Belitung in Indonesia

Belitung
Photo Source:  Wallpaper Flare  Creative Commons 
Map Source:  People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Belitung
Country: Indonesia
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 117,000
World Population: 117,000
Primary Language: Malay
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.05 %
Evangelicals: 0.03 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Melayu of Sumatra
Affinity Bloc: Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction

The Belitung people are named after their home island, Belitung. This island is located in the South China Sea, to the east of Sumatra. Many farm corn, cassava, sweet potatoes and bananas. The handicraft industries developed by the Belitung involve porcelain, ceramic and rattan goods. Their traditional houses are built on wooden supports with bark walls and roofs of sago palm leaves. Groups of Belitung families form villages they call keleka. The keleka is led by a traditional chief and his assistants and has its own regulations. The religious leader is a shaman who leads religious ceremonies. The Belitung largely adhere to Islam, but they also follow beliefs outside of Islam. Christians can encourage and disciple the Christian believers among them, praying for them and providing discipleship materials.

Ministry Obstacles

The traditional beliefs of the Belitung have separated them from Jesus Christ. They are not open to hearing about the one who is the truth.`

Outreach Ideas

Pray for the Followers of Christ

Pray for the Entire People Group

Pray for the few followers of Jesus among the Belitung community to fellowship together and grow strong in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Pray for the material and physical needs of the Belitung to be met. Pray that soon there would be Belitung Christ followers discipling others to make even more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project