Papua

Last week I had the privilege of listening to a young woman speak about the three and a half years she spent teaching and working in a small seminary in Papua New Guinea - the part that is actually considered part of Indonesia.

Her words were powerful, and sparked some rather surprising decisions in me. (No, I'm not heading for Papua any time soon!) But they did challenge me greatly.

Today, I received the following urgent email from a missionary that the church I grew up in has long provided prayer support to. After years as a missionary in the field in Indonesia, he and his wife now serve as a sort of traveling pastor/counsellor couple to other missionaries with their organization all over South East Asia. Because of my experience last week, I am praying specifically for them today.

URGENT: I am extending my time in Papua, Indonesia for two more days (until the 28th). There are various crisis at the present moment, and it feels like this field is under attack. Please pray that Satan’s designs would be thwarted and that God’s Spirit would move powerfully among us, convicting, encouraging, and strengthening all that are in great need at this time. “Father, you tell us to take the full armor of God and to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, not depending on our own understanding. We ask you now to protect your Church from the evil one, and break through the bonds that bind us and hinder unity. We want to see your Name lifted up and your people filled by and walking in your Spirit”