GLOBAL PRAYER NETWORK: Gorontalo of Indonesia

Jumat, 02 Januari 2015

Gorontalo of Indonesia

The Gorontalo live in the northern part of Sulawesi island between the provinces of Central Sulawesi and North Sulawesi with the Sulawesi Sea to the north and Tomini Bay to the south. A number of Gorontalo are powerful national figures. Within the immediate family, children are not allowed to joke with their father, but must act respectfully. The Gorontalo have been Muslim since the 16th century. They observe Friday prayers with colleagues from work. Many residents also walk to their neighborhood mosque for evening prayers. Each village contains one to three mosques. Despite being strongly Islamic, many Gorontalo still believe in motolohuta (supernatural creatures) and hulobalangi (mysterious powers) of which they are both fearful and fascinated.

Ministry Obstacles
Christian workers should be prepared for spiritual opposition as Jesus is presented to the Gorontalo, who have been Muslim for many generations.

Outreach Ideas
Perhaps some in the Gorontalo community will learn of Christian resources available on the Internet, such as the Jesus film and recordings. Pray they will download these, and that the Lord will give them understanding as they view and listen.

Pray for the followers of Christ
Please pray for those in the Gorontalo tribe who identify themselves as Christians. Pray they will not lose their zeal to know and serve the Lord, and will represent him honorably.

Pray for the entire people group
Gorontalo officially gained provincial status in the year 2000. Gorontalo leaders are aware of the challenges inherent in organizing and governing a new province. Please pray this work will be well done.

Scripture Focus
"Now it will come about that In the last days, The mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, And will be raised above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it." Isaiah 2:2