Indonesia: Jihad in Indonesia, Page 4

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"...just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort." 2 Cor. 1:7b

Indonesia (continued)

Elsewhere in Indonesia . . .

While the Maluku province has been the scene of the greatest violence, other areas of Indonesia are not immune. On Christmas Eve several churches were destroyed and at least 19 people were killed and 47 were injured as bombs exploded in or near Christian churches all over the country. Several Catholic churches in Jakarta were targeted as well as churches in West Java, Lombok Island, Batam Island, and Sumatra. By God's grace many other bombs were discovered before they were able to detonate. Obviously these bombings were strategically planned and could be a foreshadowing of future violence throughout Indonesia.

Another example of violence occurred in Medan on September 17, 2000 when Caleb Situmorang, a pastor's assistant, was killed in a drive-by shooting. The intended target was Dr. Benjamin Munthe, pastor of Victorious Faith Church. Dr. Munthe's life had been threatened at least three times previous to this incident. However, the church continues to forge ahead, and plans to plant another church in Caleb's village as a memorial to him. Inspired by Caleb's faith, many people in the church have also committed themselves to full-time Christian service. (Source: Dan Wooding)

God's intervention

The continued atrocities being committed against Christians in Indonesia may lead some to ask why God has not intervened. In fact, Christians in refugee camps report that God has intervened in miraculous ways to protect believers and confuse the enemy. An Australian missionary visiting the refugee camps in Manado, Sulawesi recounted the following: "We have heard on several occasions from different sources the story of jihad warriors attempting to land their boats in order to attack another Christian village. There is a mysterious figure dressed in white with a beard, riding a white horse who repels the attackers, there is total confusion, and in the confusion a number of Muslims are killed. This is without the Christians ever firing a shot! Other interventions include jihad fleeing at the sight of thousands of opposing forces that weren't even there" (Ian Freestone).

The Lord has also performed miracles among the wounded. Upon seeing jihad warriors coming to attack Duma village in June, Sultase Serong, cried out "God help us!" Hearing her cry, a jihad warrior retorted "I'll show you how God helps" and subsequently put a gun in her mouth, shot her, and left her for dead. Miraculously Sultase was not killed but was later rescued and taken for medical treatment. She is now awaiting plastic surgery to repair her shattered cheek. Other wounded individuals have also testified of miraculous healings. (Ian Freestone) 

What You Can Do: 

ICC is making plans to visit Indonesia's Maluku Islands to assess the needs of the Christians and to encourage the survivors of the horrible atrocities. Many of these survivors are refugees and lack food, clothing, safe drinking water, and medicine. Overcrowded housing has also led to inadequate sanitation and other concerns. ICC hopes to work together with other groups to provide for these Christian refugees in Maluku. Therefore, your financial contribution would be greatly appreciated and would allow us to bring hope to our suffering brothers and sisters. 

You can also write two letters, one to Indonesia's President Abdurrahman Wahid, asking him to allow outside peacekeeping forces to intervene, and a second to President Bush, asking him to take appropriate action. It is obvious that Indonesia's own army has been unable or unwilling to stop the violent attacks. In fact, many of them have joined with the jihad warriors. Impartial forces are needed to curb the violence and mediate the conflict. So far Wahid has refused outside help. 

Most importantly, pray for the persecuted Christians in Indonesia. Pray for the Lord's continued intervention and for an end to the violence. Also, pray that the Christians would show restraint and be able to love their enemies. Pray that ICC's plans to provide assistance to the persecuted families in Indonesia will receive the necessary funds, enabling us to show our love by meeting some of the desperate physical and spiritual needs. Credit card donations can be made on the ICC Web site at www.persecution.org or by telephoning toll free 1-800-ICC-5441. 

(Click here for more information on Indonesia.)

POSTED:  February 17, 2001

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