I live in Surabaya, the city of heroes — where history and modern life constantly collide. Our city helped shape Indonesia’s independence, and that same fiery spirit still burns in the hearts of its people. Surabaya never sleeps; it hums with energy from its busy ports, crowded markets, and endless stream of motorbikes. Beneath the heat and the hustle, there’s a deep pride here — in hard work, in family, and in the Javanese way of life.

Surabaya is a mix of old and new. You can stand before ancient kampungs by the river and still see the reflection of glass towers in the distance. In the mornings, vendors call out as they sell lontong balap and rawon, and by afternoon, the city echoes with the Muslim call to prayer. Faith is woven into our streets, and Islam shapes much of the rhythm of daily life. Still, within this devotion, I often sense a quiet emptiness — hearts yearning for something real and lasting.

Following Jesus here is both beautiful and costly. We still remember the church bombings of 2018 — the fear, the grief, the shock. But we also remember the courage that rose from the ashes — families forgiving, believers standing firm, and the Church choosing love over revenge. Every Sunday, when we gather to worship, I feel that same courage — quiet but strong, born of a faith that no persecution can extinguish.

As I walk through the port, past fishermen and factory workers, or through the university neighborhoods filled with young dreamers, I sense the Lord’s heart for this city. Surabaya is full of movement, opportunity, and life — a perfect place for revival to begin. I believe that one day, the city known for its heroes of war will be known for its heroes of faith — those who carry the light of Jesus into every home and heart.

• Pray for the people of Surabaya to encounter the truth of Jesus amid the pressures of religion and modernization. (John 8:32)

• Pray for believers to stand firm in faith and forgiveness, even in places once touched by violence. (Ephesians 6:13)

• Pray for the frontier peoples of East Java to hear and receive the Gospel in their own languages and communities. (Romans 10:17)

• Pray for God’s protection over churches, families, and leaders in Indonesia as they share His love boldly. (Psalm 91:1–2)

• Pray for revival to rise from Surabaya — transforming this port city into a beacon of hope for the islands of Indonesia. (Habakkuk 2:14)