicultural, and multilingual inhabitants. Ethnic Malays, Chinese, Indian migrants, and British colonials have all played a crucial role in the development of the city. In fact, a recent demographic study estimates that 47% of the people are of Malay descent, 40% Chinese, 10% Indian, and 2% other. Another exciting trend is that there are an increasing number of college students coming to KL from Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. In one respect, the nations are coming to KL.

Yet, with the diversity, Malaysia is still very much a Muslim country. Over 62% of the people in Malaysia are Muslim. As a Muslim country it is illegal to openly “witness” and share the gospel with a Muslim. Among the large population of Chinese in the country there is a growing Christian presence, but it has not spread to the ethnic Malay peoples, and only 3% of Peninsular Malaysia is Christian (Operation World). A history of conflict between the Malay and the Chinese remains a significant barrier for the 15 million Malay (Joshua Project) to hear and receive the gospel. In fact, recent estimates suggest that there are only a few hundred believers among the Malay people. Pray for the salvation of the Malay people and that the gospel would spread through them to the surrounding peoples in Southeast Asia.

Facts:

• Kuala Lumpur was recently voted as the 6^th most visited city in the world.


• Kuala Lumpur is home to more than 60 shopping malls.


• Kuala Lumpur claims the distinction of being home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers.


• Foreign residents make-up more than 9% of the population in Kuala Lumpur.


• The residents of Kuala Lumpur have a literacy rate of 97.5%.

Prayer Points:

• Pray for the more than 15 million Malay who have limited access to the gospel.


• Pray for the Chinese church throughout the country to be active in crossing cultural and linguistic barriers to share the gospel with their Malay neighbors.


• Pray for the Church in KL and around the country to not disconnect the blessing of God from the purpose of God.


• Pray for Muslims in Malaysia to come into contact with the Christian Scriptures.


• Pray for Malay believers in KL and around the country to be bold, faithful, and confident as they proclaim the excellencies of Christ to their unbelieving friends and family members.