Overview
Nias is a beautiful island full of beutiful beaches
and friendly people. Statistically, Nias has 90% of its population listed
as Christians. But the truth is there are only a few believers and followers
of Christ. The Island of Nias has a couple of denominations of churches,
most are not evangelistic and are "dead". Pooling the testimony
of quite a few people, it can be concluded that the churches was there
when they are born, and thier parents go to thoose churches, so they have
to go to thoose churches and are "Christians".
Living in deep traditionalism, the people of Nias
have a good head knowledge of the Bible, but do not have the slightest
idea of what the Bible teaches or meant. They memorize scripture, know
stories in the Bible, but most of them doesn't have assurance of salvation,
dosen't live a Godly lives, and do not know what it means to live as a
new creation in Christ making Him Lord of their lives.
Being spiritually blind all this years, makes the
people of Nias a hearvest field ready to be harvested. Seeing quick result
of repentance and an enlightment of what they read in the Bible (based
on our team's visit to Nias), we believe that all of thoose lives are
ready to be hearvested for the glory of God.
Pray generally for a revival movement in Nias, pray that they might be
free from spiritual blindess that has closed their heart and eyes all
this years, pray that the Island of Nias will have a renewed faith, a
true faith in Christ Jesus our savior.
Please also take the VPW Tour for spesific needs of Nias.
Critical Stats
Nias Island lies on latitude 10 30' north and longitude 970 98' east. It covers an areas of 5,625 km2 which is mostly lowland area of ± 800 m above sea level.
It is the biggest in a group of islands on this side of Sumatera that is part of the province of Sumatera Utara. This area consists of 131 islands and Nias Island is the biggest. The population in this area is about 639,675 people (including Malay, Batak, and Chinese). Nias has a very unique culture and nature which is far different from other areas in North Sumatra. This is because of its separate and remote location from the rest of Sumatra.
To reach this place, there is weekly ship from Jakarta (the capital city of Indonesia) to Gunung Sitoli; There are Ferries from Sibolga to Gunung Sitoli, Teluk Dalam, or Lahewa every day; Before the crisis hit Indonesia, there is daily flight from Medan to Gunung Sitoli, however it is less frequent nowadays.
Gunung Sitoli is the capital city
of Nias and it is the center of administration and business affairs of
regency. There are several travel agencies hotels, public busses and rental
cars to support tourism here. There are also some government and private
banks available.
Prayer Needs:
Cultural Interest
Cultural side of the island is a very attractive one. The most famous and unique cultural activity is stone-jump, where men make thrilling leaps over a high pile of stone with height over 2 meters. The jump made to prove one's manhood. Visitors can find this activity performed in village of Bawomatoluo, Hilisimaetano or in other surrounding villages.
Stone-jump occasion is used to prove one's manhood. The stone piles may reach over 2 meters high, actually this is dangerous but yet thrilling sport.
Nias traditional war dances also very attractive, just don't be upset if now this dance performed with no intention to declare real war. The performers wear traditional costumes, warriors jacket made from black palm fiber (called ijuk) and bark-cloth fiber, and their heads garnished with bird feather, while in their hand they carry spears and shield.
Traditional house of this island is very interesting. Village of Bawomatoluo or ‘sunhill’ has the oldest and largest Omo Sebua or Ig house of this indigenous, warlike Nias tribe. This house with height up to 22 meters and some of its pillars are thicker than a meter still owned and inhabited by the royal family. In addition to its magnificent architecture, it has appealing wall carving that honor great ritual feast, and garnished with furnitured, like tables and chairs weighing up to 18 tons each.