Daily Topic for June 19, 2007
We fool ourselves if we think world evangelization is simply a task requiring more effort. The proclamation of God’s Kingdom is a frontal attack on rebel-controlled territory that will meet Satan’s fiercest resistance and opposition. The battle is essentially spiritual, and those who engage in the conflict must be equipped with the spiritual armor Paul describes. If you intend to involve yourself in the battle-as a sender, mobilizer, missionary or in any other capacity-be prepared for attacks greater than you’ve ever experienced before.
Lord, give us wisdom and protection as we enter into spiritual conflict.
Once known as fierce headhunters, the estimated 513,000 Abung people live in the beautiful mountains of northeastern Lampung. Tourism, fishing, harvesting of rice and peppers, and now the development of industry have been their main sources of livelihood for the Abung people of the Lampung Province of Sumatra Island. Like most people in this part of the world, family unity is important to them. The majority live in villages made up of 10 family clans that have an advisor. Their unique historical Malay culture is well-known because of their beautiful cloth decorations and pottery. These items often come with stories. At one time Abung headhunters used specially decorated cloth skull wrappings for their “trophies.” Their traditional pottery is painted with pictures that depict war dances. They still practice superstitions that conflict with pure Islam.
The Abung people do not welcome strangers, and they feel a deep resentment against the politically dominant people of Java Island, where the Indonesian government is located. Javanese “transmigrants” have been moved among the Abung people, crowding them in their own homeland. Some of these Javanese are Christians, though they are, for the most part, Muslim.
The Abungs have had some exposure to the gospel, and there have been a few believers among them, yet the majority are very resistant.
Learn more at joshuaproject.netPray that God will instill the courage and right spirit of Christian Indonesians to wisely approach and reach the Abungs.-PD