THE ISLAND OF SUMATRA

     This past week I have been very heartbroken. No, I didn't break up with anyone. Life is good! I mentioned in my blog last week all about an island off of Indonesia called Sumatra. When I read that it is the least evangelized Island in the world, I have to admit it really bothered me. It really eats at me and gets me very sad! To think that residents of that Island have never heard the name of Jesus is alarming! I think about the churches today around the world that are in conflict over such things as the color of the curtains in their windows or if they should have a drummer playing or not. Many churches around our nation have changed the look of their sanctuary to look like a movie theater instead of a church. The even have changed the name of many churches to be "user friendly" and pastors today want to dress more "hip" so that people won't think they are square. Wearing a tie is not cool anymore but wearing ripped jeans with a t-shirt is "styling." They even strive to make their children's area look more like Disney World to attract kids. Before you send me emails because your church does this, I am only sharing my opinion. I still wear my "character ties" to church and my churches name is Lift Jesus Higher Fellowship, not exactly "user friendly" but in my opinion "to the point!" Churches get so caught up in being "hip" that they lose the vision of what is going on in the "real world." Think about it! Sumatra is the LEAST EVANGELIZED ISLAND IN THE WORLD!!! Doesn't that as a Christian make you sick??? Shouldn't the Body of Christ feel the need to take action?? It makes me want to quit my job, raise support and get Grandpa Lou and my other "friends" on an airplane and get to this island pronto!!

     There are a few alarming things about this country that I need to share. Sumatra is 87% Muslim. They believe that Jesus was only a good prophet, not the Son of God. Only 20% consider themselves to be "Christian" and the rest are Buddhist and Hindu. There are well over 52 languages spoken on this island. The spread of the gospel is very weak on this island. Ministry to Muslims is very difficult! I should know. I spent almost 3 months in Bradford, England in 1986 also known as "Little Pakistan." We tried to reach them going door to door selling them literature and books in their language. The kids there loved the members of my team and we even had the opportunity to speak in a public school! In 3 months I only saw 4 converts and none were Muslim!  

     There is one thing I can do! The answer would be to go there obviously but in the meantime, I can pray for this Island. I can ask God to "send forth his laborers into the harvest field." I can pray that the Holy Spirit would move upon the people in an amazing way. 

     There are A LOT of people who are Lost not only in Sumatra but right here in the U.S. Come on Christians lets get motivated to pray that God raises up "His laborers!!!!" 

MAYBE IT'S YOU?????