Militant Muslims destroy church building in Indonesia

A mob of approximately 1,000 Muslims attacked a church building under construction in Bekasi Regency, near Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia.

At midnight on December 17, the Muslims arrived at the Church of Saint Albert, some on bikes and some on foot, and stormed into the building, carrying banners and tanks of kerosene. One witness reported hearing them shout, "Destroy ! Destroy it! Replace the church with mosque!"

The Muslims damaged bricks, broke lights, uprooted newly planted trees and set the building on fire. No one was injured in the attack, but damage amounted to around 60 million rupees (approximately $6,700 CAD). Local Christians were planning to use the nearly completed building for a Christmas Mass service.

Following the attack, a leader of the church's construction committee shared, "Even though our chapel was attacked we are not afraid. We will continue the construction of this chapel until its completion." (Sources: AsiaNews, Union of Catholic Asian News)

source:http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion08900.shtml

Indonesian Christians ordered to stop worshipping in home

(christiansunite.com) - After several weeks of pressure and intimidation, members of the Jakarta Christian Baptist Church have been ordered by officials to cease worshipping in the home of Pastor Bedali Hulu.

The officials were reportedly pressured to make the order by the Islamic Defenders Front, the Betawi Forum Group and members of the political party Hizbut Tahrir. On September 13, hundreds of Muslims barged into Pastor Hulu's home and forced the believers to leave. Several days later, a church-owned vehicle was burned in the pastor's driveway. A large crowd again surrounded the home on September 27, demanding that the worship service be stopped.

Pastor Hulu established and registered his church with Religious Affairs authorities in 2005 and obtained written permission from a local official to hold the services. However, in 2006 a Joint Ministerial Decree was revised, insisting congregations be composed of at least 90 adult members, demanding permission from at least 60 adult neighbours and requiring a permit from local authorities. According to local Christians, it is nearly impossible to meet all of these terms to qualify for a permit.

Ask God to use this ordeal to strengthen the members of this church. Pray that they will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith and not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 10:32-39; 12:1-3).

To find out more about the suffering of Indonesian believers, please visit www.persecution.net/indonesia.htm.

Source: christiansunite.com