People Group Profiles

“All nations will come and worship before you."

- Revelations 15:4

Bisaya of Canada

People Group Info

Total Population: 5,390

ROP3 Code: 101489
IMB Affinity Group: Southeast Asian Peoples
Affinity Bloc: Malay Peoples
People Cluster: Borneo-Kalimantan
Language: Sabah Bisaya - (bsy)
Religion: Islam
Country of Origin: Malaysia

Photo Source: Anonymous

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Brief Profile

The Bisaya peoples comprise several distinct people groups related by name and to a lesser extent language. The most populous group are the Bisaya-Tutong, who originated from Sabah and also Brunei along the banks of the Limbang River south of Tutong and into the northern part of Sarawak, East Malaysia. More specifically, they come from Brunei, and the neighboring Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah.

The Bisaya people groups speak languages which are classified as Bisaya, a subgroup of the Dusunic family of languages.

It is said that most of the Bisaya converted to Islam many years ago. Yet many animistic customs linger. In their homeland villages, they still hold occasional ceremonies to appease the spirits of the dead that are believed to be associated with a collection of skulls from their headhunting days. Many people in North America mistakenly identify them as Malay people.

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Prayer Points

  • Most of the Bisaya have never had an opportunity to hear the good news. Pray that the good news and other study materials will be translated into their language so they can fully understand God's truth.
  • Pray that believers will reach out to these people in practical ways, demonstrating God’s care and love for them.

Learning Resources

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Any–3 provides biblical principles and practical steps that have equipped hundreds of Christians to witness confidently and effectively. Over the past decade, thousands of Muslims have been engaged with the gospel.

Learn more about "Learning Paths"
Online Courses for embracing, encountering and engaging diaspora people. Work at your own pace. Begin anytime and complete the course according to your schedule. Interactive, Hands-On Application.

Learn more about "Reaching the Nations"
This book delineates five disciplines Christians should develop in order to effectively reach the nations. More specifically, it will guide Christians to develop an engagement strategy in their locale.

Loving Muslims Small Group Study
This Loving Muslims booklet is a two-week group study that takes a deeper look at Christ’s command to "love our neighbor."

World Religions - Beliefs Overview
An overview of major world religions and cults - their beliefs and practices.

Overview of Islam
Overview of Islam and its sub-groupings. Developed by the North American Mission Board, SBC. Includes generalized witnessing tips.

Other Resources

Prayer Guide for Unreached Peoples
A 30 day guide to pray for unreached people groups.

Prayer Guide using the GOSPELS acronym
A prayer guide that utilizes the acronym GOSPELS to pray for workers among diaspora.

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