Global Awareness--Indonesia

This is a continuing series of posts from recent talks to the student ministry of our church.

Statistics*

Population:  248 million
Capitol:  Jakarta
Life Expectancy:  72 years
Religions:
     -Muslim:  80%
     -Christian:  16%
     -Hindu:  2%

Indonesia is an archipelago consisting of over 17,000 islands in southeast Asia.  This week I shared briefly about Indonesian culture, including a sport that is popular in many southeast Asian countries.  Sepak Takraw is a sport that requires great athleticism. 

Challenges for Prayer

Indonesia is prone to natural disasters
     -Earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons are not uncommon in Indonesia.  Most the the fatalities from the 2004 tsunami were in Indonesia.

Sumatra is the largest unevangelized island on earth
     -Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel in Indonesia.

Bible translation
     -Many spoken languages require many translations of the Bible.


Prayer Reminder

Natural gas is one of Indonesia's largest industries.  Remember to pray for Indonesia when you use your oven, whether it be gas or electric.

 


*Source:  Operation World by Jason Mandryk  

Global Awareness--Ivory Coast

This is a continuing series of posts from recent talks to the student ministry of our church.


Statistics*

Population:  21.5 million
Capitol:  Yamoussoukro
Life Expectancy: 56.8 years
Religions:
     -Muslim:  42%
     -Christian:  33% 
     -Ethnoreligionist:  24%

*Source:  Operation World by Jason Mandryk


Challenges for Prayer

Animism
     -Many Ivory Coast residents continue to practice traditional religions, including ancestor worship.  Even a number of Christians in the country continue to hold on to some of their animistic beliefs.  Pray that the nation will see that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.


Knowledge and understanding of the Bible
     -The number of theological institutions has grown over the years, but there is still a great need for Church leaders to be properly trained in the Scriptures.  Pray that the Word of God would be taught in the Ivory Coast.


Division
     -Recent civil wars have lead division in the country.  Although not as bad as it was in the early 2000's, there is still a need for peace and stability in the country.


Prayer Reminder
Ivory Coast is one of the largest producers of cocoa beans.  Remember to pray for the people of the Ivory Coast when you eat something that contains chocolate.