Indonesia (MNN) — Christian relief organizations are beginning to flood Java, Indonesia with aid. The 6.3 magnitude earthquake on May 27 claimed more than 6,000 lives and left more than 500,000 people displaced. The need for physical assistance is great and many organizations could use your financial help to provide for the many in need.
However, one need was going unmet and Mission Aviation Fellowship, which has a extensive work in Indonesia, is helping. MAF’s David Bochman says, “As we looked at the situation it became (clear) that they did not need our aircraft, and the communications needs that were so needed in Sumatra weren’t need there either. So, we ended up deploying some of our students who were in language study to go serve as translators to help foreign medical personnel.”
According to Bochman, these people who are pilots and mechanics and plan to serve the Lord in Indonesia are uniquely qualified to share their faith, while interpreting for the relief workers and those in need.
In the mean time, Bochman says, “Our hearts are heavy for those that have experienced loss and we’re praying that God would use this in a real powerful way in people’s lives and that His comfort would be very clearly felt by those who have experienced such loss.”
Meanwhile, MAF continues its other work in Indonesia. The geographical and logistical barriers are daunting. Even today, animist groups living far into the interior are difficult to reach. Impenetrable jungles, arduous terrain, and the absence of roads hinder access to critical resources that would enable the care, evangelism, and nurture of these isolated tribes.
Funding is needed to help MAF purchase more planes and equipment to help missionaries reach and connect with peoples who have yet to hear the name of Jesus.
