Three-Year Sentences for Attempting to Convert Muslim Children

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On September 1, an Indonesian court sentenced three Indonesian women to three-year sentences for allegedly attempting to convert Muslim children to Christianity.  In actuality, Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun had required all children attending their program to get parental permission to attend.  Furthermore, no children were known to have converted to Christianity because of the program.  Proof for the accusations came from photographs showing Muslim children at the program.

Throughout the trial, Islamic militants had threatened the lives of the women, Christian leaders and even the judges if there was not a conviction.  On the final day, a group arrived with a coffin, saying it was for the women, if they were acquitted. 

Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun in Court;
Protestors Outside Courthouse

The women plan to appeal, but observers are sceptical whether true justice is possible in the face of the intimidation that was clearly evident during their trial.

Pray for peace and strength of mind and spirit as these three servants of God serve their time in prison.  Pray for wisdom for the upcoming appeals. 

For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Indonesia, click here.  A twenty-one minute video on the plight of Christians in Indonesia, entitled "Island Jihad," is available on VOMC's multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/.  The October edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter will feature an article on Indonesia's courageous Christians.  To ensure that you receive a copy, subscribe today.
  • 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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