In 2000, Abraham Bentar, a Muslim, came to faith in Jesus Christ. When he was baptized three years later, he told his pastor that he wanted to evangelize Muslims. Since then, Abraham has been actively involved in evangelism to Muslims in Tasikmalaya, West Java through his clothing business.
According to VOMC sources in Indonesia, Bentar was talking to his Muslim brothers on March 7 when three men burst into his home and assaulted him. He was dragged out of his home where a mob joined in, severely beating him until police intervened. He was then charged with attempting to convert Muslims to Christianity.
In May, Bentar appeared in court. His brothers were among those who testified that he had tried to convert them to Christianity. The judge sentenced him to four and a half years in prison.
When VOMC's contact spoke with Bentar's wife, Kristowati, she asked for three Bibles for her husband so that he could share them with the six cellmates he is sharing the Gospel with.
Pray that Abraham will have many opportunities to share Christ with those around him and that their hearts would be open to the gospel (Colossians 4:2, 3). Ask God to place a hunger for truth in the hearts of those Abraham comes in contact with. Pray that Kristowati and their daughter Rinda will be filled to overflowing with the comfort of the Holy Spirit while Abraham is in prison (2 Corinthians 1:5).
For more information on the persecution of Christian in Indonesia, click here.
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