In Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-populated nation, radical Islamic groups are putting pressure on local government to refuse permits to churches and are often violently forcing church
closures. Pastor, Bernard Maukar, of the Surabaya Pentecostal Church told CBN News that, “Angry members of the Islamic Defender’s Front barged into our church and destroyed our musical instruments, chairs, everything.” Despite fulfilling all requirements, the local government has not wanted to grant the church a permit. “And because I was holding Sunday Service without a
permit, they put me in jail for three months,” says pastor Maukar.
“My arrest was illegal, but the police arrested me because the angry Muslims were waiting outside the church,” he said. But even behind bars, Pastor Maukar continued to share God’s message. “I preached that God never leaves us and He is present in each of our situation.” “This blessed the prisoners, including the Muslims,” he shared. “They asked me to pray for them Christian style and when I laid hands on the sick they got well.”
Despite the persecution, reliable research shows the number of Christians in Indonesia has significantly increased. One pastor said, “Indonesia is now 20 percent Christian.”
Source: CBN News
Bible Study: Acts 14:19-22
PRAISE God for the strong growth of the Gospel in Indonesia.
PRAY that the authorities will act fairly.