Indonesia

Leader:  President Yudhoyono
Population: 238 million (36.8 million Christians)
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Republic
World Watch Rank: 48

Persecution mostly takes place in West Java where churches are torched, damaged and closed down - and building permits are revoked or delayed. Although national laws continue to uphold religious freedom, Sharia-inspired laws are creeping into civil policies and regulations at the regency level, which often take precedence when believers are disadvantaged. To avoid inciting hostility from locals and village leaders, churches barely reach out to Muslim-background believers. Ostracised both by their natural and spiritual families, these believers are discouraged and struggle to grow spiritually.

Please Pray:

• For pastors and believers whose church buildings have been closed
• That the Lord will lead Muslim-background believers to Christians who will help them in their walk with God
• For Christian children who face discrimination at school from teachers and students.