Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: April 10, 2021
We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. (2 Thessalonians 1:4 NLT)
Although it grieves us to tell you about the injustices and hardships faced by people around the world because of their beliefs, we are proud of the endurance and faithfulness those people display – just like the Apostle Paul was proud to tell other churches about what the Church in Thessalonica was experiencing.
At least 20 people were injured in a suspected suicide bomb attack outside a Catholic church in Makassar, eastern Indonesia, on 28 March. The church was holding a Palm Sunday service.
The two attackers, who were the only fatalities, were believed to have been members of the armed group Jemaah Anshorut Daulah (JAD). The JAD has previously claimed responsibility for the bombings of three churches in Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, in 2018. Those attacks left at least 13 people dead and many more injured.
Following the 2018 bombings one woman said, ‘I have already forgiven the bombers. I don’t want to cry any more.’ Her two young sons died from their injuries sustained in the bombing.
Myanmar/Burma update
Over 20,000 people have been displaced following airstrikes by the Myanmar/Burma army in northern Karen state. At least 14 people have been killed and 40 injured. The airstrikes have continued despite the declared ceasefire.
The airstrikes appear to realise concerns that the military would increase their campaigns of violence against Myanmar’s ethnic nationalities, following the military coup of 1 February.
Meanwhile, this week the military regime searched churches in Kachin State, claiming illegal activity was taking place. They reportedly found nothing illegal.
In summary, please pray:
- Thanking God for the inspiring courage and faithfulness of Indonesia’s Christians, despite the continued attacks on them.
- For complete physical and mental healing for those who experienced the Palm Sunday attack, as well as for the survivors of the 2018 bombings.
- For the over 20,000 people displaced by the airstrikes in Myanmar/Burma, that God would provide everything they need.