Jacque in Jakarta: Looks Can Be Deceiving

View of the Kahtedral towers

Today we were able to take a tour of the Istiqlal mosque in Jakarta. Istiqlal is the largest mosque in Indonesia. It was completed in the 1970's and, ironically enough, was created by a Christian architect. Inside there are twelve pillars to represent the birthday of Muhammad and five levels to represent "pancasila", which is the philisophical foundation of Indonesia. From the outside grounds there is a view of the Cathedral towers across the street and the Monas national monument not too far away.

A drum used for call to prayer in Indonesia

It was a very beautiful and grand building, but the most interesting thing for me is how Alex and I were treated. It was very different from how we've ever before been treated in Jakarta. People were incredibly welcoming. Strangers were shaking our hands and happy to see us. They then explained why they were so friendly to us by saying one word, "Muslim". They thought from the scarf I was wearing on my head that we were Muslim. They assumed we were "one of them". I happily said, "No, Christian" and then I said what I thought was the most important word "hormat", respect. I tried to explain that I was wearing the scarf out of respect for Muslim traditions. Even though I don't agree with Islam, I am perfectly happy to respect Muslim traditions when I am in their house. Unfortunately, as soon as they realized we were Christian they quickly left us and seemed sorry to have introduced themselves. It seemed that "hormat" wasn't enough. We needed to be "one of them".

Even though the after reaction wasn't very nice, I am still happy we were able to visit Istiqlal seeing as Indonesia contains the largest population of Muslims in the world. I think when traveling around the world it is important to learn about cultures different from your own and to show respect for those cultures. As the saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"...even if the Romans don't reciprocate your respect.

Jacque in Jakarta: Life as a Christian

In honor of Easter, I've decided to share my experience as a Christian living in Jakarta. It hasn't been the challenge I was anticipating, but it has been a challenge in ways I never realized.

The first two months we were living in Jakarta, we weren't going to church. It was a a burden for me because we had been going every Sunday before we came to Jakarta. Finally, my amazing husband tracked down an English-speaking Christian church. We went on the first Sunday, and I was so happy to be home. It was something that had definitely been missing, and once we had the comfort of a church family, it made life here in Jakarta a lot easier.

However, things aren't always easy for religious minorities. Here in Indonesia, Christians make up less than ten percent of the population, while over 85% are Muslim. This has led to some religious strife here in Jakarta. Luckily though, we haven't faced those issues since we've been here.

For me, this journey as a Christian in a Muslim country hasn't been publicly challenging, but personally challenging. I have always been unsure about the strength of my faith. I would sit in the pews furthest to the back. I would never put myself in a position to talk about my faith. Even though I had a true longing to be more involved, I would do everything I could to avoid it. But, I have learned in the past few months that the plans we have for ourselves are not always the plans that are best for us.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
-Jeremiah 29:11

This was the first verse I heard on the first Sunday I went to church in Jakarta. I return to it time and again. I know that whenever I get a pull in my heart to do something, it's a pull toward the plans that the Lord has for me. He pulled me to return to church in Jakarta, which can be dangerous. He pulled me to join a Bible study group, so I could share my testimony and learn more about His word. And most recently He has pulled me to join in the prayer ministry at church.

And of course, I know that He has used some awesome people to give me the extra pushes I needed. First and foremost, my loving husband has been my support to get me to the door. And I wouldn't have come this far without the encouragement of my loyal friend Helen. Also, our vicar, Jon, has opened doors to my faith that I didn't know existed.

All in all, life as Christian is a challenge. Sometimes though, the biggest hurdle is yourself.