Indonesian Christians request Bibles after losing theirs in Typhoon Seroja
On April 4, 2021, a massive tropical typhoon, Seroja, hit East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. It was devastating – many homes were destroyed, livestock was gone and around 177 people were killed.
Pastor Gomar Gultom, Chairman of the Church Fellowship in Indonesia (PGI), reflects: “I witnessed empty houses because all the belongings in them had been swept away by the big flood. I also saw lots of land because the houses too were completely washed away. Countless livestock (cows, pigs, and goats) had disappeared and they left a disturbing smell.”
But amidst the destruction, he was amazed at the resilience of the people and the show of unity in facing the disaster together. “They no longer thought of their own denominational background. Each pastor was serving people regardless of where they are from,” he said.
“But what amazed me even more was that no one complained about the loss of their property, instead they were grieving because they’ve lost their Bibles. They hope they can get a new Bible soon. For me this is very extraordinary.”
Pastor Daud Tari, Chairman of the Evangelical Church of West Timor also said, “This Sunday I have to borrow a Bible. I don’t care about clothes. I can preach wearing sarong. But for Sunday service, I must have a Bible!”
Pastor Gomar explained this need to our local partners. In his estimation, the church in that region is in need of approximately 14,000 Bibles.Our partners are currently working with the Indonesian Bible Society to send the first 4,000 of these to these believers in East Nusa Tenggara.
Prayer
1. Pray for God’s provision in helping those who need the Bible. PGI is arranging it through its resources to fulfill the needs. Pray that God will move people’s heart to take part and be a blessing for their brothers and sisters in East Nusa Tenggara.
2. Pray for distribution on site. Damaged infrastructure will hinder the distribution of the Bibles. Many areas still cannot be reached by vehicles. Pray for alternative routes and provision for those who are going to the field and make the distribution.
3. Pray for the typhoon victims. Some of them lost their houses and belonging, and it will take some time for them to rebuild what have been lost. Let’s pray for God’s provision and strength upon them. Pray for the peace of God to reign in their heart while dealing with this tragedy.
