Java Evangelism – Jan 22 2015 – Pray for Ventures into New Areas

The area previously was undeveloped until the government and private enterprises began buying property from the indigenous people.  Those resettled to this area came from impoverished areas of Java and Bali and were brought in by the resettlement program to reduce overcrowding on those densely settled islands.   Those resettled were granted about five acres of land, a small temporary house, and some other initial assistance.   Many of those resettled have significantly improved their life situation.  

In a story not unlike the settling of the American West, the indigenous people with some or little understanding sold their land rights very cheaply.  Most of them have been forced back into the forest areas beyond the resettlement projects.   Some of them subsist on income they earn as day laborers on the palm oil plantations.  We did meet one man who has intentionally learned rice farming technics from his Javanese neighbors while his neighbors dismiss rice farming as playing in the mud.

The new arrivals are mostly Muslim (if from Java) and Hindu (if from Bali).  The indigenous people are marginally-informed professing Christians or animistic worshippers of the spirits they believe animate the world around them.

Because of the challenges of terrain and distance, it will be difficult to bring a product like organic fertilizer into this area.  We will continue the analysis as we gather more complete data hoping to make a decision soon.

Would you please pray about these matters?

1. Wisdom as to whether or not the organic fertilizer project should be pursued.
2. Solid Christian witness to both the indigenous people and to the Muslims and Hindus who have migrated to the area.
3. Dennis was able to dig back into his memory for some of his rusty Javanese, telling a few Javanese migrants about the love of God in Jesus.  Pray these seeds will be watered and grow.
4. The local minister of a couple of tiny fellowship will be cooperating with us to market water filters.   This will give her interaction with the Javanese Muslims.  We shared a few quick pointers with her about how to share the Gospel with Muslims.  Pray for the “door opening” project and for the sowing of the Gospel.
5. Pray for the indigenous people to become fully committed to the Faith.  Most are officially considered Christian.

We are also weighing possibilities for expanding educational program in the city of Ambon as a way to reach out to nominal Christians and pre-believers.  Pray that God will guide in every possible way.

We have received the financial data for 2014 from our faithful forwarding agents (Kenny and Genelle Chambers).  Genelle will be sending summary financial reports to all supporters via email or US Post.   Anyone interested in how we use funds, can ask for a copy and we’ll be most happy to provide one by email.   At the end of 2013 we had feared that we would have to make some hard decisions about finances in 2014 since we knew of supporters who would not continue or who would reduce support.   As He has faithfully done for forty years, the Lord met our needs and in fact we ended the year with income exceeding expenses by about 7%.   Join us in giving praise to God.  We want all our faithful partners to know of our gratitude.   The overage will allow some flexibility in pursuing the projects we are considering for 2015, hopefully laying a foundation for years to come.

Your partnership and your prayers bless us!