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Although the economic and political situation has caused strife, Dayak church leaders pray for revival within their churches and countrywide. Ifung, as he oversees village churches, urgently prays for "inspiration from the Holy Spirit" in facing the challenges posed by the global economy, which is opening up Kalimantan villages to economic development as never before.

"One of the things we struggle with in being here is how to help people with their [economic] needs," says missionary Eric Maxey, a teacher at the Theological School of Tenggarong. "Just giving money creates dependency. So we asked God to show us ways that we could help them. And God opened up a marvelous handicraft business."

Dayak leaders have trained 20 women to create beaded Christmas bells to be sold in North America through Bright Hope International of Wauconda, Illinois (847-526-5566).

Loly Dungau, the principal at Tenggarong, says his tribe has reserved the best of their art, dance, and beadwork. In turn, proceeds from selling beadwork may support a family, plus pay school costs.

Kelso Uleh, the student body president at Tenggarong, traces his commitment to Christian ministry to a time when he was nearly killed working for a logging company in Kalimantan. "I got stuck between a boat and a log on the river. The rapids were washing over me," Uleh relates. "I was released and the boat went into the rapids and was destroyed." Soon after that Uleh became a Christian. Now, at 31, he studies theology and is a student leader. The income his wife generates from beadwork allows the family to be self-sufficient and to pay for his education.

"It's a good time to pray for Indonesia" Dungau says. "When the institutions we think are secure collapse under us, many people start to question eternal things. We're praying that in this time of suffering, we'll see God use it for his glory."

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November 16 1998, Vol. 42, No. 13