February’s Pacific Rim Prayer Emphasis: The Jambi of Indonesia

“‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed Him.” Mark 1:17-18, NIV.

Over 800,000 Jambi people live among the bogs, swamps, and dense jungles of central Sumatra, Indonesia. The mighty Batang Hari River (400 miles long) and its tributaries are important to them not only as a means of transportation but as a source of fish. The Jambi are adept swimmers and fishermen. Fishing is the most common method of livelihood among the Jambi. They have their own distinct language, which has yet to have a Bible or Jesus Film translation. There are no known Jambi churches and few believers.

Almost all of the Jambi are Muslims. For the Jambi, all principles and guidelines governing human life have been passed down from their ancestors, who in turn received them from the Qur’an and the Hadith (guidelines for faith and practice derived from the Prophet Muhammad’s life). They believe that religious leaders, dwarfs, and dukun (witchdoctors) possess supernatural powers.

The Jambi are proud descendants of an ancient Melayu kingdom that dates back to the 7th century. This pride has threatened their economic development due to their unwillingness to accept modernization. This is evident as transmigrants from other parts of Indonesia are better off economically than the Jambi.

Pray that:

God will open the Jambi to accept medical help that will open doors not only to bring physical healing but spiritual healing through the gospel.

God will open the Jambi to accept educational and community development help that will improve the standard of living and then allow them to hear about the giver of abundant life.

God will call out workers to plant their lives among the Jambi so they can see a living example of followers of Jesus.

Thousands of intercessors will answer the call to pray and fast for the Jambi until the gospel takes root among this ancient and proud people.

Jesus will call these fishermen to become fishers of men.

The few Jambi believers will be discipled and filled with wisdom and boldness to reach out to their friends and family.

Persecution and threats against Jambi believers will not silence their witness, but will make them more bold and committed to the cause of the Lord.

The Bible and other media will be developed in the Jambi language.

To open the Pacific Rim Prayer Calendar for February - click here.