Unidentified attackers torched a church building in Poso, Indonesia, in a series of renewed violence against the local Christian community late last month. The fire at the Madele Pentecostal Church began when attackers doused a collection box with petrol and set it on fire. The pastor's residence was also damaged in the blaze. Reports state that the timely intervention by villagers, including some Muslims, was crucial in curbing the damage caused by the fire. In a recent spurt of violence against Christians in Poso, a number of places of worship as well as buildings owned by Christians have come under attack.
Pray that the believers will be encouraged to continue to meet together despite opposition (Hebrews 10:23-25). Ask the Lord to grow the believers in courage and in faithfulness. Pray that the perpetrators will repent and come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
Please visit the Indonesia Country Report to learn more about our persecuted brothers and sisters in Indonesia.
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.
A small militant group associated with ISIS, referred to as The East Indonesia Mujahideen, is known for its acts of violence. This same group was responsible for an attack in November that left four Christians dead (read the report). Therefore, when five members of the group wer
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The New Testament Christian Church in Central Java was meeting for worship on February 16th when protesters entered the building and demanded that the church service stop. As the demonstra
Unidentified attackers torched a church building in Poso, Indonesia, in a series of renewed violence against the local Christian community late last month. The fire at the Madele Pentecostal Church began when attackers doused a collection box with petrol and set it on fire. The pastor's residence was also damaged in the blaze. Reports state that the timely intervention by villagers, including some Muslims, was crucial in curbing the damage caused by the fire. In a recent spurt of violence against Christians in Poso, a number of places of worship as well as buildings owned by Christians have come under attack.
