Keep Quiet or Else

“But Peter and the apostles answered and said, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’” Acts 5:29, NAS.

Indonesian citizens have to register their faith at birth. This registration follows them throughout their lives. Changing religious registration is difficult. When LeAnn* decided to become a follower of Jesus, her registration as a Muslim posed some difficulty. As she shared with people in her village the way to heaven, the village leaders told her to keep quiet, or they would turn her into the police. They pointed out that her marriage certificate named her as a Muslim, and her change made that document invalid. If she kept sharing they threatened to have her arrested.

LeAnn considered their threats, and then considered the joy she had found in the assurance that Jesus had given her of a future in heaven. She told them, “I have good news, and I must share it.”

They then threatened that she might be harmed when her husband was away on business. Again, LeAnn considered their threats and decided that she could not stop sharing, regardless of the consequences. So far, none of the threats have been carried out, but LeAnn has confidence in the One who holds her future, even if the threats come to pass. She is no longer afraid.

*Name changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

Believers in Indonesia will have the courage to count the costs and will still boldly share the Gospel.

The threats of persecution and violence will prove to be empty and that believers will have God’s peace in the midst of these spiritual struggles.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.