Source: www.persecution.org
Date: July 17, 2024
Indonesia (International Christian Concern) — After 24 years of waiting to get a permit to build a church and worship in its own space, the HKBP Binjai Baru Church has received a permit with support from Binjai Mayor Drs. H. Amir Hamzah, MAP.
For more than two decades, the HKBP Binjai Baru congregation has worshiped in a makeshift structure with a dirt floor and a tin roof. During the rainy season, the ground becomes muddy with puddles of water, and the tin roof magnifies the heat during scorching sunny days. Soon, they won’t have to endure those extreme conditions.
The congregation purchased land to build a church in the early 2000s and started constructing a building. After the building was about 60% complete and more than 1 billion rupiah ($62,500) had been spent on its construction, the congregation was forced to demolish it. Opposition from the community had prevented the church from securing a building permit.
This year is different. Mayor Hamzah granted permission for the congregation to build and personally contributed funds for the church’s construction, demonstrating his deep commitment to the community. He also participated in a “first stone laying” ceremony for the church’s construction.
“Our target is to complete the construction of the church before October 2024, before the election of the new mayor,” said Marringan Silaban, secretary of the HKBP Binjai Baru church construction committee.
HOW TO PRAY: Pray for this church to spread the gospel effectively in its community. Praise God for this step toward religious freedom. Pray for permits to be granted to congregations in similar situation.