Protests from Islamic extremists have stopped worship services at two churches in Sumatra and Java Island, Indonesia.

According to Compass Direct News, “Love Evangelical Bethel church, near Pekanbaru, Riau province on Sumatra Island ceased Sunday services after about 60 demonstrators from local mosques on February 15 demanded its closure.”

The Compass report added the protesters, led by Harry Cahyono and Victor Ramaddan, said they were protesting the church because it did not have a permit for expansion. Compass said, “They (the protesters) wrote, ‘do not build without permit’ in red paint on the church wall.”

Rev. Alex Ritonga told Compass his church was the only church in a village of 14 mosques, none of which have permits. He added his church was registered with local Religious Affairs authorities and had been told he did not require permits to expand his building.

Meanwhile on February 8, Islamic youths protested a Christian social services house which also serves as a church, in Banten province on Java Island. They demanded the church be closed.

These latest protests against churches in Indonesia are the latest in pressure against believers to stop worshipping. Several churches were closed in 2007, after attacks and pressure from Muslims.

Pray God protects Christians in Indonesia. Ask God to give them creative ways to continue worshipping even though their churches have been closed. Pray believers will forgive their persecutors for the treatment they have received.