October 2007 Pacific Rim Prayer Emphasis:
The Balinese of Indonesia

“‘Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!’ And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5, NASB.

The 3.7 million Balinese live primarily on the island of Bali, but also on several surrounding islands such as Sumatra, Sulawesi, Papua and Kalimantan. The Balinese are world renowned for their artistic ability displayed through crafts, dance and music. With the natural beauty of their island and their rich cultural heritage it is no wonder that tourism makes up a major portion of the Balinese economy.

There are Balinese churches, but a majority of the population continues to practice a unique form of Hinduism. Balinese Hindus believe in one god that can be explained by the Trimurti. According to Trimurti god is one, but can be seen in three aspects: Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the protector; and Shiva, the destroyer. The Balinese also believe in and do many things to appease evil spirits.

The impact of Hinduism can be seen throughout Bali. For example, each neighborhood provides a dadia (communal shrine). Both individual families as well as larger assemblies use this shrine to sacrifice food and flowers to their god.

Pray that:

• Balinese believers will give a bold and consistent witness to their friends, neighbors and family members.
• Jesus will be known among the Balinese as being more powerful than all the spirits they fear and serve.
• Believers living among the Balinese will be protected from spiritual attacks.
• The Balinese church will experience rapid growth resulting in a Church Planting Movement (CPM).
• God will cause people of influence to be supportive of Christian activity in their area of authority.
• God will raise up strong leaders within the Balinese churches.
• God will grant wisdom and perseverance to believers seeking to reach the Balinese.

Download additional requests from Around the Rim.
Download the October 2007 PacRim Prayer Calendar.

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