With over 280 million people spread across more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is both rich in history as well as culturally and spiritually complex.
In this edition of Billions, discover some of the ways God is at work across this vibrant archipelago, as well as among Indonesians throughout the globe.
DIRECTIONS
Hope in Hard Places: The Gospel at Work in Indonesia
Out of a country’s cultural and spiritual complexities come a mosaic of stories. OMF Australia’s National Director Paul Jessop shares some of the ways Indonesia’s Christians navigate layers of culture, geography and tradition as they follow Jesus.
INDONESIA FEATURES
Connecting with Indonesians Abroad
Millions of Indonesians live outside their home country in places where the church has a unique opportunity to show the love of Christ. As God moves Indonesians to our neighborhoods, may He move our hearts, cross-cultural worker Kenan* writes.
It’s not glamorous and often misunderstood. Progress is slow. Results are not always measurable. The ultimate goal is to become unnecessary. But the quiet, faithful work of theology lecturers and students shapes generations.
A Theological Educator in Indonesia
“What if everyone experiences and sees that Christians are the most generous and most caring employers out there?” theology lecturer Titus* muses. In this Q&A, he gives glimpses into theological education in Indonesia today and ways we can pray.
“Differences can be barriers between people in a diverse nation,” says cross-cultural worker Kirjath.* “You can help bridge the divide by living and loving the people here, and invite others to join you.” Here are six ways you might consider…
Seeing the Invisible Indonesians in Donggang
The majority of the thousands of migrant workers living in this port town of Taiwan are from Indonesia, yet often invisible to others in their community. Donggang’s churches have a great opportunity to welcome and bless them, Aaron Koh writes.
3 Ways You Can Pray for Indonesia
Cross-cultural worker Kenan* shares three things you can pray for Indonesia’s Christian millions—that each one may stand firm in their faith, grow in biblical understanding and living, and engage well in conversations seasoned with salt.
Not Just Teachers in Indonesia
OMF alumni Robert Benn reflects on eight years of life and work in Indonesia in the late 1960s—and the ways he’s seen God at work since then. “It’s been a beautiful, beautiful adventure for God,” he says.
OTHER FEATURES
Engaging the Connected Generation in Southeast Asia
The world has changed. We now measure reachability by digital connectedness, and remote communities in impenetrable places can meet Christians online. Mark* shares how God is building His church in southeast Asia—one click at a time.
When plans failed and doors closed, Martha* found herself away from home for weeks, including over Christmas. During that time God showed her, “He lets me help so I can see Him at work—and so that I may learn to love Him more.”
RETIREMENT
The Qualification of Willingness
After 22 years of service in southeast Asia, Ana* reflects on what qualifies people for mission. She’s seen hundreds of short and long-term workers and has found one requirement: God can and does use anyone who is willing.
Befriended and Encouraged into Mission
Outgoing OMF National Council member and alumni Ken Coleman shares his journey to faith, and his subsequent adventures in mission over the last 60 years in East Asia and Australia.
ARRIVALS
Foundations for a Gospel Movement in Southeast Asia: Frank and Rose*
In the last four years, Frank and Rose* have been finding people of peace, initiating global prayer meetings, and forming a strong local team. They share ways you can pray as they consider their next steps during home assignment.
Church Planting in Rural Taiwan: Andrew and Sarah Poon
After full-time language and culture study, Andrew and Sarah moved to a church planting ministry in rural Chiayi. With a regular Bible study group forming, join them in prayer that this may become a future church in Xingang.
Collaborations, Milestones and Mission Teams in Cambodia: Sunny and Wendy Wong
Hosting short term teams, celebrating an association of church plants, and meetings with local leaders are just some of the highlights from Sunny and Wendy’s last four years serving in Cambodia.
TRANSFER
Whole Lives, Sharing Wholly: Boaz and Ruth*
On the day of their fifteenth wedding anniversary, Boaz and Ruth* took on leadership of a team spread across five countries and over 3,000 kilometers. They share their team’s vision for isolated people to know Jesus, and how you can be part of it.
From Learning to Leading: Andrew and Jo Wong
After seven years of church planting in Yahaba, Andrew steps into a new season of ministry. He’ll guide and care for new workers on the brink of experiencing the ongoing challenges of cross‑cultural growth.
ANNIVERSARY
Ten Years of Prayer for Northeast Asia
“Our prayer for years has been for more open doors. We’re seeing this happen,” prayer group leader Jemimah* says. On the tenth anniversary of OMF’s northeast Asia prayer group, she reflects on how the Lord led and kept her praying.
FINANCE
In the Bible and among missionaries today, we see many different narratives of God’s people stepping out in faith and seeing God’s faithfulness as He provided, protected and guided His workers, OMF Finance Manager Edwin Lee writes.
EDITORIAL
Our 17,000 Island Next Door Neighbor
In his editorial for our latest Billions, OMF Australia Communications Lead Scott Brown reflects on his first experience with Indonesian culture and Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan, and challenges us to consider how He might be calling us to love our neighbor.
*Names changed for privacy and security purposes
