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Unreached

Posted on May 20th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning
Kurd, Turkish-Speaking of Turkey

Population: 5,799,000

Language: Turkish

Religion: Islam (99.99%)

% Christian/% Evangelical: 0.01%/0.00%

About: At 25 million people, the Kurds are the currently the largest ethnic group in the world without a state of their own. They are unevenly distributed between Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Armenia and Azerbaijan. If the Middle East map were to be redrawn to give the Kurds their own boundaries, Kurdistan would be as large as France, stretching over 200,000 square miles.

Kurdish Life: Kurdish society consists mainly of tribes that arose from a nomadic and semi-nomadic way of life in previous centuries. It is strongly fragmented and is often split by internal disagreements. So far in history, the Kurds have never really managed to unite in their common cause. Their primary loyalty is to the immediate family, and then to the tribe. Tribe allegiance is, however, based on a mixture of kinship and territorial loyalty. Many Kurds of the lower regions are not organized in tribes, but even there, strife is common between the different clans and communities.

Beliefs: It has been said that Kurds “hold their Islam lightly”, meaning that they are not so vehement about Islam, and they do not identify as closely with it as Arabs do. This is perhaps due to several factors, one being that many Kurds still feel some connection with the ancient Zoroastrian faith, and they feel it is an original Kurdish spirituality that far predates the seventh century AD arrival of Muhammad. Nonetheless, most Kurds are Muslims, and today about three-quarters are members of the majority Sunni branch (at least nominally). As many as four million Kurds are Shiite Muslims, living mostly in Iran where the Shiite faith is predominant.

Needs: In Turkey, where the largest contingent of Kurds live (40%), the Kurds are seen as a threat by the Turkish government, which has continually sought to assimilate the Kurds into Turkish society through forced resettlement. Until recently, it was a crime to speak Kurdish in public.

Tribalism is still a factor among Kurds, promoting many different factions which weaken the possibility of an independent homeland. The Kurds in Iraq have hurt their own cause infighting between the two primary parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (PDK) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Although the engagement of the UN in northern Iraq has necessarily also given continuity to the political cause of the Kurds, the question of Kurdish autonomy remains unresolved. One possible solution to this problem is to achieve genuine agreement on some kind of self-government.

Of course, more than anything, the Turkish speaking Kurds of Turkey need Jesus.

Prayer Points
- Ask the Lord to convict Kurds of their need for a Savior.
- Ask God to strengthen, encourage, and protect the small number of Kurds who are Christians.
- Ask God to send more laborers to work among the Kurds.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Kurds towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the gospel.
- Pray that God will open the hearts of Turkey’s governmental leaders to the gospel.
- Ask the Lord to raise up a strong local church among the Turkish speaking Kurds of Turkey.
Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! – Psalm 117:1

Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project. For more information, check out Operation World.
Saudi Arabia’s Price for Evangelism: 6 Years and 300 Lashings

Posted on May 16th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning

In Saudi Arabia, a Lebanese man has recently been sentenced to 6 years in prison and 300 lashings for leading a Saudi woman to Christ, and then allegedly helping her escape the country.

There’s not a country on the planet more inherently Muslim than Saudi Arabia. It is, after all, home to the Muslim holy city and destination for millions of pilgrim worshippers each year – Mecca. So for Muslims who live there, to convert from Islam to another religion is a capitol offense that can result in execution. Proselytizing there is also illegal: It doesn’t matter if you’re from another country and have a different belief system altogether… you’re expected to keep that to yourself.

So let’s pray for this man. But let’s also pray for prospective missionaries who are trying to get into Saudi Arabia and for believers who may already be there. The battle there is uphill, to be sure, but our God’s mighty arm is not too short to save. He deserves the praise of Saudis too.

HT: First Things
Unreached

Posted on May 13th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning
Kurd, Kurmanji of Turkey

Population: 8,013,000

Language: Kurdish, Northern

Religion: Islam (93.19%)

% Christian/% Evangelical: 0.01%/0.00%

About: The Northern Kurds of Turkey live in the most rugged part of Kurdistan. They are located near the Turkey-Iran border, and eastward along the Iraq and Syrian borders. In the mountain regions, winter temperatures drop to -30C. In the summer, they reach 45C. Water is scarce; and malaria, tuberculosis, and trachoma are persistent problems.

Kurds are divided by both outside influences and internal strife. In spite of their longing for a united Kurdistan, the people have not yet initiated any political or liberation movement. Historical trends have driven them apart and accentuated their differences. However, since 1965, these proud and fiercely independent people have made a clear return to their roots. The urge to speak Kurdish is becoming a catalyst for more and more educated Kurds. Although they have suffered set-backs since the Gulf War, this nationalism is laying the foundations for a Kurdish cultural and literary revival.

What are their lives like?
Kurds in Turkey make their living in the same way their relatives do in Iran and Iraq: farming, and raising cattle and goats. The area is well wooded, although the demand for firewood is slowly thinning the supply of trees. Although a few Kurds still live the semi-nomadic lifestyle of their ancestors, most now live in small villages of less than 2000 people.

Although Kurdish farming techniques are somewhat archaic, they are now being integrated into the Turkish capitalist market. Cotton, sugar, beets, and tobacco, are replacing the traditional food crops. The Kurds grow them for the Turkish market and for export. Kurdistan is also the main source for cattle, sheep, goats, and animal products in Turkey. Kurdish agriculture has changed little since the Middle Ages and is far behind the rest of Turkey.

Large families are the rule and most households have at least five or six members. Disintegration of the tribal structure began at the turn of the century and entered its final phase in the seventies. Massive migrations to the towns, as well as other cultural and social changes, have contributed to the extinction of tribal society.

Schools are ill-equipped and there are too few of them. Medical care is inadequate in the towns and almost non-existent in the rural areas.

What are their beliefs?
Nearly all Kurds are Muslim, most being Shafiite Sunnis, and embraced Islam following the Arab conquests if the seventh century.

Although Kurds are predominantly Sunnis, there is stormy hostility between the Sunni Kurds and the Shi’ite Kurds. These differences have class overtones, and the lower class minorities are associated with the more unorthodox sects of Islam. These have proven to be the most fervently rebellious parts of Kurdish society.

Even among the Sunni Kurds, there are traces of an earlier pagan and violent type faith which sets them apart from other Muslims. In the rural areas, a few still believe in jinnis, demons, and elements of animal worship. Mullahs (Muslim spiritual leaders) play an important role in the social and cultural life of those living in the country. Religious fraternities operate throughout Kurdistan. In the past, some influential sheiks (spiritual leaders) even became members of parliament. However, as time went by, their authority began to crumble. Today, their spiritual and economic power is being challenged.

What are their needs?
The Kurds have followed Islam for many years. Although the New Testament is now available in their language, there are few known Northern Kurd believers.

Physically, the Kurds live in very poor conditions. Good water supplies are scarce, and they are exposed to diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. Politically, they are oppressed by the government. They need the liberty to educate their children in their own language.

Prayer Points
- Ask the Lord to call qualified Christian doctors who are willing to go to Turkey and share their medical expertise as well as Jesus Christ with the Kurds.
- Ask God to strengthen, encourage, and protect the small number of Kurds who are Christians.
- Ask God to send more laborers to work among the Kurds.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Kurds towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
- Pray that God will open the hearts of Turkey’s governmental leaders to the gospel.
- Ask the Lord to raise up a strong local church among the Northern Kurds of Turkey.
Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! – Psalm 117:1

Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project. For more information, check out Operation World.
Unreached

Posted on May 8th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning
Kunbi of India

Population: 16,030,000

Language: Gujarati

Religion: Hinduism (99.86%)

%Christian: 0.04%

Persecution Rank: 31

About: The Kunbi (alternate names of Reddi and Desai) are a prominent community of Karnataka. They can also be found in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa and Maharashtra. However, traditionally the Reddy belong to the fourth of the Hindu Varnas, Sudra. One section of the Reddy is called Kapu which means guardian.

The majority of the Kunbi communities are non-vegetarian, and all the communities take rice as their staple cereal. Jowar, wheat, bajra, and ragi are the other cereals for them.

The Kunbi community have social divisions such as clans, lineage, subcastes and sects. These social divisions regulate marital alliances.

The traditional occupation of most of the Reddy groups is settled cultivation, followed by animal husbandry and labour. Both men and women smoke a homemade cheroot (chutta) which results a high incidence of mouth and throat cancer.

They are Hindu by faith and worship many deities. Their main festivals are Ugadi, Akshade, and Dussehra. They play bhajans and kirtans.

They speak the Kannada and Telugu languages. Alternate names: Kapu, Akutota, Desai, Dommari, Guruda, Illela, Kuruva, Musugu, Nadi Taram, Panta, Sajjana, Renati, etc.

Prayer Points
- Pray for the ultimate salvation of the Kunbi people.
- Pray that God would send Christian laborers to work among them and meet their spiritual and physical needs.
- Pray for the small number of Kunbi Christians to reach out to their own people.
- Pray that God would raise up strong local churches among the Kunbi.
Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! – Psalm 117:1

Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project. For more information, check out Operation World.
Unreached

Posted on April 29th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning
Kumhar of India

Population: 14,487,000

Language: Hindi

Religion: Hinduism (99.98%)

%Christian: 0.00%

Persecution Rank: 31

About: Per old Indian mythology, the Kumhar are offspring of Lord Braham (Prajapati). This is why in some places in India, the Kumhar use Pajapati/Prajapat as a surname according to Indian caste system. However, the Kumhar can also be found throughout India under the surnames Verma, Kumhar, and Kumawat. Ancient Indian culture cannot be deciphered without acknowledging the Kumhar.

The Kumhar’s livelihood is making earthen pots. They claim to be the first inventors of the wheel/cycle, which they use not only to make pots, but other earthen utensils as well. Historically, their main way of earning income has been through these earthen products and agriculture. They are very honest people and make their livelihood by hard work.

The Kumhar are generally Hindu and pray to the Lord Shiva, Godess Mother (Mata). They believe in god and are highly spritual, loveable, honest, and hard working.

Prayer Points
- Pray that the gospel will be preached among the Kumhar.
- Ask God to open the hearts of Kumhar nonbelievers and convict them of their need for the Savior.
- Pray that Christian missionaries will find favor with the Indian government and the Kumhar people.
- Ask the Lord to grow the number of Kumhar believers, strengthen them, and encourage them so that their faith endures and their witness is bold and clear.
- Pray that God will give these believers opportunities to share the love of Jesus with their own people.
- Ask God to raise up strong local churches among the Kumhar of India.
Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! – Psalm 117:1

Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project. For more information, check out Operation World.
Unreached

Posted on April 22nd, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning
Hui of China

Population: 12,799,000+

Language: Chinese, Mandarin

Religion: Islam (96%)

%Christian/%Evangelical: 0%/0%

Persecution Rank: 37

The Basics: The Hui, made up of at least 13 million people, are the largest and most widespread of China’s Muslim nationalities. They also comprise the third largest minority group in China. Remarkably, Hui live in 2,310 of China’s 2,369 counties and municipalities. Small pockets also live in Taiwan, Myanmar, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. Only .006% of them know Christ!

Their Beliefs: To be Hui is to be Muslim – it is the core of who they are. Even if they don’t fully understand it, or even follow it the same as some other countries do, it has been hidden deep inside of them from the time they were very young. For the Hui, Islam is more than just a set of religious beliefs – it is a total way of life.

Their Culture: The Hui are some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. Some of this comes from just being Chinese, and the rest of it comes from just being Hui. Either way – you never want to visit the Hui on a full stomach! Many of the Hui own restaurants. You can find them in cities all over China and they serve some of the best food you will ever eat. As you walk down the street, you can often recognize the men by their prayer caps and the women by their head scarves. Hui with other Hui are like family. Even if they are strangers, you would never know.

Their Language: Mandarin Chinese is the heart language of the Hui in both spoken and written. But the spiritual language of the Hui is a mixture of Arabic and Persian.

Their History: The Hui are descendants of Muslim traders, soldiers and officials who came to China between the 7th and 14th centuries. They settled and intermarried with Arab Muslims and Han Chinese.

The Situation: Although there are more than 13 million Hui scattered throughout China, very few (including the Chinese church) are intentionally planting their lives among the Hui to tell them about Christ. It is estimated that every five minutes one Hui person dies. Currently, more Hui people are dying daily than are hearing the gospel. The Hui are in desperate need of more laborers to boldly proclaim the gospel and reap the harvest that God has prepared.

Prayer for the Hui
- Pray for laborers called by God to reach the Hui – laborers from other countries as well as Chinese Christians currently living among the Hui.
- Thank God for ongoing gospel proclamation efforts among the Hui. Pray that effective strategies can be identified and implemented to make Christ’s love known to the Hui.
- Pray for God to tear down the barriers that keep the Hui from hearing the Good News of Jesus’ forgiveness and love.
- Pray that Hui believers will gather together and form churches that will multiply.
- Pray for followers of Jesus to boldly proclaim the gospel to the Hui, believing that God is at work among them.
“Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” – Psalm 117:1

Information for this post was gathered from Pray for the Hui, the prayer focus for the most recent Secret Church, and Joshua Project. For even more information, check out Operation World.
Unreached

Posted on April 15th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning
Korean of North Korea

Population: 24,355,000

Language: Korean

Religion: Non-Religious (99.74%)

%Christian/%Evangelical: 1.48%/1.00%

Persecution Rank: 1

About: The Koreans of North and South Korea share distinctive Mongolian features and are believed to have descended from a single racial group. Korean is the national language of both countries. Many Korean words have Chinese roots due to centuries of diplomatic relations. The Korean writing system uses 26 phonetic symbols.

Officially, the North Korean Constitution gives political power to the people. However, real political power belongs to the Communist Party. The constitution guarantees such rights as freedom of the press, religion, and speech; however, the 23.6 million Koreans in North Korea have very little freedom in those areas. For instance, all radio and television broadcasts are strictly controlled by the Korean Central Broadcast Committee. All privately owned radios are “preset” to the government frequency. Current news is often withheld from the public, or even altered. The people often do not learn of news events until weeks, months, or even years after they occurred.

Before the 1900′s, Korea was an agricultural society with strong family ties. Almost all the people lived in small villages and worked on farms. However, since the late 1940′s, the Communists have taken steps to industrialize the country. Today, most urban North Korean work in factories, while those in rural areas continue working on farms.

Arranged marriages are still popular in rural villages. However, a growing number of urban Koreans now choose their own mates. Marital bonds have been so strong in the past that divorce was infrequent-even unthinkable. Today, however, the divorce rate among the educated urban Koreans is steadily increasing; divorce is no longer a disgrace.

Education for the Korean people is free and mandatory for the first 11 years. (This includes a year of preschool.) Students must have Communist Party approval to continue their education after the tenth grade. During their summer vacations, students must work for the state.

In North Korea, the government controls all aspects of Korean life. Most forms of entertainment are supported and controlled by the government. Even the work of artists is restricted. Anything that conflicts with Communist principles is forbidden.

The North Koreans eat mostly rice, occasionally supplemented by fish, vegetables, or fruit. The national dish is kimchi, a highly spiced mixture of Chinese cabbage, white radishes, and various other vegetables. However, after severe flooding in North Korea, there has been an acute food shortage in many areas. Some people have even been forced to eat grass and roots to survive.

What are their beliefs?

A mixture of Confucian thought, Buddhism, and shamanism (belief in an unseen world of gods, demons, and ancestral spirits) were previously dominant among the Korean, but have been officially repressed since 1945. The former North Korean ruler, Kim Il Sung, was held in high regard and worshipped by the Korean. He was presented as omniscient and omnipresent. The regime under Kim Jong Il was as oppressive as the former.

The Koreans believe that deceased family members remain within the family circle, in spiritual form. For this reason, the most important concern of the family is to produce a male heir to carry on the family line. He is called on to perform ancestral rituals in the household and at the family grave site.

Although religious freedom is technically guaranteed by the North Korean government, religious activity is strongly discouraged. Politically, North Korea is one of the most highly controlled societies in the world. The government has officially decided against Christianity and the gospel for the entire nation.

Prayer Points
- Pray that the gospel will be preached in North Korea.
- Ask God to open the hearts of North Korean nonbelievers and convict them of their need for the Savior.
- Pray that the doors of North Korea will soon be open to Christian missionaries.
- Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage the small number of Korean Christians so that their faith endures and their witness in the face of persecution is bold and clear.
- Pray that God will give these believers opportunities to share the love of Jesus with their own people.
- Ask God to raise up strong local churches among the Korean of North Korea.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10
Unreached

Posted on April 8th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning
Koli of India

Population: 12,389,000

Language: Gujarati

Religion: Hinduism (99.74%)

%Christian/%Evangelical: 0.25%/unknown

Persecution Rank: 31

About: The term Koli means fisherman. According to legend, the Koli claim to be descendents from the Black Dwarf that came forth from the body of King Vena. Numbering more than 12 million they are one of the largest communities of western India. The Koli constitute of a number of communities with various occupations and cultural identities, yet they remain Koli.

As their name implies, fishing is common, but other work can be found in agriculture, water-carrying, boating, and animal husbandry. A large percentage of the Koli population in Gujarat have advanced education, and, subsequently, higher societal status; some work in the government. However, it remains that the majority live within the lower strata of society.

The Koli live mostly in the villages and towns of Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. While they live the simple life of agriculturalists, they have become aware of the life available to them in urban areas as technology has spread to most people. Many have firsthand knowledge of the material gains that city life offers.

Beliefs/Religion

Nearly all of Koli are Hindu, though a very few will practice Islam. Both nuclear and extended families are common among them, and the eldest son inherits the father’s authority. The Koli cremate their dead and practice death pollution for eleven days. The Koli worship Guar Mati and Holi Mata among other deities of Hinduism. They also believe in ghosts and spirits. Depending on the region, they will celebrate the Namiya festival (associated with fishing) as well as Karbha, Bahan, and other common festivals. A Brahmin priest will officiate rituals associated with the cycles of life as well as oversee other religious activities.

Prayer Points
- Ask God to send Christians into every district and village of the Koli.
- Pray that the God, who set eternity in the hearts of the Koli and all of mankind, will prepare them to respond to the gospel of Jesus with faith and repentance.
- Pray that strong churches will be established and mobilized among the Koli.
- Pray that God will raise up Koli evangelists that will have a heart to reach their own.
- Ask God to glorify His Son among and through the Koli.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16

Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project. For more information, check out Operation World.
Unreached

Posted on April 1st, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning
Koiri of India

Population: 7,423,000

Language: Hindi

Religion: Hinduism (100%)

%Christian/%Evangelical: 0.o%/0.0%

Persecution Rank: 31

About: The Koiri believe they are the descendents of Kush, one of the twin sons of lord Rama. They receive the services of a Brahman priest, who officiates over their life-cycle rituals and religious ceremonies. The majority of the Koiri are engaged in their traditional occupation of agriculture. Nominal Christians, whether in India or in the West, may have negatively influenced the Koiri’s perception of what it means to be a Christian.

Pray
- Ask the Lord to open the eyes of the Koiri community to their need for Him
- Pray that He would send believers to the Koiri with the good news of Jesus Christ.
- Pray that strong churches will be established among the Koiri people and that they will have a strong and faithful testimony for the Lord.
- Pray the Koiri community will increasingly hunger to know forgiveness for their sins and the new life offered through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Ask God to glorify His Son among and through the Koiri.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16

Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project. For more information, check out Operation World.
Unreached

Posted on March 25th, 2013 by Jonathan Lenning
Central Khmer of Cambodia

Population: 13,005,000

Language: Khmer, Cambodian

Religion: Buddhism (89.82%)

%Christian/%Evangelical: 3.2%/1.7%

About: The Central Khmer inhabit the western and central portions of Cambodia, and make up the majority of the country’s total population. The Central Khmer speak an Eastern Mon-Khmer language called Khmer, or Cambodian. It is the national language of Cambodia.

The Khmer Empire, which flourished between the ninth and thirteenth centuries, encompassed present-day Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and southern Vietnam. Its power declined after being conquered by the Thai and the Vietnamese.

In 1969, Cambodia suffered bombings by the U.S. and invasions by the Vietnamese; events that threw the country into turmoil. In addition, a civil war broke out between the Cambodian government and Communist rebels known as the Khmer Rouge. Possibly three million Central Khmer died between 1975 and 1979, while the Khmer Rouge ruled.

In 1975, the Khmer Rouge regime nearly destroyed Cambodia. In order to depopulate cities, three million people were forced into the countryside as slave labor. Starvation led to the deaths of over one million people. Currency was abolished; religion was eradicated; education was suspended; medicine was forbidden; and people who could read were often massacred all in the name of the ideal of rural social reform. Many people fled north to Thailand; others took the trail of tears into Communist Laos. Unfortunately, there they struggled to find clothing, shelter, medical care, and food. Some Khmer found permanent homes; others found shelter in crowded refugee camps.

Before the war, the majority of Cambodia’s inhabitants lived in one-third of the country, along the two main waterways and their tributaries. Although the soil there is not fertile, the plains flood every rainy season. The overflow brings an abundance of fish; and when it recedes, leaves rich deposits.

Sadly, bombing, civil war, and war with the Vietnamese decimated a once thriving agricultural economy. Today, most of the Khmer still live in small villages and grow rice in irrigated paddies. Rubber is also important to their economy. Unfortunately, it has been dangerous for the farmers to work the fields since the 1970′s (due to land mines). The mines have caused more wounds to the Central Khmer than any other weapon. In 1994, the United States provided military aid to help locate the mines and build new roads.

While the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia, more men died than women, creating a skewed sex ratio. Today, women are required to perform duties that were once done by men. They dress in colorful skirts, adding life to their unhappy environment. Red and white checkered cloth is used to make everything from headdresses to pouches for carrying babies.

In the villages, Buddhist rules of conduct maintain social control. These rules forbid lying, stealing, drinking alcohol, committing adultery, and killing living creatures. Some remnants of traditional culture can be seen in the villages: folk dance, the classical royal ballet, and traditional Khmer music.

The former Khmer Empire was influenced by India, from which it adopted Hinduism and Buddhism. Today, the majority of the Central Khmer are Buddhist, although relics of ethnic religions such as ancestor worship (praying to deceased ancestors) and spirit worship are very important to them. The Buddhist Khmer seek the middle path to nirvana, or ultimate peace through gaining merit in this life. Merit may be gained through supporting the construction of Buddhist temples, giving food to monks, and studying in the monastery.

Although the Bible and other Christian resources are available to the Central Khmer, few of their population have turned to Christ. They remain a war-torn people in need of true, inner peace.

Prayer Points
- Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to Cambodia and share Christ with the Central Khmer, and ask Him to give missionaries wisdom and boldness.
- Pray that God will reveal Himself to the Central Khmer and prepare their hearts to receive the good news of Jesus.
- Pray that God will encourage and equip the Central Khmer who have repented and trusted in Christ.
- Ask God to use these new converts to reach out and share the love of Christ with their own people.
- Pray that strong local churches will be planted among the Central Khmer.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16

Information for this post was gathered from Joshua Project. For more information, check out Operation World.