Congregation attacked again in Bekasi, Indonesia
by Staff
September 28, 2010
(christiansunite.com) - Members of the Batak Christian Protestant Filadelfia Church in Bekasi, Indonesia were attacked by a group of eight unknown assailants during a worship service on September 11. An elder, Asia Sihombing, was stabbed in the stomach. When Reverend Luspida Simanjuntak tried to come to his assistance, she was beaten with a stick and injured on her face, head and back. At last report, both of the believers were recovering in a local hospital.
In August, the congregation was victim to a similar attack by Muslim militants opposed to the members holding worship services on a church-owned plot of land. Reverend Luspida, however, insisted that they had a right to worship in the open and said that she would continue her mission without fear despite growing threats against Christians.
The recent violence has intensified fears among Christians, human rights activists and many other Indonesians over the decline of religious freedom in the country. (Sources: AsiaNews, Jakarta Globe)
Pray for healing for Asia and Reverend Luspida. Pray that the assailants will be apprehended. Ask God to give these church members boldness and wisdom as they face difficult challenges because of their faith (Psalm 91, Isaiah 26:3).
For more on the persecution of Christians in Indonesia, go to www.persecution.net/indonesia.htm.
