Church Seriously Damaged by Fire

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Unknown attackers set fire to the Beth Eden Protestant Church in Manado, Indonesia on the night of December 8.  There were no injuries, even though the pastor and his family were living in the building.  However, the building received extensive damage.  Stephen Liow, the church's pastor, told Asia News that he had been receiving anonymous calls for the past few months from people threatening to burn down the church building.

The Christmas season in Indonesia has often been a time of suffering for Christians who are targeted by Islamic militants.  Due to the heightened threat of terrorism, thousands of police officers have been put on alert.  A police spokesman said, "Churches and other worship buildings have become our top priority to secure along with entertainment centres, shopping compounds."

Take time during this season to cover the Indonesian church with prayer for safety. Pray that Pastor Liow will have the heart of Christ as he leads the congregation through this stressful time. Pray that the church will have a Christmas full of celebration. Pray that the attacks on Christians in Indonesia will be stopped. Pray that the faithfulness of believers will spark a new work of the Holy Spirit throughout Indonesia.

More information on the persecution of Christians in Indonesia is available at Indonesia's country report or through video reports available on our multimedia website, https://www.vomcanada.com/, including two recent features from "Overcomers TV."

(Source: AsiaNews)

  • 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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