The 7.6-magnitude quake struck close to the city of Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province, which sits along a major fault line.
Homes, schools and offices have collapsed, with many people still buried under the rubble, and rescuers working hard to find survivors.
A second sizeable earthquake struck Padang early this morning, further hampering the relief effort.
BMS partner, the Indonesia Baptist Church Convention (KGBI) has over 20 church planters working on Sumatra, and whilst none of them are based in the affected province, they are expecting to be involved in relief and development work in the days, weeks and months ahead.