Church building set ablaze

Asia News 08 November 2012

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.

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.

Indonesia News

Christians Blocked from Worshipping

A church in Indonesia.
Photo: VOMC

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Children Injured in Mob Violence

Children in Indonesia.
Photo: ILO / Yodhi Prasetyo (cc)

On July 27th, a violent incident occurred in Padang City, Indonesia, when several men attacked a prayer house, which was established to provide religious education to Christian children. Armed with sticks, the assailants ordered the believers to disperse, and then they proceeded to smash the building's windows. During the attack, two children (ages eight and eleven) sustained injuries after being struck by objects that had been thrown amid the violence.

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Hundreds of Protestors Oppose Church Construction

Bulukumba Regency
Photo: Wikimedia / Midori (cc)

As the church in Indonesia continues to grow, opposition to the construction of various worship facilities remains a major challenge. One Catholic church in the Bulukumba Regency of South Sulawesi has been waiting for 45 years to receive a building permit. Although the congregation was initially granted permission in 1980, their permit was revoked following public protests. Since then, members of the church have attempted to secure approval for multiple locations, but each application has been met with rejection.

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Young Boy Dies Following Tragic Bullying Incident

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