Geographical Challenges

Indonesia is made up of more than 14,000 islands. It has an estimated population of more than 255 million people, the majority of whom are Muslim.

• Island countries separated by miles of ocean
• War-torn and dangerous areas
• Villages that are far outside of towns and cities
• Vast areas without a church presence

Mountains and other difficult terrain also make it difficult to reach remote areas of our world.

Legal Challenges

In some countries around the world sharing the Gospel is forbidden.

• Governments grounded in traditional religious beliefs don't want "outside" influences
• In some countries where practicing Christianity is illegal, participants face fines, imprisonment, beatings, or death

Cultural Challenges

In Japan, Christianity and strong emotions are seen as weaknesses, making evangelism a struggle. Outspoken Christians are very rare there.

• Deep-rooted religious beliefs that are accepted by an entire society
• Abandonment when denying a family religion n Anti-Christian tribal rituals
• Consumer driven vs. agricultural mindsets

Educational Challenges

In Indonesian cities, there are people who are illiterate and others who have doctorate degrees. This disparity makes it difficult to relate to one another.

Training in philosophy and the Socratic method can turn people away from their need for Jesus

• Different materials are required for reaching people with PhDs and those who either didn’t go to school or left school after completing the 8th grade d

Economic Challenges

Some people can’t even afford a radio, while others have everything that money can buy and don’t think they need anything – or anyone – else.

• Global wealth inequality continues to broaden
• 50% of the world’s wealth is held by just 1% of the world’s population
• Economic gaps create stigma and perceived privilege, distancing people from those even within their own community

The Right Tools

One of the questions we hear from people when they are learning about ReFrame Ministries is, “Why do you have so many different programs?”

It’s a fair question to ask, especially when you learn that some areas of ministry are focused on mobile phone apps while others rely on radio broadcasts or printed materials.

Here is how I answer that thoughtful question: Because the tools matter. Different tools reach people in different ways and in different places. Our goal is to share the Gospel with as many people as possible, and so we use different tools and programs to cast the net as far and wide as God allows.

That’s why your partnership is so vital.

The resources you provide allow us to reach people through ways that are relevant to them. All of the tools are carefully analyzed and selected to help overcome obstacles to the Gospel in specific areas around the world.

In rural parts of Indonesia, a radio can be more effective than a website. In Japan, however, websites and mobile phone apps are the best way to reach people who want to be discrete as they seek the Lord.

Of course, no geographical, cultural, or technological obstacle in the world can stop Jesus. But when we use the right tools, we make spreading His love easier.