[Today’s Prayer] Indonesian church blocked by local Muslims

A church in Indonesia is facing difficulties due to opposition from Muslims despite meeting all legal requirements for establishment.

According to Christian Today (CT), residents of Sungai Keledan village in Samarinda Seberang District, East Kalimantan, reported that “Muslims are putting up banners opposing the church’s permission and preventing the church from being built in the village.”

“This is the third time that such banners have been put up,” Hendra Kusuma, chairman of the National Association for Freedom of Religion and Belief in East Kalimantan (AKKBB) and legal adviser to the Sungai Keledan Toraja Church, told the International Christian Solidarity (ICC). “We deeply regret this incident. This is a form of intimidation that has been repeated. In fact, from a legal and administrative point of view, we have been complying with all relevant regulations.”

“The church also received letters of recommendation from the Indonesia Interreligious Harmony Forum and the Samarinda City Religious Affairs Department, as well as letters of support from 80 local residents. This meets the minimum requirements of the regulations for establishing new religious buildings,” he said.

He continued, “This church has about 90 members, and I hope to find a reasonable solution through open dialogue between the members and neighbors. I also want to hear the reasons for those who oppose the establishment of this church. Since all requirements have been met, I hope the government or local council can coordinate this.”

In East Kalimantan, the majority of the population is Muslim and about 12% are Christians, mostly Protestants but there are also a significant number of Catholics, a figure similar to other parts of Indonesia.

Source: News

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)

Loving Lord, we hear of a church in Indonesia that has met all the legal requirements to establish a church, but is facing oppression from Muslims. We see that this is not just a problem for this one church, but for all churches and believers in Indonesia. Please be with the Indonesian churches as they defend their faith in a Muslim country!

Please give the Indonesian church more faith and victory to drive out all darkness, shine the light of Jesus, and build the church like salt day by day.

Lord, who embraces Indonesia under your shadow, grant that this once afflicted nation will seek and find you as a refuge and fortress!

Lord, we ask that You would send Your love to the Indonesian church to share the gospel of life among the millions of unreached Muslims in Indonesia, and that You would send the global church to restore this nation to the gospel of Jesus!

May Indonesia rise up as a mighty army to make Your name known among the nations and exalt You with all peoples!

Let us rise up with the gospel and unite with all ASEAN nations to send out 10,000 missionaries!