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Indonesia

Discussion in '2005 Archive' started by Ray Berrian, Oct 13, 2005.

  1. Ray Berrian

    Ray Berrian New Member

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    Three women are jailed because of teaching their own children,Muslim children Christian songs and Bible stories.

    In reading "Against All Hope" by Armando Valladares he has learned along with multiple thousands of people that only writing the authorities at embassies or personal letters to the persons persecuted by the Muslims and Communists will they begin to take notice of world opinion of their activity.

    The three women are Dr. Rebekka Loanita, Ratna Malabangun and Eti Pangesti.

    I write one letter per month to them and sent picture post cards with a witness on it for receiving Christ so the Muslims can see the plan for their salvation. I realize they at times read all of the mail but that is even good.

    These women are living at this address in case some are moved to write to them so they know they are not forgotten by we Christians.

    Dr. Rebekka Loanita
    Lembaga Permasyarakatan Indramayu
    Jalan Gatot Subroto
    Indramayu 45213
    Jawa Barat, Indonesia

    Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in the world.

    Rev. Dr. Ray Berrian
    "Ray"
     
  2. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    Ray, the jailing of these women is illegal according to Indonesian law, which provides for religious freedom. The Indonesian Constitution provides "all persons the right to worship according to their own religion or belief". However, some restrictions exist on the activity of unrecognized religions. In fact, Christmas Day, Good Friday, and the Ascension of Christ are all national holidays in Indonesia.

    The Ministry of Religious Affairs extends official status to five faiths: Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Religious organizations other than the five recognized faiths can register with the Government, but only with the Ministry for Culture and Tourism and only as social organizations. This restricts certain religious activities. Unregistered religious groups cannot rent venues to hold services and must find alternative means to practice their faiths.

    The problem is that governmental bodies of many local municipalities and provinces in Indonesia are corrupt and tyrannical. The geograpy of Indonesia isolates many populations, and leaves local governmental bodies with great autonomy and little accountability for their actions.

    Interestingly, all Indonesians are required to choose an approved religion. As a result, many Indonesian "Muslims" are actually nonpracticing Muslims of the "I was raised Muslim" variety, animists (a fact that the government strenuously denies), or entirely secular. about 85% of the populus is registered Muslim, about 10% Christian (2% of those are Catholic, the rest are protestant), and Hindism and Buddhism make up about 4% or so.

    I have a Catholic aunt and some cousins who live in Jakarta, where religious diversity is accepted. But they're well aware of situtaions such as the one you describe, and many christians and nonchristians alike complain that the government isn't doing enough to hold local governments responsible for adhering to and administering the law. Also of note is that extremist groups like Al Qaeda don't like Indonesia, because they welcome outsiders. Many Indonesians complain that the government's lack of controlling local municipalities makes it easier to Al Qaeda to get a stronghold.

    We need to pray for the people of Indonesia, and the government. We need to pray that the locals can fight the corruption and intolerance in their government. We need to pray that Al Qaeda loses its fight for Indonesian grip. We need to pray for the people mentioned in the OP, and for the poster of the OP to continue the work.
     
  3. Ben W

    Ben W Active Member
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    Agreed John, we should be praying more for a number of nations that need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

    Interestingly I heard a report that the Salvation Army are having some success in preaching the gospel in country areas of Indonesia, apparantly the country areas are often more receptive to the Gospel than the city areas. I noted when the Tsunami hit Indonesia that many opportunities were given for the Baptist Union of Indonesia to minister to people.

    I think that of all the muslim nations, Indonesia is quite likely to see a revival to Christ.
     
  4. Ray Berrian

    Ray Berrian New Member

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    I am greatful for the new information about Indonesia and of both of your concern for Christians who have and continue to be persecuted. Thank you my brothers in Christ.

    The Island of Java is one of the largest Indonesian islands with a population of 100 million people.

    Also, there are 3,000 inhabited islands in that area of the world. There sure is enough need for ministry to just these places.

    I will join your prayers for these three women and other Christians who are wrongfully imprisoned. Our Christians sure have a lot of work to accomplish in this old, sinful world.

    Ray
     
  5. LadyEagle

    LadyEagle <b>Moderator</b> <img src =/israel.gif>

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    Thank you for posting this information for us.
     
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