Making God’s Word
Accessible in Indonesia
In a nation of over 17,000 islands, where millions are searching for truth and hope, the mission is simple but powerful: make the Bible accessible and understandable.
For Assaf Imanuel, National Director of Bible League in Indonesia, this mission is deeply personal.
Growing up, Assaf describes his faith as “Christian in name only.” It wasn’t until his university years that everything changed. Through a Christian student group, he encountered genuine believers for the first time. At an evangelistic event, he clearly heard the message of the Gospel—and chose to follow Jesus. Soon after, he was baptised, and in time, his entire family came to faith.
But his journey into ministry was anything but straightforward.
Assaf originally pursued a career in graphic design, working in advertising and later in Christian media. When he became seriously ill, he made a bold promise to God: “If You heal me, I will become a pastor.” When healing didn’t come immediately, he returned to his career—until a devastating diagnosis changed everything.
He was diagnosed with lung cancer and came close to death.
It was then that God intervened.
Miraculously healed, Assaf knew he could no longer ignore God’s call. He entered seminary and stepped into ministry—but the road was not easy. His family made significant sacrifices, selling their home, moving into a small apartment, and even giving up their car. There were days they didn’t know how they would provide for their basic needs.
Yet through it all, God remained faithful.
“I’m thankful to still be alive and able to proclaim the Gospel,” Assaf shares. “There’s nothing more meaningful.”
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Confirmation Content
Confirmation Content
A Nation of Opportunity—and Challenge
Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, home to nearly 230 million Muslims. While there is freedom for Christians in some regions, in others—such as Aceh—believers face significant challenges. Those who convert from Islam to Christianity often encounter pressure, rejection, or persecution, especially from their own families.
Yet even in this complex environment, the Gospel is spreading.
“The best way to reach Muslims is through friendship,” Assaf explains. “Build relationships, show kindness, and live out your faith with wisdom.”
He also highlights another major challenge: nominal Christianity.
Many people identify as Christian but have never experienced a personal relationship with Jesus. “As Billy Graham once said, ‘The churches are the biggest mission field.’ That’s true here in Indonesia as well.”
Bringing the Bible to Life
This is where Bible League’s work is making a vital difference.
Through programs like Project Philip, people are not only receiving the Bible—they are learning to understand it and apply it to their lives. Across Indonesia, these small group studies are helping nominal Christians come to genuine faith, while also providing a natural way for believers to invite their friends and neighbours to explore the Gospel.
Churches from many different denominations are working together, united by a shared mission: to help people encounter Jesus through His Word.
“Please pray for Indonesia,” Assaf says. “That people will come to know and confess Jesus.”
Confirmation Content
Confirmation Content
Confirmation Content
Confirmation Content
By providing Bibles, biblical resources, language translations and training. Together, your partnership is transforming lives globally by helping people engage with God’s Word, and in ways they understand, so they come to know Jesus.
