In Indonesia, where churches gather in rice fields, city alleyways, and mountain villages, a quiet but powerful movement is growing. At the heart of it is a hunger, not for bread or water, but for a clear, faithful understanding of God’s Word. In response to that need, the National Committee of the Lutheran World Federation […]

In Indonesia, where churches gather in rice fields, city alleyways, and mountain villages, a quiet but powerful movement is growing. At the heart of it is a hunger, not for bread or water, but for a clear, faithful understanding of God’s Word. In response to that need, the National Committee of the Lutheran World Federation in Indonesia (KN-LWF) is preparing a second translation of Growing as God’s People into Bahasa Indonesia. This beloved catechism-based resource, rooted in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, has already planted seeds of faith across the country. But now, the Lord is opening a door for an even deeper harvest.

Our people are eager to grow in the gospel, but they need tools that speak their language clearly, accurately, and with cultural understanding.

The first edition of Growing as God’s People was a blessing, but it wasn’t perfect. Over time, we have recognised several translation challenges and formatting inconsistencies that have clouded the meaning of the original message. Instead of simply reprinting, we have chosen to lovingly and carefully retranslate the book. By refining the theological clarity and improving readability, we pray this will make the book more accessible for our modern Indonesian context.

This second edition aims to do more than correct errors. It aims to preserve the heart of Lutheran doctrine, protect the clarity of the Gospel, and strengthen the next generation of Indonesian Christians as they grow in faith.

With support from LCA International Mission, the KN-LWF will:

• Distribute printed copies to churches, seminaries, and rural congregations across Indonesia.
• Equip pastors, teachers, and parents through regional training in effective catechesis and contextual ministry.
• Measure impact through surveys and local feedback—ensuring this resource truly takes root.

Perhaps most importantly, we are aiming to build a lasting framework for the future by integrating this edition into our formal church curriculum, training local trainers to carry on the work, and sharing teaching resources digitally through social media and mobile devices.

We want to raise a generation who knows what they believe, why they believe it, and how to live it out in their families, communities, and vocations.

We believe that when people can read and understand the gospel clearly and faithfully in their own heart language, the Spirit moves in ways that transform lives.

This edition will help people:

• Understand grace alone, faith alone, and Scripture alone in their cultural context
• Share their faith with confidence
• Live out their Lutheran identity with joy, humility, and conviction.

We are especially grateful for the partnership with LCA International Mission. As part of the funding agreement, an Indonesian-Australian reader will help review the translation, ensuring that the book also serves the growing Indonesian communities in Australia.

Please pray for this project, and for the churches and families who will be shaped by it. Pray for the translators as they work with great care and spiritual responsibility. Pray for the teachers who will use the resource to raise up young disciples. And pray for the readers, including children, teenagers and adults who will encounter the life-giving message of the gospel in these pages.

May this book help many grow in Christ and may it remind us all that no matter the language, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Many of our partner churches are working in new territory for the kingdom of God; therefore, spiritual attack is their everyday reality. As a member of a congregation, school, or family, or a couple or individual, you are invited to commit to praying for our partners in mission. For regular prayer point updates, go to www.lca.org.au/international-mission/act-now/pray

Read more stories about our partner churches in Indonesia at www.lcamission.org.au/category/stories/international-partners/indonesia/