Indonesia (MNN) — Christians are scarce in Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia. Society favors those who follow Islam, so believers are usually poor and work menial jobs. Financial support from FMI means church planters can do Gospel work and support their families at the same time.
This partnership is critical right now for believers in Kalimantan. As Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced last year, Indonesia’s capital city is moving from Jakarta to East Kalimantan. Transition is still underway, and the change presents a huge Gospel opportunity for local church planters.
“We think there will be many people coming to the new city from all parts of Indonesia,” says Yandi, who oversees FMI’s work in Indonesia.
The change also presents a challenge, he says. Believers must obtain permission from the wider Muslim-majority community to build new churches. It hasn’t been a problem so far. However, more people moving to Kalimantan means “more people who have to give their permission to build a church,” Yandi explains.
Support from the global Church helps Yandi and his fellow church planters overcome every obstacle.
Bible distribution in Indonesia, July 2019 (Photo courtesy of FMI)
Prayer is a priority. “We need much prayer to sustain the ministry,” Yandi says. Use the prompts listed alongside this article to guide your intercession.
As it has around the world, COVID-19 presented another barrier to daily ministry operations and growth in Indonesia. All Indonesian provinces have reported infections, Jakarta Post reports, with most of the country’s 300,000+ cases in the capital. See our global coronavirus coverage here.
Gifts from FMI donors helped church planters prevent infections and conquer coronavirus restrictions. “I am thankful [for FMI’s help], especially during this COVID time, to help the people and congregations get Bibles and to help the churches get masks,” Yandi says.
See what your gift to FMI can do.
Header image depicts a skyline view of Jakarta, Indonesia’s current capital city. Header photo courtesy of Fawad Jadeedi via Unsplash.
