PERSEVERE IN YOUR FAITH Friday – July 23, 2010

PERSEVERE IN YOUR FAITH Friday – July 23, 2010

“Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:4

On July 18, 2010, a group of 500 Indonesian Islamic extremists disrupted Christians from worshipping in a field. The Huria Protestant Church (Hkbp) normally holds Sunday Services in a field near the city of Pondok Timur in the Mustika Jaya district of West Java.
The radicals blocked all routes to prevent Christians leaving the field and began to insult them, terrorizing them. The believers pray outdoors because their hall for religious functions was closed on the grounds that it was illegal.
Luspida Simanjutak, head pastor at the Hkbp church, said: “We were forced to sign a pact with them, forcing us to stop our faith celebration but we strongly rejected the proposal. We asked the representative to help our congregation to leave the site without harm. Their goal is one and one alone, to eradicate all churches from Mustika Jaya”.
Since 2009, Islamic extremists in Indonesia have affected more than 17 churches. The Hkbp church pledges to persevere and to continue to worship the Lord.

There are many areas of the world where Christians are persecuted for their faith in Christ. Today in prayer, pray for those who face persecution and that they may persevere in Christ.

“Persecution for righteousness’ sake is what every child of God must expect.” – Charles Simeon

God’s Word: “because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:3-4