INDONESIA -- Militant Muslims Destroy Church Building

On Dec. 17, a mob of nearly 1,000 Muslims attacked a church building under construction in Bekasi Regency, near Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, according to VOM Canada.

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Militant Muslims destroy church building in Indonesia

Destruction of the Church of Saint Albert Photo from AsiaNews

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)

Pray that these believers will not be discouraged but continue to rest secure in the joy and provision of Christ. Pray for peace to reign in their hearts this Christmas. Pray that Indonesian Christians will be emboldened by the Holy Spirit to share the Truth of the Lord (Acts 1:8). You can post a prayer for Christians in Indonesia on our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

For more information on trials facing believers in Indonesia, go to the Indonesia Country Report.

Christians beaten, church burned down in India

The Voice of the Martyrs received several reports of attacks on Christians by Hindu militants in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in recent weeks.

Hindu militants Photo from AsiaNews

At approximately 2:00 a.m. on December 8, Hindu militants set fire to the Jesus Lights Manna Church in the village of Metpally, Andhra Pradesh. The building's main door, altar and window panels were destroyed and Bibles and otherChristian literature were burned. At last report, several of the militants involved in the attack had been arrested by authorities.

On December 9, Pastor N. Moses and several other believers were attacked by Hindu militants while returning home from a prayer meeting in Kistapuram village, Andhra Pradesh. Pastor Moses suffered severe internal injuries and young Christian girls were also beaten. The militants also shouted slogans against Christianity and accused the believers of forcibly converting people. (Source: All India Christian Council)

Pastor Manjunath (26) and his wife Saraswati (24) were viciously attacked by a mob of Hindu militants who broke into their home in the town of KR Nagar, Karnataka on December 14. The militants accused the couple of forcibly converting people and severely beat them. Saraswati sustained serious injuries but was denied medical attention due to pressure from local militants. When Pastor Manjunath went to the local police station to file a report against the attackers, the officials detained him. The officials have also sealed up the couple's house.

Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray that Pastor Manjunath will be released. Pray that those who seek to hinder the work of the Church in India will see the love and grace of Jesus in the lives of Indian Christians.

To find out more about the persecution of Christians in India, click here.

Pastor attacked by Hindu militants in Andhra Pradesh, India

Pastor Vanamali Parishudham Photo from Compass Direct

Pastor Vanamali Parishudham (35) was brutally assaulted by Hindu militants in Yellareddygudam village in Andhra Pradesh on September 20, according to a September 28 report from Compass Direct. The militants attacked the pastor while he walking home from a Sunday worship service, battering him with sharp-edged metal rods. He was left for dead in the middle of the road, unconscious and bleeding profusely from his head. He was later taken to a local hospital where he received six stitches. At last report, he was undergoing head scans to detect any internal injuries. Commenting on the incident, Pastor Parishudham said: "I am scared and fear facing more attacks in the future, but I will continue to preach and go to the prayer house."

Pray for healing for Pastor Parishudham. Pray that he will grow in Christlikeness as he suffers for his faith (James 1:2-4). Pray that the faithfulness of Indian Christians will be a light that draws others to Christ.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in India, click here.

http://www.persecution.net/