Congregation attacked again in Bekasi

 
Reverend Luspida Simanjuntak
Photo from Compass Direct
Members of the Batak Christian Protestant Filadelfia Church in Bekasi, Indonesia were attacked by a group of eight unknown assailants during a worship service on September 11. An elder, Asia Sihombing, was stabbed in the stomach. When Reverend Luspida Simanjuntak tried to come to his assistance, she was beaten with a stick and injured on her face, head and back. At last report, both of the believers were recovering in a local hospital.

In August, the congregation was victim to a similar attack by Muslim militants opposed to the members holding worship services on a church-owned plot of land (click here for more information). Reverend Luspida, however, insisted that they had a right to worship in the open and said that she would continue her mission without fear despite growing threats against Christians. The recent violence has intensified fears among Christians, human rights activists and many other Indonesians over the decline of religious freedom in the country. (Sources: AsiaNews, Jakarta Globe)

Pray for healing for Asia and Reverend Luspida. Pray that the assailants will be apprehended. Ask God to give these church members boldness and wisdom as they face difficult challenges because of their faith (Psalm 91, Isaiah 26:3).

For more on the persecution of Christians in Indonesia, go to the Indonesia Country Report.

  • Country Information

    Population
    279,476,346 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Javanese (40.1), Sundanese (15.5), Malay (3.7), Balak (3.6), Madurese (3), Betawi (2.9), Minangkabau (2.7), Buginese (2.7), Bantenese (2), Other (23.8)

    Religion (%)
    Muslim (87.2), Christian (9.9), Hindu (1.7), Other (0.9), Unspecified (0.4)

    Leader
    President Joko Widodo (2014)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system based on the Roman-Dutch model and influenced by customary law

    Sources: CIA World Factbook.

  • Pray for Indonesia

    Pray for the continued growth of the church in Indonesia, despite the intense opposition and persecution that has taken place. May the destructive plans of the enemy to eradicate Christianity be frustrated and nullified.

    Pray that whatever is intended for evil, God will turn around for good – causing such hatred and violence to not only discredit extremism, but to also compel many to seek salvation in Christ... including the perpetrators of persecution.

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Indonesia News

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