In the Bible, the Great Commandment is a pivotal teaching attributed to Jesus Christ, encapsulating the essence of moral living and spiritual devotion. Found in the New Testament across the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke:  

” …You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment… You shall love your neighbor as yourself…”(Matthew 22:37-40)

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”(Mark 12:30-31),

“And he answered, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27),

this commandment comprises two fundamental principles: loving God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind and loving one’s neighbor as oneself.

Rooted in Jesus’s teachings, the Great Commandment is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the connection between our love for God and our love for humanity. Through this divine directive, believers are called to embody compassion, kindness, and selflessness in our relationships with God and fellow human beings.

The Bible underscores the importance of putting words into action by the principle that faith without works is dead.

“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” (James 2:26)

It teaches that genuine belief is demonstrated through words and tangible deeds that reflect one’s commitment to living out God’s teachings and commandments.

The Great Commandment, as found in the Bible, is a foundational teaching attributed to Jesus Christ. This commandment is explicitly found in the books of Matthew (22:37-40), Mark (12:30-31), and Luke (10:27). It underscores the importance of genuine love and compassion. Resulting as the guiding principles for moral conduct and spiritual devotion in the Christian faith. We see a similarity in each of these verses that tells us to love God with everything we have. As well as to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and that there is no greater commandment than this. We will surely love our neighbor if we love God with all mind, soul, and strength.

First John 4:20 tells us:

“If anyone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”

This verse’s powerful and clear message should compel us to love God above all things. When we love God, we recognize that all things are through Him and that our love does not come from ourselves but from God. We are able to love our neighbor because “he first loved us”(1 John 4:19).

God has called us to share the gospel as an act of love for our neighbor. Missionary work is the live practice of love towards God and others in Indonesia. Missionaries have prioritized building solid relationships with local communities, from evangelizing to Indonesians and performing house visits to a simple prayer on the side of the road.

Engaging in acts of service and compassion, such as actively listening to the concerns and needs of the community members. As missionaries, we have tailored our efforts to address specific challenges and foster genuine connections. Through our commitment to embodying the Great Commandment in our actions, we can effectively spread love, hope, and faith in Indonesia.

Given Indonesia’s diverse cultural and religious landscape, there is substantial potential for further growth in Christian missionaries practicing the Great Commandment. As missionaries prioritize love and spiritual growth in their endeavors, they have a significant opportunity to contribute positively to the holistic development of Indonesian society.

By embracing the principles of the Great Commandment – loving God and loving one’s neighbor – individuals and communities can build bridges and overcome divisions. Every act of kindness, every gesture of empathy, and every display of love contributes to a ripple effect of positivity and unity. Through collective efforts fueled by genuine care and respect for one another, lasting change and transformation can be achieved. Let us continue to sow seeds of love, nurture relationships and strive toward a future where unity and compassion prevail.

As we reflect on the importance of practicing love in our communities, let us heed the call to action to be a part of the Great Commandment. Each one of us has the power to make a difference through simple acts of kindness, compassion, and understanding.

Whether it’s lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, donating to our mission work in Indonesia, or simply offering a listening ear to someone going through a tough time, our actions can profoundly impact those around us. Let us commit to embodying the spirit of the Great Commandment in our daily lives. Let’s spread love and unity wherever we go. Together, we can create a ripple effect of kindness that transforms our communities and fosters a culture of empathy and connection.

The Bible emphasizes the profound significance of turning words into deeds, highlighting the transformative power of aligning speech with action. The Scriptures underscore the importance of deeds as a test of words, emphasizing that actions must support words to have a lasting impact.

Pray with us:

• Pray that God may reach the entirety of Indonesia.
• Pray that the Lord continues to touch hearts in the fields of Indonesia through missionaries.
• Pray that every missionary in this world is shielded with the Holy Spirit of God, so that they may do the work of the Lord every day with love and fervor. 

The post From Words to Deeds: Practicing the Great Commandment in Indonesia first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.

During a recent trip to a very unreached area, we had the unique privilege of seeing someone accept Jesus as Savior and choose to get baptized. 

One woman in this area had previously heard the good news from our teammates and had chosen to believe at that time. This woman’s husband stated that he didn’t want to follow Christ, but he did allow her to keep her beliefs. Since then, she has continued in her faith and has been praying for her husband to believe. 

On the last day of our visit, the woman noticed our teammates and invited them to her home to talk. While there, they were able to share the good news with her husband. He usually left the room when they talked about Christ, but this time he stayed.

After listening to them share, he burst into tears and told them he wanted to believe. After praying, stating his desire to receive Jesus, the group told the husband the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch who chose to get baptized immediately (Acts 8:26-40). In response, the husband told them he, too, wanted to get baptized!

This family was so happy to be united under Christ. Praise God for His persistence in reaching the lost and answering the prayer of this man’s wife!

Ways to pray for this couple:

• Pray that this husband and wife maintain their faith in Jesus Christ.
• Pray that they are transformed daily by the Gospel.
• Pray they can share the Gospel and their experience with their family members and community.
• Pray that this couple may never give up in their new journey with Christ.

The post The Inspiring Story of a Life Transformed by the Gospel first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.

God is at work in powerful ways! This month, we’ve seen three individuals living in Bali who are open to the good news through our media work. One of these individuals is Mila, a 54-year-old widow who has recently had dreams and visions of a man in white.

Mila said she was of Hindu belief but was very interested in knowing Jesus. “Every time I lay my head down or sit down to rest, I see someone in white clothing. One day, I had a dream that three people were standing near me, and when I woke up and took my phone to look at social media, I kept seeing prayers and words about Jesus.”

“What does this all mean?” asked Mila. Our media ministry national partner, Yudi, shared the gospel with Mila and led her through a prayer confessing her desire to follow Jesus. Mila said she was brought to tears after reading the prayer.

A few days later, our friends in Bali followed up with Mila and met her and her boyfriend in person. Mila shared that her daughter was also interested in knowing about Jesus. God is at work in hearts in Indonesia!

Ways to pray for Mila:

• Pray that Mila will be the door of salvation to her family and community.
• Pray that she may also grow in her faith in Jesus Christ.
• Pray that everyone around her can see the light that Christ has brought to her life.
• Pray that God may always protect her and her family.

The post “I Had A Dream Of A Man In White” first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” — Matthew 5:10-12 (ESV)

Despite the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom in Indonesia, the reality for many Christians is one of hardship and danger. This article seeks to shed light on the voices of the faithful who, in the face of severe persecution, stood firm in their faith.

Martyrdom is not something Christians are called to seek actively. Instead, it is a path that some may be called to walk as a testament to their unwavering faith. Jesus instructed His followers, “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next” (Matthew 10:23), emphasizing the importance of preserving life while remaining steadfast in faith.

The early Christians often fled from persecution, taking necessary precautions for survival (Acts 8:1; 9:25, 30; 14:6; 17:10, 14). However, their faithfulness became a powerful witness to the world when faced with the ultimate sacrifice.

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has seen its share of Christian persecution. Christians in Indonesia have faced significant challenges, including violence and discrimination. The stories of those who have laid down their lives for their faith in Indonesia are a testament to their unwavering commitment to Christ.

• Quiet Martyrs

For security reasons and in an effort to protect the other believers in their area, a large number of Indonesian martyrs are not known by name. Yet the number of believers who have been killed for choosing to follow Jesus in Indonesia is no small number. The fact that so many can be killed for their faith across Indonesia without it making the news reflects that those stories are, tragically, not uncommon.

• The Poso Conflict

One of the most notable instances of Christian persecution in Indonesia occurred during the Poso conflict in Central Sulawesi. Between 1998 and 2001, religious tensions between Christians and Muslims escalated into violent clashes. Many Christians were killed, churches were burned, and entire communities were displaced. The conflict claimed the lives of numerous believers who stood firm in their faith despite the threat of death.

• The Martyrdom of Three Christian Schoolgirls

In 2005, three Christian schoolgirls, Theresia Morangke, Alfita Poliwo, and Yarni Sambue, were brutally murdered by Islamic extremists in Poso. The girls were on their way to school when they were attacked and beheaded. Their deaths shocked the nation and the international community, highlighting the severe persecution faced by Christians in certain regions of Indonesia. 

• The Surabaya Church Bombings

On May 13, 2018, a series of coordinated suicide bombings targeted three churches in Surabaya, East Java. The attacks, carried out by a family of Islamic extremists, resulted in the deaths of over a dozen people and injured dozens more. The victims included men, women, and children who had gathered for Sunday worship. 

• The Attack on Lembantongoa

In November 2020, the Christian-majority village of Lembantongoa in Sulawesi was attacked by Islamist militants. The village elder and three other Christian farmers were brutally killed, and a Salvation Army church along with six houses were burned down, forcing about 750 villagers to flee their homes.

The stories of Christian martyrs in Indonesia remind us of the cost of discipleship and the call to remain faithful even unto death. As believers, we are encouraged to “present [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). The apostle Paul reminds us that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet, we are also assured that “if we endure, we will also reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:12).

In the face of persecution, we are called to stand firm in our faith, knowing that our suffering is not in vain. As we reflect on the stories of Christian martyrs in Indonesia, let us be moved to prayer.

• Pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones, that they may find comfort and strength in Christ.
• Pray for the persecuted church in Indonesia, that believers may remain steadfast in their faith and be a light in the darkness.
• Pray for the perpetrators of violence, that their hearts may be transformed by the love of Christ.

May the voices of the faithful in Indonesia continue to inspire and challenge us to live boldly for Christ, no matter the cost.

The post Voices of the Faithful: Christian Martyrs in Indonesia first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.

Around the world, our brothers and sisters in Christ are experiencing persecution for their faith. Indonesia is no exception. As believers, it is crucial to understand the reality of what many believers around the world are enduring in order to fervently pray for their endurance and faith.

Indonesia is home to the largest Muslim population in the world, with nearly 242 million Muslims residing within its borders. Despite its constitutional commitment to religious freedom, the nation’s Christian minority faces significant challenges. The Pew Research Center highlights that while Indonesia promotes religious pluralism, it simultaneously imposes restrictions that disproportionately affect religious minorities, often favoring Islam in its policies and practices.

For instance, the construction of new churches is fraught with bureaucratic hurdles. It often requires the consent of local Muslim communities, which can be challenging to obtain. This has led to numerous instances of churches being shuttered or demolished, leaving congregations without a place to worship.

Christian persecution in Indonesia manifests in various forms, from legal restrictions to social ostracism and outright violence. The anti-blasphemy laws are a significant tool of oppression, often used to silence Christians and other religious minorities. These laws have led to the imprisonment of individuals like Apollinaris Darmawan, who was jailed for allegedly violating these stringent regulations.

In regions like Aceh, governed by Sharia law, the pressure on Christians is particularly intense, with converts from Islam facing severe repercussions, including violence and social exclusion. Additionally, converts from Islam endure intense pressure to renounce their new faith.

Christians in Aceh face severe persecution and denial of their right to worship. Despite comprising a tiny minority, their churches have been repeatedly attacked, burned down, and demolished by authorities under the pretext of lacking permits. In 2015 alone, many churches were burned down, while authorities demolished many other churches amid rising religious tensions, leading thousands of Christians to flee to neighboring provinces. Yet, the persecuted Christians persevere, gathering for worship in tents and homes.

Additionally, Christians in Indonesia have faced a number of coordinated suicide bombings carried out by radical Islamist families. On May 13, 2018, a family of six launched devastating attacks on three churches in Surabaya during Sunday services, killing over a dozen worshippers and injuring scores more. Shockingly, the attackers included the mother and her two young daughters, aged 9 and 12, and a father and his two sons, ages 16 and 18. 

While those are a few examples of larger-scale attacks, countless stories of individuals enduring persecution never make headlines. Whether disowned by family, locked in a room by family members, or killed by those in the community, some believers in areas more hostile to Christianity have endured incredible suffering as a result of choosing to follow Jesus.

The intensity of persecution varies across different regions in Indonesia. In provinces like Aceh, West Sumatra, and West Java, Christians experience the highest levels of discrimination and violence. These areas are known for their strict adherence to Islamic laws and customs, making life difficult for religious minorities. Those desiring to change their religion from an official standpoint, because their religion is listed on all important documents, face significant challenges.

Conversely, regions like East Nusa Tenggara and Papua, where Christians form a significant portion of the population, see different forms of pressure. Here, aggressive Islamization efforts target Christian communities, particularly among children, aiming to erode their faith and cultural identity.

Despite these challenges, the Christian community in Indonesia remains steadfast in their faith. Their resilience is a testament to the power of the gospel and the strength that comes from a deep, abiding relationship with Christ. The Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 resonate deeply with their experience: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

The reality of Christian persecution in Indonesia is a sobering reminder of the cost of discipleship. Yet, it also highlights the incredible faith and resilience of our brothers and sisters who continue to follow Christ despite immense challenges. As we stand with them in prayer, advocacy, and support, we embody the unity of the body of Christ, demonstrating that when one part suffers, every part suffers with it (1 Corinthians 12:26).  

Here are specific ways we can intercede for our brothers and sisters in Indonesia facing persecution:

1. Protection and Strength: Pray for the physical safety and spiritual strength of Indonesian Christians, especially those in regions like Aceh and West Java, where persecution is most intense.
2. Legal and Social Change: Ask God to move the hearts of Indonesian leaders and lawmakers to create a more just and equitable society where religious freedom is genuinely upheld.
3. Unity and Encouragement: Pray for unity among Indonesian Christians and for their encouragement in the face of trials. May they feel the support and love of the global church.
4. Revival: Pray for a revival in Indonesia, that many would come to know Christ, including those who currently persecute Christians.

May we, as the global church, be faithful to intercede for our brothers and sisters enduring persecution, and may we be inspired by their faith, boldness, and faithfulness.

The post Understanding Christian Persecution: The Reality in Indonesia first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.

In Indonesia, your religion is listed on your identity card. From an official standpoint, you are not “allowed” to not have a religion. To be an atheist is not an option to be listed on your identity card. Join us in looking at a breakdown of the main religions in Indonesia and praying for those represented.

Islam is the predominant religion in Indonesia, with 87.02% of the population identifying as Muslim.  This makes Indonesia the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. The majority adhere to Sunni Islam, while a small minority follows Shia Islam. Indonesian Muslims believe in the oneness of God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. They follow the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad).

Muslims are spread throughout the archipelago, with significant populations in Java, Sumatra, and the western regions of the country. Their practices are influenced by the rich cultural tapestry of Indonesia, blending Islamic traditions with local customs and beliefs.

“God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:4-5). May the love of Christ break through the barriers and reveal the way to eternal life. May they know the true path to salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus.

While Christians make up 7.43% of the population, they are predominantly concentrated in North Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Papua, and North Sulawesi. That said, huge pockets of Indonesia remain unreached (0-2% Christian).

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). May they continue to grow in their understanding of the truth and be united in the love of Christ.

Catholicism, recognized as a separate religion from Christianity/Protestantism, accounts for 3.06% of the Indonesian population. Catholics are predominantly found in East Nusa Tenggara, West Kalimantan, and Papua. They follow the teachings of the Catholic Church and adhere to the authority of the Pope.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). May they know the true path to salvation, by faith in Christ alone.

Hinduism, with its roots in ancient Indian traditions, has a presence in Indonesia, comprising 1.69% of the population. Hindus in Indonesia are predominantly found in Bali, where the religion has a strong cultural influence. They believe in a multitude of deities and follow the teachings of the Vedas and other sacred texts.

“For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:23). May the true knowledge of the one true God be revealed to them, and may they find salvation in Jesus Christ.

Buddhism, originating from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, has a presence in Indonesia, with 0.73% of the population identifying as Buddhist. Buddhists in Indonesia are predominantly found in Java, Sumatra, and the Chinese Indonesian communities. They follow the teachings of the Buddha and strive for enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'” (John 8:12). May the light of Christ shine upon them, revealing the true path to eternal life and peace.

Confucianism, a philosophical and ethical system rooted in the teachings of Confucius, has a small following in Indonesia, comprising 0.03% of the population. Confucians in Indonesia are predominantly found in the Chinese Indonesian communities. They emphasize moral cultivation, filial piety, and social harmony.

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). May they find the true wisdom and fulfillment in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Indonesia is also home to various indigenous religions, comprising 0.04% of the population. These ancestral animistic and polytheistic beliefs are deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of various ethnic groups, such as the Batak, Dayak, Javanese, and Papuan peoples.

“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). May the truth of the one true God be revealed to them, and may they find salvation in Jesus Christ.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -John 14:6, ESV

May the love of Christ shine upon the people of Indonesia, and may they come to know the true path to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

The post The Religions of Indonesia: A Call to Pray first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.

Since last month, Leon (local partner) and I have trained more than 150 pastors across the island on evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and leadership development. We pray God leads us to the few people who want to work together to see their region reached with the good news. Many movements across the globe begin as local believers, burdened for the lost in their area, are further equipped to share The Good News and teach others to do the same.

Below are a handful of ways we are seeing God at work:

Eddy

In one of our trainings, we looked at Ephesians 4:11-12. “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” God used this passage to teach Eddy that he should equip his church for the work of ministry. Since then, he’s been training his church to share The Good News. 

Tiko

Tiko tried using our simple discipleship tools with his church’s youth, and they enjoyed how simple and interactive they were. 

Dewi

Dewi understood that each new believer becomes a royal priest of God (1 Peter 2:9), and now she teaches new believers to baptize other new believers. One of the new believers Dewi recently baptized has already baptized a new believer who, in turn, baptized another new believer!

Yusef

When we showed Yusef the Biblical model of multiplication from the early church, he said, “If we go back to the way the early church functioned, the entirety of Indonesia could be reached.” 

May it be so.

The post Stories From The Field first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.

Dan opened the taxi door,  “Omar, Good to see you again! What a great surprise!”  

One year ago, Dan and his wife, Desiree, met Omar when he gave them a ride to the local market near their home.  While Omar drove, they shared the Gospel with him through stories and their own personal testimony.  Omar seemed open to the Gospel but wasn’t interested in discussing it further. When Dan and Desiree were about to arrive at the market, Dan offered to pray for Omar in Jesus’ name. 

This event was typical of the daily answered prayer of Dan and Desiree. They live in Indonesia primarily to share the Gospel with Muslims and to train other believers to do the same. Now, a year later during Ramadan, Dan and Desiree had a second chance encounter with Omar. After asking how Omar and his family were doing, Dan started to share with him again. Omar stopped him and said he still remembered the story!

Dan continued to share more stories about Jesus with Omar and discussed Ramadan with him. When they arrived at their home, Dan and Desiree started to get out of the car. Omar stopped them and asked if they would pray for him again. He remembered that, too! Dan prayed for Omar, encouraged by this encounter.

“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:7

With this second encounter, Dan and Desiree were reminded of 1 Corinthians 3:7. We never know what will happen as we tell others about Jesus; only God knows. Because of this, it is essential to share the Gospel’s Good News with anyone and everyone we encounter and pray that God will bring fruit from it. 

Ways to Pray for Indonesia:

• Pray that Christians in Indonesia will boldly share the Gospel with everyone they encounter.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit will open the hearts of those who hear the Good News so that they will believe in Jesus’s death and resurrection.
• Pray that those who hear the Good News will be bold to share with their friends and family.
• Pray that God would open Omar’s heart and receive the Gospel.

The post Omar’s Second Chance To Hear first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.

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. 

“pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness.” -James 5:16

The post From Despair to Hope: How Prayer Transforms Lives in Indonesia first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.

Drew has lived in Indonesia for a few years and has developed friendships with locals through various avenues. One friend, Iwan, became a close friend as their hangouts included places like the gym or eating at cafes. After a few months, Drew asked Iwan if he was interested in reading the Bible together. Iwan agreed, and they began reading through the Old Testament’s significant stories, starting with creation and moving to the Old Testament prophets.

Although the stories differ, many of these prophets are mentioned in the Quran. After each story, Drew would ask Iwan what he thought was interesting about the story, and they would discuss it together before praying and going home. 

After reading through many of the prophets’ stories, Drew again asked Iwan what he thought was interesting about them. Iwan responded that it seems like most stories point to Isa (the name for Jesus in the Quran). Praise God that there is evidence of Jesus in the Old Testament that everyone can see!

How to pray for Iwan and other Indonesians:

• Pray that the Holy Spirit would open Iwan’s eyes to the truth of who Jesus is
• Pray that other Indonesians would begin to understand that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies
• Pray for more opportunities for believers to read Scripture together with non-believers

The post Reading With Iwan first appeared on Pray For Indonesia.