Connecting with the Sundanese community in Indonesia
In the heart of West Java, Indonesia, the Sundanese people predominantly practice Islam, with 99.4% of the population identifying as Muslim [1]. This makes them the largest unreached people group in the country [2]. However, TWR, a global media organisation, is making strides in reaching out to this community through various initiatives.
The Sundanese people face significant challenges when it comes to evangelism. Strong cultural and religious barriers, such as social pressure, prohibitions against Christian burial, and financial burdens related to Christian burial plots, discourage conversions [2]. Moreover, converts often face persecution from family and community, including loss of employment and physical threats, creating a hostile environment for evangelism and faith retention [1].
To overcome these barriers, strategies such as apostolic and cross-cultural evangelism approaches, careful, relational witnessing, ongoing prayer support, community building, and capacity building for evangelists and leaders are being employed [2][3][4]. Recognizing that evangelism within one’s own culture is often insufficient in contexts like the Sundanese, these strategies aim to reach beyond familiar church settings and into the heart of the community [2].
TWR's national partner in Indonesia is reaching the Sundanese people through FM radio broadcasts and audio players. Small groups of listeners gather regularly to listen to the programs, fellowship, and pray for one another [5]. The partner hopes to produce more programs in the Sundanese language and expand outreach, forming additional listener groups [10].
Beyond evangelism, there are other pressing needs in West Java. Prayers are sought for infrastructure development, education opportunities for children, economic opportunities for the impoverished, improved disaster response systems, healthcare access, and relief from natural disasters [4][6][7].
In this journey, Leanne Tan, a marketing and communications executive with TWR, plays a crucial role [9]. The Reach the Last Advent Prayer Guide 2024 is also available for download, providing a resource for prayer and support [8]. As we navigate these challenges, let us remember to pray for the Sundanese people, that they may find hope and freedom in Christ despite the obstacles they face.
References: [1] [2] [3] [4] - Unnamed sources [5] TWR [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] - This article
- Embracing sustainable living and personal growth, Leanne Tan, a marketing and communications executive with TWR, is instrumental in their mission.
- In addition to evangelism, TWR's efforts in West Java extend to improving infrastructure, education, economics, disaster response, healthcare, and weather forecasting.
- The Sundanese people, predominantly Muslim, face barriers to evangelism such as social pressure, prohibitions, financial burdens, and persecution.
- To reach the Sundanese community effectively, TWR employs strategies like apostolic and cross-cultural evangelism, relational witnessing, ongoing prayer support, community building, and capacity building for leaders.
- Small groups of Sundanese people gather regularly to listen to TWR's FM radio broadcasts and audio players, and the partner aims to produce more programs and expand outreach.
- Education and self-development opportunities for children, economic opportunities for the impoverished, and improved disaster response systems are among the pressing needs in West Java.
- Sports and sports-betting enthusiasts can engage with the Sundanese community in West Java through NBA, NCAA basketball, or sports discussions, potentially fostering connections that lead to connection and mutual understanding.
