Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Jul 07: Indonesia, Bali
Indonesia
Republic of Indonesia
Asia
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 1,919,317 sq kmThe Republic’s 17,500 islands (6,000 inhabited) stretch over 9.5 million sq km of the Indian/Pacific Oceans, with 33 provinces, 5 of which have special status. Includes the world’s second-largest rain forest and vast coral reefs.
Population: 232,516,771 Annual Growth: 1.19%
Capital: Jakarta
Urbanites: 53.7%
HDI Rank: 111 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 784 (26% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia). Its increasing use is unifying the nation and lessening the importance of smaller languages to the younger generation Languages: 722 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Muslim| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 36,853,908 | 15.85 | 1.6 |
| Evangelicals | 13,010,751 | 5.6 | 2.8 |
| Muslim | 186,734,219 | 80.31 |
Challenge for Prayer
Supportive ministries:a) Bible translation. The Bible Society, Wycliffe and other groups are involved in 150 translation projects across the country. The rapid reduction in expatriate visas has severely hampered the progress on many translations. Pray for their speedy completion. Pray also for the Indonesian Bible translation agency, Kartidaya, and for the calling and training of many Indonesian translators. Despite the increasing use of Indonesian, this nation is one of the major unmet Bible-translation challenges in the world today, having 414 languages with definite or possible needs. The prevalence of an oral culture among many of Indonesia’s peoples means that Bible storying is important and in need of further development.
b) Literature. There is an insatiable appetite for good Christian literature, but too little is widely available at a price people can afford. Numerous Indonesian organizations and international missions have extensive printing and publishing ministries. Most are primarily focused on providing books and other resources for Christians and churches. Some are focused on outreach and evangelistic follow-up. Pray for the provision of literature to meet the need, especially literature written by Indonesians and more appropriate for the local context. An Indonesian New Testament, using religious terminology with which the majority of Indonesians are familiar, is proving very helpful in opening doors of understanding and in discipling new believers.
c) Missionary flying. This is a boon to Christian workers in this huge, rugged island nation, but it is costly and dangerous. Indonesia is MAF’s greatest global effort with 22 aircraft, including floatplanes, serving isolated villages. Missionary work in some areas of Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua would be nearly impossible without it. WT, HeliMission, Adventist Aviation and others also have flying programmes. Pray for the staff and for the safety of the planes.
d) The JESUS film is completed in 38 languages. Pray for wisdom to decide which of the hundreds of smaller remaining languages should be translated, as well as for qualified translators. Pray that small groups of new believers will form as a result of viewing the film.
e) Practical ministries. In the last few years, programmes for community development, health, education and relief have grown. These all provide opportunities for sharing the gospel. Agencies include WVI, Christian Reformed World Relief, AMG, YWAM, Tearfund and many others.
f) Christian radio. With dense rainforests separating rural communities and a shortage of pastors, radio is an imperative method for reaching and discipling Indonesians. Up to 50% of the population listen to religious programmes at least once a week. Praise God for the work of TWR, whose programmes are broadcast over 121 stations, AM and FM. FEBC trains hundreds of new broadcasters to share the good news and reaches out to those in emergency situations.
g) Audio ministry. Over 518 languages and dialects are now recorded; the goal of GRN is 560. The widespread use of Indonesian makes many insensitive to the need for the gospel in the heart language of the people. Languages with audio Scriptures: 20Bi 38NT 77por. Pray for more helpers to get the recordings into the hands of those who need to hear the gospel in their heart language.
h) New media. With a young population and burgeoning modernization and urbanization, effective use of media such as the Internet, TV and mobile phones is essential for Kingdom purposes.
For an additional 11 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
More Information
The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Indonesia.Bali
Indonesia
See Prayer Information
Challenge for Prayer
Balinese Christians are few. The cost of discipleship is high, and converts to Christ often face ostracism, persecution and financial loss – even the loss of inheritance and land ownership rights – when they break with their family and community’s way of life. Pray for the witness of Christians, which has great impact in leading others to make a decision.For an additional 3 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
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