Imprisoned Pastor Seriously Ill

21 April 2004

The Voice of the Martyrs has learned that Pastor Rinaldy Damanik, who was falsely convicted of weapons charges in 2002, has been taken to hospital in Palu. Doctors believe he is suffering from kidney problems; a condition he has suffered from before.

Damanik was sentenced to three years in prison after weapons were reportedly found in his vehicle as he was helping to evacuate Christians from a village threatened by Islamic militants. Despite numerous inconsistencies, all appeals to this point have been lost.

Pray that Damanik will recover soon from his illness. Pray that further legal action being taken to secure his release will be successful. Pray for peace in the central Sulawesi region of Indonesia where many Christians have been martyred in recent years.

You may write a letter of encouragement to Pastor Damanik at:

Rev. Rinaldy Damanik
Rutan Maesa
Jl.Bali la
Palu 94112
Indonesia

For more information on the situation facing Christians in Indonesia, click here.

Indonesia

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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