In a remote region of Indonesia, some of our local leaders walk two hours each way to minister to an unreached people group that has a truly unique culture. These people live in isolation, disconnected from the modern world, and are deeply suspicious of outsiders. They don’t follow any formal religion but instead engage in ancient folk practices that predate the arrival of Islam in the area.
To gain a connection in this closed-off community, our local leaders offered to teach the children to read and write. Some parents, hopeful for a better future for their children, agreed. Slowly, this opened doors for the local leaders to meet with families and share the Gospel. However, when village officials learned about the literacy classes, they were outraged and demanded that they stop immediately. Parents were reprimanded and even sanctioned. The village officials believe that education leads to manipulation and exploitation, preferring that children focus on farming or learning spells and witchcraft that can protect them from harm. But God was at work in the face of opposition! Despite the backlash, many parents still wanted their children to learn. The local leaders started visiting families at night to teach the children. Because of strict village rules, the team could only stay one night at a time in one home, but this led to precious opportunities to share the Gospel and show The Jesus Film. So far, three families have embraced faith in Jesus, and three people have been baptized. Please join us in praying that more people in this village will come to know Christ. Pray also for protection for the team as they work under the watchful eye of village leaders who are determined to keep their grip on the community.
