Banners calling for a ban on churches and religious services Photo from Compass Direct

On Sunday, August 17, a group of Muslims stormed a church service in Cipayung, East Jakarta, Indonesia, according to an August 19 report from Compass Direct.  About 20 church members, including Pastor Chris Ambessa, were gathered in celebration of Indonesia's Independence Day at the Pentecostal Church of Indonesia when an angry mob gathered outside the church building. Despite efforts to keep them outside, the mob forced its way into the church and overturned furniture. The church members were chased into the street and warned not to return for future services. The mob then erected large banners which called for a ban on churches and religious services. Although citizens are required to get permission before erecting banners, the authorities made no effort to intervene or remove them.

Pastor Ambessa, who has hosted a house church in his home for the past 12 years, recently built a second floor addition to accommodate the growing congregation. On July 3, the Cipayung civil engineering department ordered him to dismantle the second floor. On July 13, he was also ordered to cease all religious activity at his home for an indefinite period of time due to neighbourhood protests and the lack of a Religious Building Permit (IMB).

Pray for Pastor Ambessa and the other Christians in Indonesia. Pray that their church services can continue unhindered. Pray that believers in Indonesia will echo Peter's sentiment and remain determined to obey God regardless of what man says (Acts 5:29).

For more information on the persecution facing Indonesian Christians, go to the Indonesia Country Report.