Change coming to Indonesia won’t faze a Christian school.

By August 27, 2004

Indonesia (MNN)–It’s a elections season in Indonesia. The presidential elections are coming up September 20.

In light of what is bound to change, church leaders are want to exact a promise of protection from the next president.

They are asking candidates to promise an end to discrimination against minority groups in the world’s most populous Muslim country.

The upside of the story is that trouble doesn’t extend to the whole country, although its shadow has created problems for mission groups.

OMS International’s Debbie Wittig is a teacher at an international Christian school in East Java. The school was founded by OMS International, but now is an extended missions cooperative.

Wittig explains that Indonesia’s turmoil has had its impact. “I suppose because people think Indonesia is a dangerous country, they are afraid to go there as missionaries, and we desperately need more teachers, and a principal for next school year.”

Wittig says because their student body is international, their school doesn’t face the same challenges from militant Muslims that an Indonesian school might.

Still, the need to exercise caution in the community is a wise move. That extends to the staff as far as overt evangelism. Wittig says that’s not their function as a school. However, a Christian worldview can’t help but be communicated in their curriculum. “Pray that we would be faithful, and not to be afraid, but to be bold where we can, when we can, but not to be offensive…to know the difference, I guess.”

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