April 2007 Pacific Rim Prayer Emphasis:
The Sasak of Indonesia

“Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men.” Psalms 66:5, NAS.

The 2.3 million Sasak people are known for their friendliness. High moral and ethical standards known as tindih are greatly valued among the Sasak. When Sasak seek a mate, they tend to look for noble character above material wealth. Proper etiquette within family systems such as respecting elders and observing traditional manners when visiting someone’s home are expected.

The Sasak have a reputation for being skilled weavers. They are primarily agricultural people but also are involved in fishing and hunting. The Sasak make up the majority of the population on the island of Lombok. They divide themselves into two groups, Waktu Lima and Waktu Telu. The Waktu Lima live more in the central plains and tend to be located closer to the roads and trading centers. The Waktu Telu tend to live in the remote mountain areas.

Islam is the faith of a majority of the Sasak. The Waktu Lima keep all five pillars of Isalm, while the Waktu Telu only adhere to four of the pillars (they do not pursue the trip to Mecca or Haj, which is the fifth pillar of Islam. Many Sasak still worship in sacred places like Mount Rinjani, which they believe is the home of the god Anjani. The Sasak also practice black magic and believe in the spirits of their ancestors and those spirits that live in the forests, mountains, and rivers.

While the Sasak produce all their own food, they are still very poor. Public health, sanitation, and education are great needs among the Sasak. Lombok has one of the highest death rates among infants and birthing mothers in Indonesia.

Pray that:

God will prepare the hearts of the Sasak to receive the Gospel.

God will call mature believers to live among the Sasak and show the love of Jesus through public health and education projects. Lombok is a physically and spiritually hard place to live.

Believers will have perseverance and protection from spiritual attacks as they live out their faith among the Sasak.

The fear of black magic and spirits will be won over by the love and superior power of Almighty God.

God will supernaturally validate His Word and the testimony of His people through dreams, healings and more.

Sasak believers will be taught and grouped together to live out their faith with love and power.

Believers living among the Sasak will develop a greater burden to reach their neighbors and greater insight as to how the Gospel addresses the deepest needs of the Sasak.

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