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Indonesia

• Four-Year-Old Boy Recovering After Attack

  
  Four-year-old Alvaro has had
  17 operations since the attack.
  Photo: World Watch Monitor

  Just over four months ago, on November 13th, 2016, a bomb attack took place on the grounds of the Oikumene Church in Samarinda, the provincial capital of East Kalimantan. As a result of the attack, a young girl named Intan Olivia (2.5 years old) died the following morning after suffering burns on 75 percent of her body. Three other youngsters were also injured: Anita (2), Triniti (3) and Alvaro (4). A previous report on this incident is available here.

  Thankfully, Anita and Triniti are now home, following hospital treatment, though Triniti continues to require regular checkups. Meanwhile, Alvaro -- the most severely injured of the surviving children -- feels "ashamed" because of his injuries and shies away from new people. Considering that he has undergone 17 different operations, his reaction to the trauma is understandable. Alvaro's mother, Novita, says he has at least stopped crying after each operation.

  "I always try to encourage him by saying it is important to regain his health, and by praying with him before the operation," says Novita. "Seeing him happy is my source of strength and joy as well." The 40-year-old mother is a finance officer at the local police station, and often takes work with her during hospital visits. Alvaro's father, Hotdiman, is presently seeking new employment since his previous job took him too far from home.

  Twenty-one people were arrested after the vicious attack, seven of whom had known links to ISIS. One of the perpetrators, 32-year-old Juhanda bin Muhammad Aceng, reportedly wore a black t-shirt with the message, "Jihad Way of Life," as he threw a Molotov cocktail from his passing motorbike. He was convicted of plotting a terrorist attack in 2011 and, according to police, had been under supervision since his release on parole in 2014. While no new information has been released about the status of his current trial, two of the other attackers (aged 16 and 17) were handed two-year prison terms in January.

  We are thankful for the medical treatment these three young children have received, and the progress they are making. May complete healing take place both emotionally and physically, making it possible for them to live normal lives. Pray that as these children experience the Lord's tender loving care through the ministry of others, they will develop a meaningful relationship with Him. Also uphold all the families and church members who were affected by the attack -- including the family of little Intan who tragically lost her life -- that they will be greatly comforted and strengthened by the Comforter Himself. Additionally, pray for the provision of a new job for Hotdiman, enabling him to be close to his family during Alvaro's recovery.

• Young Children Victims of Church Attack

  
  Intan Olivia

  A preschool-aged girl (2.5 years old) has died from injuries after an attack took place at a church on the island of Borneo. Little Intan Olivia was severely burned when an attacker threw petrol bombs at a group of small children playing outside Oikumene Church in Samarinda on November 13th. Three of Intan's young friends -- Alvaro (4), Triniti (3), and Anita (2) -- were also badly burned.

  Police arrested a 32-year-old suspect after he was captured by local people following the attack. The police stated that the attacker was imprisoned in the past on terrorism charges. He has been identified as a militant linked to local extremists supporting the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group.

  "The man passed by the church and threw what we suspected (were) low-explosive cocktail bombs, causing injuries to four children who were playing there," local police spokesman Fajar Setiawan reported. Police say the attacker was wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the word "jihad." The spokesperson added that "Intan suffered extensive burn injuries and respiratory problems, and doctors could not save her."

  Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population, is also home to significant numbers of Christians, Hindus and Buddhists. The country has suffered a series of attacks inspired by the ISIS militant group in recent times. Additional reports on persecution in this country are available at the Indonesia Country Report.

  Please uphold Intan's grieving family and other members of this victimized Christian community, asking the Lord to comfort and strengthen them in their shock and sorrow. Also intercede for the three young children who thankfully survived the attack yet were hospitalized because of the seriousness of their injuries. May they fully recover -- not only physically but also from the emotional trauma. Pray that this church fellowship will be able to safely meet for worship services so they can encourage one another in the faith. May their witness continue to reach many, including those who currently oppose the Gospel.

• Extremists Burn Down Churches

  Damages from the fire.

  Extremists demanding church closures clashed violently with Christians in Indonesia's Aceh province recently. Those instigating the forceful closures had reportedly burned down four churches in the southern part of the province, which is under the governance of Sharia law (Islamic law). One man was killed and four others were wounded during violent clashes at a church located within the Aceh Singkil district on October 13th, as Christians tried to defend their church against hundreds of armed militants. It is reported that the man shot in the head was a Christian, although police have yet to confirm his identity.

  Tensions flared after a militant Islamic youth group demanded that the government demolish 21 churches in Aceh, claiming that they did not have appropriate permits. According to police, local officials had agreed to act but the aggressive hardliners "took matters into their own hands." In response to the incident, Indonesian President Joko Widodo appealed for calm and ordered officials to take firm action to "establish peace and religious harmony." To learn more about persecution in Indonesia, go to this page.

  Please pray for our suffering Christian family in Indonesia, especially those facing rising tensions in the province of Aceh. Commit to the Lord the grieving family and those who've sustained injuries, asking that they be imbued with His strength, healing and comforting presence. May wisdom and courage be imparted to all of His people in this part of the world so they will be spurred on in their faith and equipped to serve as both peacemakers and promoters of religious tolerance. Thank you for also upholding President Widodo and his government as they work hard to build harmony among all the citizens of this troubled Southeastern Asian nation.

• Three Believers Killed by Militant Muslim Group

  On January 15th, a militant Islamic group in Central Sulawesi killed three Christian men in separate attacks.

  One of those callously murdered was 22-year-old Tomi Alipa. Tomi was working with his mother, Jana, and sister, Dian, near their home in Tangkura village at the time of the attack. He had just left to take the family's cattle home when the two women heard three gunshots.

  After finding her son's lifeless body, distraught Jana confronted a group of about eight Muslim men and demanded to know why they had killed Tomi. The men told her it was in retaliation for the arrest of their friends who were members of the East Indonesian Mujahidin (MIT). The other two murdered believers are Heri Tobio, 59, and Imanuel Tetembu, 56.

  Please bring the grieving families of Tomi, Heri and Imanuel to our gracious Heavenly Father in prayer, asking that He surround each one with His enduring peace, comfort and healing. May they not seek retaliation, but instead be willing to forgive and intercede for the militants who perpetrated these heartless attacks. Finally, pray that even amid the aftermath of these atrocious crimes, God will continue to refine and expand His church in Central Sulawesi while ministering to the dire needs of His suffering people.

  For more information on Indonesia's persecuted church, visit this page.

• Christians Barred from Churches at Christmas

  Sign sealing shut the church building in Cimahi, West Java Photo: Morning Star News

  Several congregations in West Java, Indonesia, were prevented from celebrating Christmas in their church buildings this past December. Elsewhere in the country, hundreds of police and other security personnel guarded church buildings to ensure safety for worshippers.

  The congregation of GKI Yasmin in Bogor, West Java, joined together to celebrate Christ's birth under a makeshift shelter. At the time of the service, their church building was sealed off and guarded by hundreds of officials, despite two Supreme Court rulings in the church's favour. While the congregation obtained a permit to open their church in 2006, the municipality promptly revoked permission after protests from some of the local residents, as well as hardline groups. Yet there is a glimmer of hope for the congregation as the new mayor of Bogor, due to take office in April, has pledged to "review the situation."

• Churches Demolished Despite Attempts to Obtain Permit

  The Bekasi subdistrict of Jakarta dispatched a backhoe to the Batak Protestant Church on March 21 to knock down church walls that had been under construction since January 2013. Photo: World Watch Monitor

  Tensions in Indonesia are on the rise, as opposition to churches seeking building permits continues mounting. After years of struggling to obtain a permit, upset Christians in the West Java province of Indonesia were forced to tearfully stand by and watch as a backhoe moved in to demolish their local church.

  On March 21st, the partially constructed Huria Kristen Batak Protestant Church in Taman Sari Village (Setu district) was completely levelled. Nearly 40 local government officials were behind this decision, claiming that the 13-year-old church had no building permit. Although representatives of the church have repeatedly applied for authorization, they were continually met with ongoing opposition in their predominantly Muslim neighbourhood.

  In an effort to defend their house of worship, the church's 600 members assembled outside the site earlier that morning to pray against the demolition order and plead with officials to reconsider. Unfortunately, the officials proceeded with the order to destroy the church building. While the pastor of the church, Torang Parulian Simanjuntak, intends to file a lawsuit for the illegal action, worship services will be taking place near the demolition site in the interim.

  Another incident occurred at the Damai Kristus Catholic Church in Tambora, West Jakarta, later that same week (March 23rd). Militant Muslim groups closed off the building for three hours, leaving dozens of congregation members confined inside and others locked out. Although instigators claim this church had no permit either, the application has been pending with officials since 1987.

  Although the country's constitution guarantees freedom of worship, the procedure for the construction of buildings in Indonesia is complicated and can take five to ten years for all the necessary documents to be obtained. The process is even more complex for Christian places of worship, since permission for the buildings must be met with approval from local residents and the group for Interreligious Dialogue. For an historical overview, please go to the Indonesia Country Report.

  Pray that through God's intervention, positive changes will be made regarding the processing of building permits, which are currently being denied to churches in these communities. May He also work mightily in the hearts of all who oppose His presence and conviction. Finally, ask that His peace would reign over all areas of conflict, so these believers will be able to worship Him freely in their homes and churches.

• Fire-Bombings Targeted at Churches

  Pray for the safety of believers in Indonesia whose churches are being targeted. Photo: Flickr / Josh Gales

  A total of four churches on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi were attacked recently by arsonists using homemade bombs. While no one was injured, the attacks resulted in property damage to the church buildings, as well as increased anxiety among the local communities.

  According to police, it appears the assailants intended to stir up religious tensions between Christian and Islamic groups on the island. More than a decade ago, an anti-Christian campaign by extremists had destroyed hundreds of churches and thousands of homes. Reports indicate that thousands of Christians from both the Sulawesi and Moluccas islands were killed in the conflict and approximately half a million others were driven out in what has been described as an ethnic cleansing effort.

  As recently stated by Human Rights Watch, religious intolerance is growing noticeably worse in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country. The latest report, which compiled information on 264 incidents of religious intolerance, revealed that these statistics are almost double those of 2007. To learn more about the situation in Indonesia, go to the Indonesia Country Report.

  Our Heavenly Father, whose eyes "run to and fro throughout the whole earth," is fully aware of the many violent acts that have occurred against His Church in Indonesia and around the world. Let's pray in agreement with His powerful Word, and through the precious blood of The Lamb, that He will indeed "show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" (2 Chronicles 16:9).

• Testimony of Female Prisoner Who Was Set Free

  Roy Kalbulan and Ribur Manulang Photo: Open Doors

  Former Bible college student Ribur and her Christian friend Roy were arrested on May 29th, 2012, and three days later, were charged with abusing Islam. Their arrest took place after being captured and attacked by a mob of villagers in Aceh (located near Sumatra), where Ribur began meeting weekly with a family of believers and reaching out to the Muslim community there. While at the village just prior to the arrest, a crowd of people suddenly gathered around the two visitors and began beating them, also lashing at them with a cattle whip. Further interrogations by the village leader resulted in more accusatory questions and beatings. Ribur prayed that the Holy Spirit would give her the strength to stand strong and testify to the truth. To obtain a better understanding of the challenges faced by Christians in Indonesia check the Indonesia Country Report.

  During her subsequent 60 days of solitary confinement, Ribur was able to read the Bible and pray. Someone unexpected took notice. A prison guard told her it was the first time they had seen how a Christian prayed and read the Bible. Since the authorities couldn't find any evidence against Ribur and Roy, they were let go. "After I was released," Ribur testifies with gratitude, "I felt that the same God who helped me in the prison was helping me still." Though the team's work in Aceh is on hold for now, she continues to serve her local church and still dreams of planting churches in Sumatra.

  May the Lord grant Ribur 'the desires of her heart' to continue reaching out to others with the Gospel message of Jesus by opening doors of opportunity for her to minister in Sumatra. In the meantime, pray that He will prepare the hearts of people there so they will be receptive to the good news of His eternal salvation. Also pray for continued blessings on Ribur and Roy, and their ministry team, for their faithfulness to the call even during difficult circumstances.

• Update: Opposition against churches continues

  Pastor Palty’s church was sealed shut with this concrete wall. Behind Pastor Palty, you can see a government closure notice.

  Muslim protesters recently used loudspeakers and loud music to prevent a church from holding Sunday services in West Java, Indonesia. The Batak Society Christian Church of Philadelphia was forced to cancel its Sunday service after scores of protesters gathered to harass the believers. Reverend Palty Panjaitan said he tried to talk with the protesters, but police told him to cancel the service to prevent any violence. "By doing so, however, they violated our constitutional right," he adds. At a protest in May, the congregation was subjected to hate speech and death threats. This same church has been trying to get permission to build a worship facility in the district after submitting an application back in 2007 (to learn more, click here).

  In a similar case of harassment involving GKI Yasmin Church, Indonesia's Interior Minister and local Bogor City authorities ordered this particular church to relocate to an undeveloped plot of land five miles from the established property they had already owned. Despite a 2011 Indonesian Supreme Court ruling that the church could reopen, local officials are ordering the church to move (for more information on the harassment of this congregation, click here).

  Christian leaders say local governments across Indonesia are appeasing the predominantly Muslim population by putting complex and difficult requirements on churches to obtain building and occupancy permits.

  Please pray that any barriers to worship will be removed for these dedicated Indonesian believers. May their determination and joy serve as a bold witness to the power of the one true God. Pray that God will work powerfully in the lives of those who persecute His Church in Indonesia, drawing them into relationship with Him.

  Go to the Indonesia Country Report for more information on our suffering brothers and sisters in Indonesia.

• Church building set ablaze

  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.