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Persecution in Indonesia

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Indonesia ranks as the 28th most persecuted country in the world according to Open Doors. Persecution in Indonesia has worsened over the years. In 2018, Islamic extremists bombed 3 churches. Between 2020 and 2021 there were three attacks on Christians, killing six people.
 
Indonesia recognizes 6 official religions but Islam is the majority. Many Muslims who have converted to Christianity endure extreme pressure from their families and communities to renounce their faith. Many who stand firm in Christ are disowned from their families.
 
In some regions in Indonesia, church groups face difficulties getting permission to build churches. The government promotes tolerance among religions so proselytizing is not allowed.

Legal to become a Christian

It is legal for Muslims to become Christians. However, the government makes this extremely difficult (while it is very easy for Christians to become Muslims). One Indonesian believer who came from a Muslim background could not get his ID changed to “Christian” for over 10 years. In Indonesia everyone has their religion on their ID.
 
This past year he went back to the government office and one of his former students was working there. He was surprised his teacher was a Christian now but he ended up processing the change on his ID without giving him any issues. Praise God for making a way to change his ID!

How do we respond to persecution?

“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12

It is clear that persecution comes with following Jesus. It is something to expect as long as we are in this broken world that is against God. Our instinct reaction is to pray for God to save believers from persecution. But in the Bible, most times the believers pray for their strength to endure, instead of asking God to take them out of that situation.

“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” James 5:11

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

God calls us to love and pray for those who persecute us, as Jesus did. “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:44

Persecution actually leads believers to have more boldness to share the gospel! “And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.” Philippians 1:14

Persecution in Indonesia

Prayer Requests for Persecuted Believers in Indonesia

  • Pray that Fenny, the victim of a church bombing, will receive effective medical treatment despite her difficult circumstances. 
  • For pastors facing financial crises, especially those who rent worship space. 
  • Pray for Kandhi, who, along with her daughter, Meice, witnessed her husband’s murder by Muslim terrorists. 
  • That Cut Fitri will be reunited with her children, who were taken when she left Islam.
  • For Rosyid and Misbach, who minister among some of the most radical Muslims in West Java. 
  • Pray for Pak A and his wife who are experiencing extreme persecution from their family and community. Praise God that 4 house churches have started from Pak A’s boldness in sharing the gospel.
  • Pray for D and A whose families have found out they are followers of Jesus. Ask God to help them remain steadfast in His despite family pressures.
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Pray for Indonesia