Requests from Around the Rim: August 2006

In the wake of multiple natural disasters on the island of Java, Indonesia, this month’s requests focus on the prayer needs in Java.

Miss. S., 21, a Muslim from an area of South Sumatra rattled by a recent quake in the Sunda Strait says the disasters are the mark of supernatural displeasure. "This is the sign of a small doomsday from heaven,” she said. “We were given a sign that in this world we can't just be sinful and ignore our moral duties. We have to pray a lot and deepen our religious studies." Pray that Miss S. and the people of Java will find the true source of deeper peace in Jesus not moral duties or religious studies.

Mr. N is a talented performer of traditional music. Though he continues to play music and retreat to his art for comfort, he shares that recent events have driven him deeper into his Islamic faith. He often searches for answers and strength through fasting and prayer. Pray that Mr. N. will discover the strength of God given to those who put their faith in Jesus.

Pray for Mr. T and family. They live near the royal palace in the city recently hit by an earthquake. Their family comes from a long line of servants. The large gong from one of the palace's most sacred instrument ensembles fell during the earthquake and broke in two. Also, several tombs from the royal dynasty collapsed during the earthquake. Mr. T, his family, and his neighbors believe the loss of these invaluable relics of their culture's heritage symbolize change on the horizon, but they are still puzzled as to what may come. What might the future hold? Pray they would embrace new life, hope, and the freedom from sin's bondage found the One True King.

Thirty-five days after the earthquake, several hundred followers of an exclusive animistic sect marched along a north-south axis of the city. This axis connects the three geographic centers of spiritual power sources found in the province: the spirit of the volcano, the incarnation of deity embodied in the king’s palace, and the spirit of the south sea. This ceremony was carried out while fasting, meditating, and abstaining from speech. Everything about this ritual reflects beliefs in the need to make peace with the three powers in order to maintain safety and prosperity in the province. Pray that the people of this province would be released from the bondage of these powers. Pray that the One, true King of Kings would take His rightful place in their hearts.

We are blessed to have two volunteers with us in our home to help with disaster relief, and are expecting five more in another week. Please be in prayer for us as each of them helps us to establish new work in our area. Pray daily for divine appointments. Also join us in praying that the Lord would allow us to see those around us with His eyes and His heart giving us wisdom and discernment to know when and how to share Him with those we meet.

Mrs. S and her three sons lost their home and livelihood in the earthquake. They are still traumatized by the recent tragedy. Though they've heard the Gospel many times, they still cling to their traditional animistic beliefs for inspiration and hope. Pray that God would turn their hearts in this season of hopelessness, and that they would trust Jesus for salvation and peace.

Mr. S is a professor. He professes Catholicism as his religion, but he also holds to many traditional animistic beliefs. He meditates, prays, gives offerings to spirits, and repeats mantras for power and spiritual insight. He has many students at several different universities. A portion of his home was also destroyed in the recent earthquake. Pray that wisdom would be granted and that God would change Mr. S's heart as he studies the Word with followers of Jesus. Pray that he would exclusively embrace the Gospel of Christ and serve only the One, True Holy Spirit.