I’d been praying the Psalms this past week and feeling discouraged in spirit because of the weight of the world around me and its sorrow and hunger and violence. I asked The Lord aloud suddenly, “Would You please show me some good news?” Immediately, I was compelled to go online to a Christian web site that I seldom frequent, which often headlines stories of persecution around the world and pressing national issues in America. The very first headline that I saw completely dazzled and amazed me: Historic Nonstop Prayer Sweeps Muslim Indonesia.

In summary, 13 percent of the world’s Muslims inhabit Indonesia. However, Christians have been praying specifically for the nation’s government, media, and young people. (This is precisely the focus of my own prayer ministry!) They are also praying for better relations between Christians and Muslims, at whose hands they sometimes suffer persecution.

They are seeing answers to their prayers. Christianity is growing. God is granting them fervor, favor, and faith.

There are some distinguishing features of this prayer movement which is shaking Indonesia.

• The Indonesian Christians are tireless in their intercession: 24 hours a day, seven days a week they lift up their nation. Believers pray for four hours stretches at a time in the “headquarters,” taking rest on designated bunks and returning at intervals to intercede again
• There is unity of the Body in this prayer movement: Catholics, Pentecostals, Evangelicals, and mainline denominations are coming together, united in the realization that “Jesus is the only answer for Indonesia”
• Those praying for their nation have been steadfast. In the capital city of Jakarta, a prayer tower has been erected, and its caretaker, Jeffrey Petrus, has been using it as his home away from home for twelve years
• The prayer movement is connecting 500 Indonesian cities with more than 5 million intercessors, ensuring that every town, neighborhood, and church is covered

“I don’t know another nation on earth like Indonesia where the church has become so passionate and united in prayer,” Tom Victor, with the American-based Great Commission Coalition said.

A double blessing in hearing this amazing news for me personally is that we sponsor a little girl in Indonesia. A piece of our heart is already in this country, so this news was like getting a big Valentine’s card from God, saying “See, I’m in every single detail.”

In a predominantly Muslim nation, God has set the hearts of His people on fire and they’re passionately, relentlessly changing their world. This should tremendously encourage us and “spur us on to good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).  May the United States be next!