by James Daley, missionary to Indonesia

Two different pictures of Islam are shown to the American public. On the one hand, the nightly news presents the picture of the fanatical, militant Muslim fundamentalist. On the other hand, the Islamic world keeps claiming that this picture represents only the exception to the rule. They claim that Islam is a tolerant religion. Which picture is true? Perhaps the truth is found somewhere in between. Having lived in Indonesia, the country with the world’s largest Islamic population, as a missionary for the past 24 years, I have a more realistic picture of Islam.

First of all, Indonesia does not have an Islamic government. It is not an Islamic state. It has a form of democracy. However, Indonesia is not totally different from those countries called Islamic states. The government of Indonesia is not under direct Islamic law, but because the population is 88 percent Muslim, the government is greatly influenced by the Islamic element.

When we first arrived in Indonesia in March of 1971, we were free to distribute tracts and visit door-to-door. New laws were introduced in the late ‘70s to eliminate literature distribution and evangelism. Later another law was introduced that made the conversion of Muslims to another religion illegal. This law was in keeping with other Islamic nations; the only difference was that it is not as greatly enforced in Indonesia. We have to be very discreet, but we have been able to continue visitation although not on a door-to-door basis.

We have had part in establishing thirteen Baptist churches and several other missions. All of these churches are pastored by nationals who have been trained in our Bible college in Jakarta. It is my responsibility to direct both the undergraduate program of the college and its postgraduate program, which now enrolls fifteen men. The Bible college is extremely important to all of the independent Baptist missionaries in Indonesia. Most of the missionaries lost their missionary visas in 1988 and had to reapply for visas as professors of theology. Without the Bible college and its four branches, the present missionaries would not have a sponsor and could not continue to minister there.

The Lord has blessed the independent Baptist movement in Indonesia with some good men. These men have proved their dedication with faithfulness under difficult circumstances. Churches have been closed because of Islamic pressure, but these pastors have simply moved to other areas and continued to serve God faithfully. They labor under constant pressure from the Islamic majority, and they greatly need your prayers. While the Islamic idea of tolerance is different from that of Western cultures, we continue to see people saved and churches established. Please pray for more workers to meet the great need in Indonesia.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

KIRK & KATHY HICKOK -  BRAZIL
CHRIS & CHRISTINE HILMER -  CANADA
HAROLD M & BRIDGETTE HOLDBROOK -  GHANA