Indonesia
Churches Targeted
Two churches in INDONESIA were targeted at Christmastime. Muslims yelled and threatened one congregation as its members attempted to hold a Christmas service. Another church was threatened with a cessation order just days before Christmas, and a Muslim group hung a banner near the church supporting a ban on church activities.
Pray that the believers will not be intimidated. “Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me!”
Churches Threatened with Demolition
Recently an Islamic group called for the demolition of five churches in INDONESIA.
Pray that the congregations will persevere and not become discouraged. “And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…”
Taking Nothing for Granted
Going to church is not something that Christians in Indonesia can take for granted. The GKI Yasmin Church has been struggling to meet for years. In 2008, their permit was revoked.They continued meeting, despite Muslim protests outside of their church.
Roads to Church Blocked
UPDATE: Muslims have blocked a congregation in INDONESIA from all roads accessing church property. The believers were recently forced to meet in a member’s home.
Thank God for their perseverance. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”
Church Faces Opposition
UPDATE: A church in INDONESIA continues to face opposition from local Muslims, despite a Supreme Court decision granting the congregation a building permit. Since 2008, the congregation has been meeting in the street by their half-finished building.
Pray that the believers will continue to persevere. “But You are the same, and Your years will have no end.”
Suicide Bombing at Church
On September 25 in INDONESIA, an Islamic suicide bomber detonated explosives packed with nails, nuts, and bolts at a church entrance. Although many believers were injured, none of the congregation was killed. They testify that God was there to protect them.
Pray that they will continue to be bold in their faith. “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.”
Church Closed, Pastor Arrested
Earlier this year, a 24-year-old church building in INDONESIA was closed for allegedly lacking a building permit. Its pastor was arrested. The congregation was told to meet instead at an overcrowded building that is currently being used by at least 14 other congregations whose churches have also been closed.
Pray that the believers will not give up meeting together. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…”
Pressure for Law Against Churches
The mayor of a city in INDONESIA is attempting to pass a law that would forbid churches from opening on streets that have Islamic names.
Pray that the congregations will not be afraid and will continue proclaim the Good News. “...on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Church Still Waiting for Permit
UPDATE: A church in INDONESIA was promised a building permit, but officials delay issuing it. The congregation has been meeting at a temporary location after Muslims protested the church and attacked a pastor and elder last year.
Ask God to provide a permanent place for them to meet. “Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
House Churches Set on Fire
Two house churches were set on fire in INDONESIA near the beginning of Ramadan. One was set alight by a mob of 100 people. The other was burned while several people were inside, but everyone escaped.
Pray that the churches will persevere. “But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear.’”
Congregation Threatened to Leave
UPDATE: In July Muslims protested a church in INDONESIA and threatened “anarchy” if the congregation does not leave. Muslims continue to oppose the church’s presence in their area, despite an order from the Indonesian supreme court that the church be permitted to reopen.
Pray that the congregation will persevere. “Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting.”
Missions School Attacked
A missions training school in INDONESIA was attacked by a mob of approximately 85 Muslims. They raided each class and dorm room and removed pictures of Jesus. They also demanded that the school be closed.
Pray that the school will be able to continue training evangelists. “Do not be anxious about anything…”
Congregation Barred from Meeting
UPDATE: Officials in INDONESIA continue to oppose a congregation’s meetings despite a court ruling in the church’s favor. On March 11, the mayor revoked the church’s building permit. The next day, authorities locked the building. On Sunday morning, fully armed police forced congregation members to leave the roadside in front of the church.
Pray that the believers will not become discouraged. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
Justice Denied
UPDATE: Prosecutors refused to file assault charges against Muslims who clubbed a pastor and stabbed an elder in INDONESIA last year. Muslims outside the courthouse shouted “Allah is greater” as the light sentences were read. The elder who was stabbed said that the verdicts were not just, but that he has forgiven the man who attacked him.
Pray that his forgiveness will be a witness to his Muslim neighbors. “Your right hand supported me, and Your gentleness made me great.”
Mob Attacks Believers
In INDONESIA, a mob of over 1,000 Muslims attacked the courthouse where a Christian accused of insulting Islam was sentenced to five years in prison. They thought this sentence was too lenient, and wanted the death penalty instead. They also attacked two churches and a Christian school.
Ask God to guard and encourage the believers in this region. “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
Muslims Protest Church Service
This winter Muslims protested a church service in INDONESIA and shouted “Allah is greater!” At the next service, police armed with barricades and water cannons used the pretense of controlling demonstrators to block off the church even from the congregation. Unable to get inside, the believers prayed in the street.
Ask God to free their hearts from fear. “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living One.”
Police Take Church's Pews
On December 19 in INDONESIA, a mob of Muslims gathered at 4:00 AM at a church and the pastor’s nearby house. They demanded that the police confiscate the church’s possessions. They also glued shut the fence lock on the pastor’s home and forced him to leave. The police did not stop the mob, and later agreed to seize the pews and other items.
Pray that the congregation and pastor will remain strong in the Lord. “...He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.”
Church Raided, Chairs Stolen
On an afternoon in December, Muslim demonstrators stormed into a house church in INDONESIA and stole chairs used by the congregation. An official reportedly told the demonstrators to steal the furniture. After the pastor complained, authorities returned the chairs.
Pray that the tiny congregation will not be intimidated. “And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.”
Mob Breaks into Church
Muslim demonstrators broke through an iron fence and forced their way into a church meeting in INDONESIA shortly before Christmas. They also damaged the door and Christmas tree. Under pressure, the pastor signed a letter promising that the congregation would not meet in the house where it currently gathers.
Pray that God will provide them a new meeting place. “...for there is no other name...by which we must be saved.”
Worship Service Forced to End
Fifteen minutes into an INDONESIAN church’s Sunday worship, Muslims used the threat of force to end the service. The pastor says they “worshiped only in prayer after that time.”
Ask God to give the congregation courage. “...Barnabas...exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose…”
Mob Protests Church
On December 12, about 200 Muslims protested a church meeting in INDONESIA. The congregation gathers in its pastor’s home because the government severely restricts church buildings.
Pray for the congregation, which is determined to continue meeting. “...Lord, look upon their threats and grant to Your servants to continue to speak Your word with all boldness…”
Muslims Protest Christians' Worship
In November, Muslims protested against a congregation that allegedly worshiped in an INDONESIAN mall. Although Muslims may pray there, they say Christians should not worship in this public area.
Ask God to provide a gathering place for believers, who are often denied building permits for churches. “Remember Jesus Christ...as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering…”
Muslims Protest Church
On November 7, Muslims protested an INDONESIAN church meeting and chanted “Allah is greater.” They claim the church lacks permission from area residents. It received permission from the local government, but higher government offices have stalled its application since 2005.
Pray that the congregation will be undaunted in its worship of the true God. “To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.”
Congregation Displaced
UPDATE: An INDONESIAN church is determined to continue meeting, despite harassment from Islamic groups and an order to cease activities. The pastor has conceded that the congregation will no longer meet in his home. The congregation of 150 members plans to “worship from house to house.”
Pray that God will provide a permanent meeting place. “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people.”
Church Closed for the Second Time
UPDATE: An INDONESIAN church that was sealed earlier this year was opened for one day in August before being sealed again. The new seal was placed during the night before a worship service. The congregation has been forced to worship by the roadside.
Pray that the new seal will be removed. “But the LORD was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”
