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Indonesia's tropical paradise, Bali, is recovering from the stigma brought on by the 2002 and 2005 terrorist bombings. Over the past year, the number of tourists visiting the region has nearly tripled. But it's not just the sandy beaches attracting tourists. A unique village called Blimbing Sari is drawing visitors. The villagers there boast that the area has been 100% Christian since 1939, when their persecuted ancestors were given the land as a safe haven by the Dutch government.
Rev. Ketut Suyaga Ayub, head pastor of the Protestant Christian Church in Bali explained. "Villagers are taught the value of hard work and rest. Every family gets two hectares of land from the government where they farm and raise cows. Even children in the orphanage are taught the value of work. Because of their prayer and hard work, the town is free from drugs and gambling and boasts a zero percent crime rate."
Because the love of God is felt in the community, new settlers who are non-believers are attracted to the Christian faith. One of them is Giman, a former Muslim. "I was ill and a villager helped me get surgery," he explained. "I lived among Christian people. They are nice to me and help me a lot. I learned Christianity. I believe in Jesus Christ as my own saviour. Ni Ketut Sudarmiasih was a former Hindu who studied at the Christian orphanage. "When I was a Hindu, I was not sure about salvation, if I would be saved when I die. But when I believe in Jesus Christ I know I will be with Jesus in heaven," he said.
Today, government and private organizations flock to Blimbing Sari to learn from its example. But they are yet to tap the key of her success: a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Used by Permission Australian Prayer Network http://www.ausprayernet.org.au/ Source: CBN News
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