In Indonesia, when it comes to talking about Jesus, many people put up a wall. This barrier, woven from centuries of cultural traditions and misunderstandings, can seem impenetrable.
However, God is at work. Time and again, Indonesians have witnessed the miraculous hand of God at work, igniting a desire to know the One who hears and responds. From big cities to remote villages, lives are being transformed through the simple act of calling upon the name of Jesus.
In Indonesia, cultural identity and religious beliefs are often intertwined. For many, to be Indonesian is equated with being Muslim, and broaching the subject of differing beliefs can create an invisible yet palpable barrier.
Additionally, there is a high regard for coexisting harmoniously with those of diverse beliefs. When conversations veer towards matters of faith, it’s not uncommon for many Indonesians to politely express, “You have your beliefs, and I have mine,” effectively drawing a line that discourages further discussion. While admirable, this cultural value of respecting one another’s beliefs can also make substantial spiritual conversations particularly challenging.
Consequently, the high regard for mutual respect and the common belief that being Indonesian is synonymous with adhering to Islam create an unspoken boundary to deeper spiritual conversations.
That said, contextual ministry plays a crucial role in creating bridges rather than walls in conversations about faith. By understanding and respecting the cultural context, we can communicate the gospel in a way that resonates deeply with individuals and prevents them from putting their guard up.
Yet, for many Muslims coming to Jesus across the globe, God puts his power on display in a unique way to build that bridge. For many Muslims in Indonesia, coming to faith often begins with a power encounter—experiencing healing or another type of answered prayer that opens their hearts to the person of Jesus. These experiences unveil the power of Jesus, igniting a curiosity to know Him more.
Across Indonesia, God is answering prayers and making His presence known in remarkable ways. These divine interventions frequently serve as the bridge, leading individuals to explore the truth about Jesus and the hope found in the gospel. By embracing cultural nuances and demonstrating the tangible love of Christ, barriers are broken down, and hearts are opened to the life-changing message of the gospel.
As we hear stories of Muslims coming to faith, it is clear that experiencing answered prayer is often impactful in creating an openness to hear more about Jesus. That said, many foreign and local believers trying to reach Muslims will ask a simple question: “Can I pray with you in the name of Isa Al-Masih (Jesus)?”
From remote villages to big cities, a simple question like this has led to countless stories of individuals who have encountered the love of God through seeing prayers answered in the name of Jesus. While some come to faith quickly after, some of these stories are still being written.
Here are a few brief stories of how answered prayers have led to an openness to hear more about Jesus:
- A woman selling at a market had a son who couldn’t walk. A young, believing Indonesian prayed over the son, and he walked! This played a huge role in the woman being more open to Jesus. The believing Indonesian continued to invest in the relationship and share about Jesus, and the woman eventually believed. Once separated from God, this woman has become a bold witness for Him.
- A husband and wife asked how they could pray for their tour guide. He ended up sharing how he and his wife were separated. When they returned, the tour guide and his wife were in the process of reconciling and were living together again.
- There are countless stories of people experiencing back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, etc.. They instantly feel better when someone prayed healing over them in the name of Jesus.
May these stories encourage you to pray for those God has placed around you, knowing that He could use that one simple act to open their hearts to Him.
Please continue to join us in praying for Indonesia that we will see countless others turn from despair to hope as they turn to Jesus, the One who is our hope.
