Indonesian Christians ordered to stop worshipping in home

by Staff
October 20, 2009

(christiansunite. com) - After several weeks of pressure and intimidation,

members of the Jakarta Christian Baptist Church have been ordered by
officials to cease worshipping in the home of Pastor Bedali Hulu.

The officials were reportedly pressured to make the order by the Islamic
Defenders Front, the Betawi Forum Group and members of the political
party Hizbut Tahrir. On September 13, hundreds of Muslims barged into
Pastor Hulu's home and forced the believers to leave. Several days later, a
church-owned vehicle was burned in the pastor's driveway. A large crowd
again surrounded the home on September 27, demanding that the worship
service be stopped.

Pastor Hulu established and registered his church with Religious Affairs
authorities in 2005 and obtained written permission from a local official to
hold the services. However, in 2006 a Joint Ministerial Decree was revised,
insisting congregations be composed of at least 90 adult members,
demanding permission from at least 60 adult neighbors and requiring a
permit from local authorities. According to local Christians, it is nearly
impossible to meet all of these terms to qualify for a permit.

Ask God to use this ordeal to strengthen the members of this church. Pray
that they will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith and not grow
weary or lose heart (Hebrews 10:32-39; 12:1-3).