Field Notes: Indonesia
Morning in Mobile, Al means it is evening in Jakarta, Indonesia. Though we live in entirely different parts of the world and time zones, we are all experiencing similar things. The entire world, for the most part, is taking part in the "stay at home" initiative. Although not everyone is joining in, many are staying home to slow the spread of COVID19.
The time we are living in has allowed many of us to connect over various forms of digital platforms, but not all have access to this luxury. Like many of you, Jack Hester and I were able to take advantage of a video call this morning. We had the opportunity to connect with our friend and co-laborer in the gospel there in Jakarta, Indonesia. Kongkin is our Open Doors partner there in that part of the World. Over the past few months, he has had some health complications with his heart, but thanks be to God that he is well and taking better care of himself. During this time, he has even gotten out for weekly exercise on his bike to ride down to his office and accomplish a little work. His family, too, is well and staying home.
Indonesia is not on a full lockdown like other countries. Mainly the government isn't able to enforce those kinds of measures because Indonesia comprised of as many as 6,000 islands that have inhabitants on them. So implementing a full lockdown would be nearly impossible. They also counted the cost of what total lockdown would cost for an already fragile economy. These two factors alone have caused them not to attempt one at this time. Some can work from home are doing so, but many factory workers and others are struggling during this time.
Much like here, places of worship are empty, and they are having a "home church." Some hardline Muslims are still meeting, but most have decided not to gather for prayer. Christians who have the ability are digitally doing things like "Livestream" or " online worship services. However, there are many in desperate isolation with no fellowship at all. Thankfully though, some are getting to know neighbors better—neighbors, who are believers and are worshipping in the home. In that same vein of disconnection, evangelism has taken a hit during this time. The church there and here in Mobile need to find ways to continue to make Christ known during this unprecedented time.
One of the things that Jack and I hoped for was, during this time of no large groups and with churches not meeting, that persecution as a whole would be down. The physical aspect of persecution of believers has declined for now, and that respite is cause for praise. Sadly though, there are reports from parts of South Asia of an increase in persecution. Most Christ-followers find themselves on the lowest rung of society, causing many of them to be the last to receive the care they need. Due to this fact, the death rate among Christians in areas of persecution is much higher. As deeply troubling as this fact is, even worse still are the families who are unable to comfort dying loved ones due to quarantine protocols. Many times when a family member tests positive for COVID19 and goes to the hospital, the families are saying goodbye in those moments. Though they may suffer in isolation from family, once they depart this world, they enter into the arms of our Savior.
“The time of the COVID19 crisis has called us all to “stay home.” One of the most fruitful things you, as believers, can fill your time with is prayer.”
The time of the COVID19 crisis has called us all to "stay home." One of the most fruitful things you, as believers, can fill your time with is prayer. Take daily time to get on your face, devoting yourself to prayer. Prayer points for Indonesia are much like things we would pray for our community. However, there are some specific things we as a church can pray over for our fellow believers there in Indonesia.
Muslim Background believers (MBB), in particular, already face incredible challenges under normal circumstances. Now more than ever, MBBs are struggling financially and in isolation. Many of those on islands with no access to the internet, struggle in isolation spiritually. Pray for the Holy Spirit to come and meet them, to be present with them in unique ways.
Also, pray for our brothers and sisters who are mourning the loss of loved ones in isolation and unable to say a proper goodbye. Pray that the hope we have in Christ would carry them through, reminding them the words of Paul...
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14
[13] But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. [14] For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. (ESV)
3. Along those lines of the miraculous, the majority of muslims globally are not gathering for prayer or fellowship with fellow muslims. Pray that during this time of disconnectedness among muslims, that those seeking would have encounters with Christ in miraculous ways, coming to Christ for salvation.
Ultimately, let us pray for the end of this epidemic. Please take some time after reading this to pray for the believers in Indonesia. Maybe set aside one day a week that you devote to prayer for our brothers and co-laborers there in Indonesia.
BRAD HILL
Pastor For Missions and Worship
Mars Hill Mobile Campus
brad@pomh.org