Pacific Rim August Prayer Emphasis:
The Banjar of Indonesia

“He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.” Psalm 18:16, NAS.

Banjar culture dominates the province of South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The Banjar are also found in East and Central Kalimantan. They trace their origins to a legendary Hindu kingdom, the Negara Dipa.  Contemporary ethnic identity is a unique mixture of Javanese, Malay and Dayak cultures. It was the Javanese who introduced the Banjar to Hinduism, Buddhism and finally Islam.

The ethnic identity of the Banjar is interwoven closely with Islam. However, their view of Islam is widely mixed with traditional animistic beliefs that supernatural powers or beings reside in certain natural objects such as stones, trees, and mountains, as well as certain creatures.

The Banjar live in coastal cities, and along rivers in rainforest areas. Most work in farming, trade, traditional saw mills, plantations, and mining. Their stilt housing or lanting is often on or near waterways. The Banjar prefer to remain isolated from outside groups. Most Banjar tend to marry and settle near their parents or other relatives. This tendency towards isolation has limited the Banjar in the development of education, health care, sanitation, and water purification.

There are no known Banjar churches but there are a handful of Banjar believers numbering possibly 200 or less.  The Jesus Film is in final editing for production, the translation of the New Testament is in early stages, and there are some Gospel radio broadcasts in the language.

Pray that:

Thousands of intercessors will join those in Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, Korea, Guatemala and America in lifting the Banjar to the Throne of Grace until the church is established among this people group.

Spiritual, cultural and political barriers and strongholds will be swept way so that the Gospel may be truly heard by the Banjar.

Local believers living among and near the Banjar will become burdened to pray for the Banjar and reach out with the Gospel in way they can understand.

Doors will open for believers to enter Banjar society through small businesses, community development, and medical programs.

Inspired strategies will be developed to broadly share the Gospel throughout the Banjar people group.

As Banjar come to faith they will successfully group together and rapidly multiply their witness by establishing new groups throughout South Kalimantan.

Persecution and intimidation will backfire on the enemy, and will only result in greater resolve and bolder witness among believers reaching out to the Banjar.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.