Day 10
Indonesia
Praise God that the Evangelical Church in Indonesia is growing at an annual rate of 2.8%. This is faster than the overall global growth rate for the Evangelical Church. In part, this could be explained by Indonesia’s vast population. As the number of Christians increases, so does the opportunity for Indonesians to meet and interact with a Christian person. The potential for even more multiplication is enormous. Pray that Christian Indonesians will all feel courageous enough to invite their not-yet-Christian friends to the Christmas services and events this Christmas season. Pray that many will accept the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (The Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:15).
Source: Younger generation in Indonesia showing greater tolerance for the Gospel (MNN)
Having Southeast Asia’s strongest economy, Indonesia is also one of the G20’s wealthiest. It is the world’s fourth most populous nation. It also has the largest concentration of Muslims, yet Indonesia has an astonishingly high level of Christian presence. More than twelve percent of the population are Christians, over 33 million people, with church growth continuing to increase. While Christianity is not illegal, provincial laws can override it and Islamic law is sometimes used. Muslim extremists continue to spread anti-Christian messages in the public sector. President Widodo’s agenda to shift Indonesia from secularism to Islamization would seem to predict elevated levels of Christian persecution in the future. Indonesia has been the worst affected nation in Southeast Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic. They currently hold the 2022 presidency of the G20 and during the Summit in Bali, Indonesia called for urgent attention to be paid to the current global food and fuel crisis.

Day 10
Benin
Coastal erosion is impacting the whole of West Africa. Homes and businesses along Benin’s Atlantic coast are losing their battle against the sea, with experts saying the country loses approximately thirty meters of its coastline annually to the ocean. The government has spent millions of dollars protecting coastal communities from sea erosion. Still, climate change and rising sea levels have exacerbated the vulnerability of the coastal region. The government has built thirteen structures along beaches, particularly east of the country’s largest city, Cotonou, to slow ocean erosion. Water levels are rising due to climate change, severe weather phenomena, and the increased high waves washing over the coasts. Pray that Beninese call on the God of the creation to escape natural disasters (The Bible, Luke 4:8).
Source:
Patrice Guillaume Athanase Talon is a Beninese politician and businessman who has been President of Benin since 6 April 2016. An economist and investment banker turned politician, Lionel Zinsou was appointed Prime Minister of Benin in June 2015. Benin is best known for its peaceful democracy, one of the most stable in Africa. However, corruption remains a significant issue. The country, once hosting main ports crucial in the slave trade, still negotiates shady deals. Poverty increases each year. The nation’s annual Voodoo Day brings thousands of participants to the country’s celebration. Voodoo, a religion approved by the government, has more than 60% devotees and contributes to significant spiritual bondages over the nation, its people, and the Church. The country allows for freedom to practice and propagates any religion.
