Indonesia (MNN) — Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy, but Patrick Anthony with Forgotten Missionaries International (FMI) explains how things have taken a turn for the worse.
“We’ve heard from our Indonesian believers a consistent story: the economy is bad. They will tell us that it’s very bad,” Anthony says.
“Young people especially are frustrated because it’s just very hard to find good jobs. Oil prices increased, which we hear raises the price of almost everything.”
Image courtesy of FMI
Finding fuel is a massive struggle. The government hiked gas prices because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and when gas stations do have fuel available, long lines form to get it. Part of FMI’s ministry is sending their partners across the country to encourage and train pastors and church planters, but funding transportation is becoming increasingly expensive.
People in Indonesia are struggling to maintain hope, as it seems there is no end to their economic woes. Religious offerings are going down, making it difficult for churches to continue their ministries and support their pastors — especially in denominations that do not allow their pastors to hold another job.
Hope for Indonesia
Yet in the midst of despair, God is working.
“People are looking for hope. So [our partners are] witnessing more opportunities to share the Gospel readily with people because of the economic situation,” Anthony says.
An Indonesian pastor hikes through a rainforest on the island of Borneo over a broken-down bridge to reach a ministry site. (Photo, caption courtesy of FMI)
A challenge for many Indonesian believers in evangelism is social customs. Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country and is also home to many folk religions, creating a high value on interfaith harmony.
“However, because of such a high value on harmony, Christians in Indonesia can struggle with the call to be bold, to proclaim Christ to their neighbors because they don’t want to upset the harmony,” Anthony says.
With the economic challenges, Indonesian Christians are finding more natural opportunities to share Christ in a culture that often makes it difficult.
Pray for boldness for Christians in Indonesia. Anthony also asks that we would pray for creativity for church leaders in how they and their congregations respond to the tough economic times. God is the great provider, so pray that He would help the people of Indonesia find solutions to their situation and support pastors who rely on communal funds for their livelihood.
Header image courtesy of Bruce Allen/FMI
