God’s wisdom (Proverbs 8:25): “Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills I was brought forth.”
Originally from the eastern coast of Sumatra, the Kerinci fled from local Muslim Sultanates in an ancient war and moved into their existing homeland high in the Bukit Barisan Mountains. They speak Kerinci and Bahasa Indonesian.
Most of the 260,000 Kerinci are farmers harvesting rice, potatoes, coffee, cinnamon, and even resin and rattan from the jungle areas. Those living near Lake Kerinci and other small lakes are fishermen. The Kerinci have been able to resist assimilation with the stronger lowland peoples.
Mass Relocations
Today their isolation is being changed by government-sponsored mass relocations of Jawa, Sunda, and Bali people for plantation projects on their rich soil. In addition, a world-class national park is being developed by the World Wildlife Fund to preserve the rainforest, flora, and fauna. Islam is the majority religion of the Kerinci, but they still hold to animism, especially as it is exhibited by their use of traditional healers and magic to bless their crops.
Testimony
A young woman from a conservative Muslim background is now a follower of Christ. Her brother heard of this, but was sure she would soon return to Islam. When he saw that she hadn’t, he demanded that she renounce her faith and say the Islamic creed. She refused, and he grabbed a metal rod and threatened to kill her. The family stopped him, but her mother sobbed and pleaded with her to say the creed. She finally did, but deeply regretted it afterward. When she shared her sorrow with another believer, her friend explained that the Apostle Peter also denied Jesus, but was forgiven and restored. She has now experienced this same grace and says, “I never want to deny the Lord ever again.”
Dreams and Visions
A recently baptized believer just out of prison was greatly troubled by questions which another person brought up about the reliability of the New Testament. He said he was full of doubts and fell asleep with a Bible next to his bed. In the middle of the night he was awakened by a man who pointed to the Bible and said, “Don’t be afraid. Read my book. I’m always with you.” Later, he realized it was Jesus who had spoken to him, and he was greatly encouraged.
Flag of Indonesia
Map of Indonesia
Prayer Starters:
- Ask the Lord to give wisdom and favour to believers going among the Kerinci of Indonesia.
- Pray for God’s wisdom and authority in dealing with the spiritual forces that have kept the people bound for generations (1 Cor. 1:30, 2 Cor. 10:4).
Listen to the Podcast – DAY 18 – The Kerinci People of Indonesia
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Video: Church Planting Among Muslims (1:20)
Indonesia Trailer from Techinc Productions on Vimeo.
that “testimony” was very heart-breaking. i am glad she came back to Christ after saying the shahada under pressure. i hope she grows in her faith and never denies her LORD again. may God bless her and give her courage to stand firm from now on.
In praying for wisdom and light for the believers going through the area and dealing with spiritual forces, the Lord led me to also pray for the power of His light to penetrate the darkness with the power of gentleness. I didn’t realize the POWER in gentleness was so key. I pray my insight might help someone else who is dealing with the immediate resistance.
I am considering this people group as our target as we prepare in missions. If anyone else is interested in working with them or is currently there, I’d like to connect. If you want to contact me, please do or respond here, I’ll track comments.