Stake Conference

Today we attended the Jakarta Stake Conference. There were 750 in attendance.

 The speakers spoke of missionary work and the importance of sharing the message of the Savior Jesus Christ with friends and family.  In Indonesia it is against the law to share your religion with others unless they ask. 

Last year there were 79 baptisms in Indonesia with 40 so far this year.

Recently we attended the organization of the second stake in Indonesia—this one is in Solo, in Central Java (the main island where Jakarta is also located).

The Church started missionary work in Indonesia around 1970.  Today there are about 6500 members.  Many of the members are second and third generation, have served missions and become the strong foundation of the Church.  The members are very faithful and spiritual.

Cemeteries (including the goats!)

We have three large cemeteries around our apartment complex with thousands of graves.  We are told some people won’t even live here for that reason.  However, so far we have not seen any ghosts, only goats!  Each cemetery has a Christian Section and a Muslim Section.  As you will see from the pictures below, cemeteries are a little different in Indonesia—at least in the city of Jakarta. Various vendors, people live there, etc.

Located just inside the main entrance to the cemetery.  For the inguiring mind, I have bought flowers three different times--which makes this lady and Gail very happy!

You can buy snacks, drinks, or a complete meal of rice, soup, etc.

Chickens attempting to find something to eat!

There are many goats roming the cemetery.  There is plently for them to eat!

Another vendor.  One stop shopping--get you tire fixed, buy gasoline (note the bottles on the shelf-they have gasoline in them!), buy a grave marker.

Someone's house.

Laundry Day!

Cloths hanging out to dry, the sides are plastic tarps that are unrolled at night.  I am told that local people come and teach the children because the parents can not afford to send them to school.