Christians in the Poso area of Indonesia have experienced renewed violence in recent weeks. This violence comes only a few months after many of the troops were withdrawn from the area, believing it was secure. Intermittent attacks by militant Islamic groups have threatened to re-ignite the tensions between Christians and Muslims.
According to VOM sources in Indonesia, more than ten gunmen raided the village of Mauro on the night of October 13. Going house-to-house, the gunmen would shout for help and wait for the occupants to come out. When the villagers would not come out, the gunmen shot through the doors and windows. Three people were shot, one fatally.
Just over a week later, in the evening of October 22, the Tabernakel Church in Gebangrejo was attacked by two gunmen. When Hans Laniti, who lives in the church working as security, heard shots, he went to a terrace he was shot. He is being treated in the Poso General Hospital.
VOM has also received a number of reports of homemade bombs being found and diffused. On October 26, 123 bombs were found hidden in a Muslim cemetery in the village of Moengko Lama in the Poso area. Police believe they were intended for future attacks against Christians. On October 22, at least fifteen bombs were found in the Maranatha Protestant Church in Ambon, the capital of Maluku. Two days before, similar bombs were found at the Silo Church in Ambon.
Pray for the physical strength and recovery for Hans Laniti. Pray for those injured in the attack on Mauro, as well as those facing the fear that comes from such attacks. Pray that tensions will not escalate in the area.
For more information on the trials facing Christians in Indonesia, click here.
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