Responding to the World: Indonesia

RESPONDING TO: INDONESIA

Is Indonesia closed to the Gospel?

 

Indonesian ChurchIndonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world. Even though 86.1% of the  population is Muslim, Indonesia is not an Islamic state. The 1945 constitution  guarantees freedom for citizens to embrace their religion and to worship accordingly. However, the government only recognizes six religions: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

Indonesia is not actually closed to the Gospel. Approximately  3% are Christians. However, with the diverse religions practiced in Indonesia, conflicts are often unavoidable. Though more moderate than in other countries, there is strong Muslim resistance to Christianity.

 

Ridgeway Evangelist Richard Hamlet and Wife, Ginger, Share the Gospel in Indonesia

Ridgeway’s ministry literally throbs with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Jeremiah could not hold the Word of God in silence within his community, so today we are compelled not to rest in sharing Christ until the Lord returns in glory.

Ridgeway’s mission is to aggressively advance the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We are blessed to partner with indigenous champions for Christ around the world, as He raises up His people for such a time in these last days.

One such champion for Christ in Indonesia is GMF partner, Robinson Rimun. During March 19 – 24, Richard and Ginger Hamlet served with Rev. Robinson Rimun to minister to the Indonesian people in Semarang on the island of Java.

 

Yultje and Rev. Robinson Rimun, Rev. Richard and Ginger Hamlet

Yultje and Rev. Robinson Rimun, Rev. Richard and Ginger Hamlet

During this time Richard challenged students and faculty at the Indonesian Baptist Theological Seminary to share the Gospel faithfully and preach the Word of God biblically. He also taught “Christian Education for Teenagers and Youth in the Church” and “Pastoral Counseling”.

Ginger taught classes in counseling and evangelism.  Later, both Richard and Ginger spoke to Indonesian pastors and their wives at a pastors meeting.

On Sunday morning Richard preached at Candi Baptist Church and the English Service ministry at the seminary, while Ginger shared at the Gisikdrono Baptist Church.

 

Bro. Richard preaches to Indonesian people in Semarang, Indonesia; Robinson Rimun translates.

At Robinson’s church plant in Tugu, Richard led a multi-night revival. More than 45 people attended the revival.  Please pray for the people who accepted Christ during these services.

Meet Robinson Rimun of Semarang, Indonesia

 

Rev. Robinson Rimun

GMF Network Partner, Robinson Rimun and his wife Yulje minister among foreigners and nationals in Semarang, Indonesia.

The Rimuns spent several years in Memphis, TN while Robinson studied at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. During this time they were faithful members at Bellevue Baptist Church.

Robinson Rimun baptizing a new believer.

Having returned to  his home country, Robinson finds special joy in sharing the Gospel with the Indonesian people.

Besides teaching in the seminary and reaching out to people in his church plant, Robinson started an English program for the public. He wants to use these free classes as a tool to reach out to the community.

Please pray for:

  1. The Indonesian Baptist Theological Seminary in Semarang, Indonesia; Dr. Sentot Sadono (President); the faculty and staff; and the students
  2. The ministry at the seminary Robinson started: English services for both foreigners and locals whowants to speak English
  3. The new believers who have come to Christ through his ministry: that they might grow in their faith and share the Gospel with others
  4. For Robinson’s family: his wife, Yulje, and their three daughters
  5. For safety and health
  6. For courage and strength to continue reaching out to people for Christ and planting churches in Indonesia
  7. That God will multiply the young church plant in Tugu and knit them together in a fellowship of love