Indonesia

In South Asia, they have some of the highest numbers of unreached people groups in the world, with the equivalent of only 1 full time Christian worker for every 500,000 Muslims. Pray for the Gospel to be spread here.

Jambi in Indonesia: Jambi Province on the island of Sumatra has a population of roughly 3.5 million. The largest indigenous people group there are the 1.05 million Jambi Malayu. Their rite of passage to adulthood is often to file the young person's teeth to align them. Most are fishermen, but only a handful follow Jesus. Pray that the trans-migrant churches in Jambi would take up the challenge to share Christ to their Jambi neighbours.

Komering in Indonesia: These people originated from the Komering River area of south-east Sumatra, and subdivide themselves into 'upstream' and 'downstream' communities. Many depend upon rain cisterns or river irrigation for rice cultivation. Changing religion from Islam is very difficult; marriages between a Komering and a non-Muslim is forbidden. They will often call a shaman to heal sick people or to cast out demons. Pray for development projects in the area to open doors for the gospel.

Minangkabau in Indonesia: There are around 6.91 million Minang people spread across Indonesia and they are 99.7% Muslim. Their name reflects an ancient fable about outwitting a Javanese fighting water buffalo. Today they are recognised as good traders of clothing and jewellery and excellent restaurant owners. Their society is matrilineal, meaning an uncle or brother-in-law will make a family’s decisions. Pray for whole families to turn to Christ.

Madurese in Indonesia: The Madura people are the third largest people group in Indonesia (around 7.7 million), living mostly on East Java and Madura Island. An insightful Madura saying is, 'It is better to die than to be humiliated', and they are renowned as fierce fighters and hard workers, but also for Satay kebabs. They are Sunni Muslim, yet many resort to using amulets, magic spells, or prayers to ancestors in their efforts to find security. Pray for them to hear and understand the gospel.

Musi Malay of Indonesia: The 690,000 Musi-speaking people originate from the Musi River valley area of South Sumatra. Traditionally farmers, hunters and fishermen, many today hold key education or government roles, while also growing rice or harvesting rubber. Until their wedding, a Muslim Musi man covers all his fiancée's expenses except food. Pray for Christians to live and work among them to share faith.

Give thanks for Ivo*, a Lifewords Pavement Project trainer in Indonesia, who provided in-person training and certification to three workers from a partner organisation. In a city considered the most closed city in Indonesia for the gospel, where there are only two Christian churches, and where the children themselves are at risk of certain persecution, Ivo said that “the expectation of the children being blessed by Pavement Project is great.”

CMS mission partners I and S are based in Southeast Asia, where they lead an international congregation, teach English classes and come alongside people to preach, teach, disciple and help lead them into a transforming encounter with Jesus. Pray for both I and S to get to know students outside of class, for God to show each of them who to come alongside and invest in.

Pray for nine-year-old Herman* who asked Pavement Project Benjamin worked if Jesus could calm the storm in his heart. Give thanks for the healing and restoration that took place in that conversation. Pray for Herman that he would continue to be friends with Jesus, and for Benjamin as he takes God’s compassion and love to children in Indonesia. *name changed.

Gunar Sahari, Lifewords Indonesia Director, says: “Covid numbers are rising again in Indonesia, and the number of street children in Jakarta and other cities has increased. Many children could not go to school because of financial difficulties at home, or because they couldn’t join online classes.” Please pray for young people in Indonesia, that they would be protected and cared for, and that they would be able to go to school. Pray for children who are living on the streets that they would be helped to return home or find a place of safety.