How can things be similiar and so different?

Here in Indonesia it is a Muslim nation. I will admit I thought I would find a nation much like I imagine Iran to be, this is not the case. We have been staying in the city of Bandung, it is one of the bigger cities with approximately 4.5 million people in it. (It's like having almost all of Norway's population in Oslo). Here there are more malls than, I believe the States can boast about. There are shops and stands on every inch of the street, it seems. So I have noticed women in head coverings and such, but I notice materialism too. I find it a lot like the States (a primarily Christian nation), many people are just living for themselves with not much thought to what religion they are suppose to be or not be. I did not expect to see/think this. The villages are different, more Muslim, less materialism, it seems. Yet, the villages are mostly farming, therefore there isn't a lot of extra time. They farm all by hand, rice primarily.
I'm sure there are quite a lot of differences, but I think I am surprised about the similarities. As for the differences, I've noticed my heart of intercession increasing being here. I know that I do not understand the culture, especially their view on women, but I can pray. The song I find myself singing over this nation is "Freedom Reigns" by Jesus Culture - Freedom can reign in this place!

(below are pictures of a farming, it is breathtaking, especially when you realize it was created by hand.)

Update of Indonesia trip

This last week was full of great moments and we would like to share a few with you.

First, a little background. Our main activities have been to encourage the churches and Christians locally here. What this means practically is everyone has had the chance to preach a message, all the students got to do this twice. Fast forward to the prison meeting where Thomas got to preach his 2nd sermon...and preach he did. That day we saw God move and 5 men made decisions for Jesus.

Next sermon was given by Hanne at a youth meeting in a University. This night Hanne preached about it all being about God instead of being focussed on ourselves. She had an alter call, about 15 students came up for prayer, some crying as they were touched by God.

We ended our time well in Bandung and have safely arrived in our next destination: An orphanage in Bali, where we will live and work for the remaining of our outreach.

Life in Indonesia

Indonesia is a hot country filled with people. The people here are quite friendly, although as you go down the street people often have no expression until you smile, then you get a huge smile in return. Of course, there are many differences in this country from the States and Norway. First, it is Muslum nation so you hear the call to prayer four times a day. Second, they are the opposite of direct when it comes to communication. In fact, we have to ask 2-3 times if something is okay (like are these shorts to short?) before you will get an honest answer. Most of the food is fried (Fried chicken is a favorite, yes KFC is quite popular here). And of course, you have rice with every meal.

Here there is "religious freedom" in the sense that there are Buddhist temple, Hindu temples and Christian churches as well as many Mosques. Yet it is difficult to have a church building because you need to get the signatures/permission of the people in the neighborhood you want the church, but they are primarily Muslim, so often you won't get it. As a team, if we want to sing songs about Jesus we are asked to close the windows and doors as not to upset the neighbors. We have had a lot of opportunities to encourage local Christians here and in a country such as this it is encouragement is very needed.

Please pray for us as a team (Stefan, Hanne, Ingrid, Thomas, Asbjørn and Jae). We are a very good team but we have had some struggles. Your prayers are very appreciated.

Below are pictures of the city - mass traffic, motorbikes are the quickest way to travel even for a family, city life and the team.