Indonesian Christian Village Burnt to Ground

The following e-mail was sent to me today from a good friend in regards to a village (Horale) that had been burned down by Muslim radicals. Please be in prayer for these people, and pray specifically for the Christians to be able to show love for their enemies (See Romans 12:15-21), and allow the gospel and God to be glorified!

“The mainly Christian village of Horale was attacked on the night of 2
May by a mob from the neighbouring village of Saleman which is
predominantly Muslim. The Muslims burnt down 120 houses, three
churches and the village school. Four Christians were killed and 56
wounded. Fifteen hectares of crops were destroyed as well as 20
fishing boats and 2 motor-cycles.

Three of the four victims had their throats slit, but all were
attacked in other ways as well. Mrs Welhelmina Pattiasina (aged 47)
was first tortured, and her grand-daughter Yola (6) had her stomach
cut open. Edward Unwaru (84) was burned to death after his throat had
been cut. A fourth victim, Josef Laumahina (39) was cut and then
burned.

Horale village is home to 175 families, a total of around 2,300 people.

Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund,
comments, “Horale is situated in a remote area on the island of Seram
in Ma luku province. Such areas have seen a number of similar
incidents over the last five months. Maluku province experienced
intense anti-Christian violence between 1999 and 2001, and it is
alarming to consider that this may be starting again. Please pray for
a return to harmonious and peaceful relations.”

Please Pray
Pray for the Christians of Horale village, many of whom have lost
their homes and everything they owned.
Pray especially for the families and friends of Welhelmina, Yola,
Edward and Josef.
Pray that the Lord will comfort them, and that He will provide.
Pray for those who have been wounded that they will be healed.
Pray that the Christians of Horale will be given grace to forgive and
love their enemies.
Thank the Lord that the Indonesian authorities were prompt to send a
large detachment of police to guard the border between the two”
villages.