In May, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on the arrest of three Indonesian women for attempting to convert Muslim children to Christianity. According to updates received from VOMC sources in Indonesia, the trial has been chaotic as masses of people have gathered around the courthouse, calling for a jihad and threatening to kill Christians. The trial itself has been reportedly interrupted by loud shouts and threats against the women. During the July 21 hearing, an official from the Department of Religion, Dr. Abdul Wahid Syakuri, stated that teaching the Christian faith to Muslim children was an act of apostatizing the children, despite testimony from the defense that no Muslim children had converted to Christianity through the children's program. The trial resumes on July 28.
Continue to pray that the three women, Rebekka Zakaria, Ratna Bangun and Eti Pangesti, will be found innocent. Pray that Christians will maintain a consistent testimony of peace in the midst of the turmoil of this trial.
For more information on the difficulties facing Christians in Indonesia, click here.
Population
