Photo: VOMC
For two consecutive Sundays, approximately 20 opposing Muslim residents in the village of Gerendeng Pulo have prevented a church congregation from gathering for worship. The opposition stems from concerns that the believers began meeting in a new location without the approval of local Muslim leaders.
The GBI Gerendeng congregation had been operating for 18 years before deciding to relocate to the second floor of a commercial building. The church leaders insist that their activities at the new venue do not interfere with the daily lives of nearby residents. Nevertheless, the believers' worship services were disrupted by protests on September 14th, and again the following Sunday, with demonstrators expressing frustration that local religious leaders had not been consulted.
The church's pastor, Karundeng Gerung, admits to being shocked by the opposition. The congregation is now requesting the government to uphold its responsibility to protect the religious freedoms of all citizens. While the Indonesian government does not typically engage in the direct persecution of Christians, it has been criticized for inconsistently enforcing religious protections. For more reports about the persecution of believers in this Southeast Asian country, go to our country report.
- Pray for wisdom and guidance on behalf of Pastor Karundeng as he and his congregants seek to amicably resolve this dispute with their opposing Muslim community members.
- Pray that followers of Jesus in Indonesia will reflect His love and grace to those around them, even in the face of opposition.
- Intercede for the country's local and national authorities, praying that they would justly defend the rights of all citizens – thus enabling followers of Christ to worship freely and without fear of retribution.
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