[Today's Prayer] “3,500 people died in one month”… Indonesia loses control of its “worst-ever wildfires,” which are spewing toxic gas at 24 times the safety limit.

Research findings indicate that smoke from wildfires that have continued for several months across Indonesia has caused severe air pollution, with an estimated 3,560 people dying last September.

According to AFP and other news agencies on the 30th (local time), the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Helsinki-based think tank in Finland, stated in a recently published report that an estimated 3,560 people died last month due to deteriorating air quality caused by wildfires in Indonesia. This is twice the estimated number of deaths in August.

(Excerpt)

Indonesia has been battling wildfires for several months as drought conditions have worsened due to the El Niño phenomenon. Large-scale wildfires occurring repeatedly, particularly on the Indonesian islands of Borneo and Sumatra, are at their most severe level in 11 years, since 2015. The Indonesian government stated that it has deployed 72,000 personnel for artificial rain operations and firefighting efforts, that 2,100 medical personnel are working in affected areas, and that 5.3 million masks have been distributed.

According to Nusantara Atlas, an organization that monitors deforestation, more than 1.9 million hectares of Indonesian forest were destroyed by wildfires between January and September this year. This is equivalent to 32 times the area of Seoul.

(Following excerpt)

Source: Asia Economy

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1–2)

Heavenly Father, we hear the heartbreaking news that approximately 3,560 people died last September due to severe air pollution caused by wildfires that have continued for several months throughout Indonesia.

Lord, have mercy on the people of Indonesia who are suffering from wildfires and smoke following the severe drought. As the people of Indonesia lift their eyes to seek the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, may You Yourself become their help. May the affected areas be restored quickly, and may You heal the sick bodies and wounded hearts of the people of Indonesia.

Lord, with wildfires once again spreading at their most severe level in 11 years, since 2015, please bring these fires to an end quickly. May the Indonesian government swiftly establish recovery measures and preventive measures so that such damage is never repeated, and may the land and nature that You created be properly preserved.

May the churches in Indonesia stand alongside their neighbors who are suffering from the wildfires and demonstrate practical love. May they share Jesus Christ with the people of Indonesia who are facing this disaster. May those who are suffering receive comfort through the Gospel and encounter Jesus, who is their true hope.

Furthermore, may the global church pray for those in Indonesia whose health has been damaged by the wildfires and send medical missionaries to support the country's public health efforts. May they also pray that You, who are sovereign over the weather, will send sufficient rain so that the wildfires can be extinguished quickly.

Through this, may Indonesia rise up with the fire of the Holy Spirit that overcomes the wildfires and fulfill the vision of raising 500,000 missionaries in Indonesia who will go forth with the love of the cross!

Amen.