Indonesian Christians Jailed for Preaching Gospel to Muslims

Three Indonesian Sunday school teachers - Rebekka, Ratna, and Eti - were imprisoned back in May 2005 for converting Muslim children to Christianity.
CBN News recently visited the women at the local prison in Indramayu, Indonesia and discovered they were still sharing their faith behind bars.
They have remained in high spirits although they have now spent two years in jail for a crime that most people say they did not commit.
In 2005, the three Sunday school teachers were put on trial after a group of Muslim radicals in their village accused them of converting their children to Christianity.
Evidence was presented suggesting the Muslim parents were aware their children attended Sunday school with their Christian friends. Regardless, the court still pronounced the women guilty and sentenced them to three years in prison.
"I call this prison 'a school of trust in God,'" said Rebekka, one of the jailed school teachers. "I think it's not easy to be a prisoner, but everything is easy with the Holy Spirit.
She continued, "My life is proof that Jesus is very faithful to me in this jail, because He supplies our needs, never leaves me. They ask me, 'Why do you never look so sad in prison?' I told them this joy in my heart and peace in my heart is because of Jesus."
The three women did not keep their faith in Christ to themselves. They shared it with fellow inmates.
Edi Koswara was one of those inmates. He is in jail for stealing a motorcycle and says it was the kindness of Rebekka that led him to ask her about Jesus.
"I saw the kindness of Jesus on her face. I know every child of God has joy on his face. I want the same and know about this," said Edi.
And Edi, the former Hindu and Muslim, embraced Christianity.
She said, "I know Jesus has died for me and has forgiven my sins. When I die, I know I will be with Jesus in heaven.
Inspired by biblical passages, Edi made several paintings which Rebekka used in her Bible studies.
Rebekka says she believes all the good things that happened to them inside the prison were answers to the prayers of Christians from around the world.
And prayers for their early release have also been answered. Eti, Ratna and Rebekkaa will be freed on parole in June.
But will the three women stop teaching Sunday school to the children?
"Of course not! No," said Rebekka. "But we must be wise because they will watch us."
But with their heavenly father closely watching them, Eti, Ratna and Rebekka said they are confident that their future is secured.
www.cbn.com/CBNnews/167245.aspx

[@abrahamjangindra3748]

God bless them and Protect all Christians around the world, to be brave, encourage and stand in the truth, bless them all they needs, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen+ Joe Abrams Bangkok.

[@SergioRojas-ne1ds]

those women are amazing, glad some one still have balls, in those muslim countries, I want to know if somebody knows how to contact them

[@maryamoto9029]

God bless u sister ur rewards in heaven

[@luketivitivirokovada4597]

God bless you all Amen

[@zetvillarta8471]

I admire these three woman they have hope through Jesus Christ himself. They even turn bad criminal and repent to be a Christian. God bless on those three tante.

[@coleburns5497]

Pray for the Christians suffering, and pray for there persecutors and torturers.

[@littleredcatt9336]

They had a Sunday school to teach about Christ. They asked the children for permission from their parents to attend which was granted, and those that didn't have permission were sent home. And they heard the gospel. And you think this warrants imprisonment and the disgusting comments in this thread? Shame on you all

[@sandradaniels3079]

Sisters you.are lions...your strength and Faith is amazing.. May.God be with you..you are an example of a true Christian.. I feel.so ashamed when I listen to you.i am not half the woman you are..you are an inspiration

[@harirezki5963]

God bless you rebeca

[@estherodanga4238]

Such great joy. May God preserve your faith and joy.

[@alfianlums8872]

you make me be inspired. not us anymore living inside us but Jesus who is living inside us. be blessed you.

[@thiery572]

Well, if they asked permission of the children parents, then it's okay. If forced religious conversion, it's not okay.

[@prasetya3238]

Hi all three women..i jealous for your brave heart. Jesus bless you all.

[@ssah2000]

well said....god bless you

[@kiritokiphure4639]

There is no doubt how u hold on.... God bless u

[@GeeGee940]

Prayers to you. Thank you for your example of Christ here on earth. He LIVES.

[@manshajohn1179]

God bless you my sisters

[@theunholysoul]

Amen

[@callunas]

@Tansirul Right so... they draw pictures, you execute them?

[@budiwirawan7453]

Christians is a testament to the success of 350 years western colonialism in Indonesia

[@adm00npeep82]

Budi Wirawan dzem boet

[@thiery572]

Salah. Agama Kristen yang di Flores Irian, Sulawesi Maluku, dll sebelah Indonesia tengah dan timur, disebarkan oleh Santo Franciscus Xaverious. dan orang2 suci yang nggak ada hubungannya dengan penjajah sama sekali.

[@frederikedengah4434]

yet mohamed got the ideas in spreading islam through his conquest in 600AD

[@MsColdCanada]

I saw the video of the beginning of the court proceedings. The crowd was calling for these women to be hung for teaching Sunday school. They were also threatening that if the verdict was not guilty that they would take the law into their own hands to punish the women with death. Very scary.

[@sifonesenowo6313]

Blessed is he that is persecuted for righteousness sake.

[@jhoannaymlas3975]

if you accept jesus in your life and share his gospel you will be save..

[@georgeholmes1490]

Yes, Jesus is doing wonders🍒

[@davemakesawave]

These ladies are wonderful examples to us Christians.

[@Diabetty115]

@1212nur They don't target children out of desperation. They target children because of a child's innocence and because a child will not judge someone like an adult will. The news anchor even said that these children's parents were aware that the kids went to sunday school with their christian friends. They had to know that their children would be taught christianity. They LET their children go, and then turned around and jailed the women who taught them. I just hope these women keep teaching.

[@Mystics-_-]

Thank God.

[@loveiseverything5367]

Amazing 😍😍

[@Rocketeera.Great.American]

This are real missionaries !!! an example for us all new-bornes.

[@chandanrai-uk6kv]

thank u God for these three sisters！

[@sandradaniels3079]

Go to open doors ministry and find out about Christian persecution..we need to remember in prayer all the amazing men and women

[@beniciahassan79]

Amen!!

[@endangpurwanti3494]

*PRAY FOR INDONESIA*

[@jmaluajmalua3946]

Christians around the world and Lord JESUS himself also are praying for persecuted brothers and sisters .God bless you all.

[@nirmalhoro3355]

you will remain joyful forever

[@wafieali]

btul tu! aku sokong!

[@aaronjohnson314]

Thanks for uploading the video. That's why I'm not a Christian. Today, I'm an Atheist. I was aware of Christian persecution. Any updates coming yet?

[@glazinq]

Sudah sa'atnya manusia (terutama di negara seperti Indonesia) mulai lebih menghargai akal dari pada agama. Akal buat pikiran yg luas dan dalam. Agama buat pikiran yg sempit dan dangkal!

[@Trid3nt861]

God bless those women :).

[@trdchubi]

16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Peter 4:16 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:13-15

[@silvertenzin]

Wise servant in Action & they didn’t kept the gospel to themselves 🙏

[@isaacsironmani4338]

The Almighty God bless Indonesia. Amen

[@jeannewauran]

Praise The Lord!

[@tomtos2000]

hope they are safe till now....here in philippines theres a lot of indonesian seeking refuge in southeast mindanao most of them are christian. They cross our borders by boat at night. They applying citizenship and study our language and culture

[@762459]

@SHINYABOY It also makes me sad that someone is trying to get some attention by commenting in capital letters.

[@wisdomdarko2813]

Jesus said "I will build my Church and the gates of hell cannot prevail 🙏😎❤❤

[@irenadamienmariah]

the lord is lord of all so dont worry sisters in faith the lord is with u always even in tough times..

[@Huma949]

21 "But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." * John 3:16-17 should be in quotes as well.

[@sry28]

These three women are saints!!! May Lord Jesus bless them...

[@FollowIsaMasih]

Hi arieyhanz - I think a key point that many Muslims need to understand is that very few people in Europe and the USA are Christian. Being a Christian means you follow Jesus whatever the cost. Simply being baptised as a baby or having parents who go to church does not make you a Christian. All true Christians are against gambling, drunkenness, adultery etc. Salaam

[@sazag]

Please pray for the christians that have been and are being killed in India. Western media has reported very little on the subject. Please can you pray for their personal safety and for the destruction of the churches. your prayers will be much appreciated. God Bless Rebecca Agholor.

[@detoxlady6777]

How dare they arrest them

[@Huma949]

18" He who believes in him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. " 19" And this is the codemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." 20 "For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed."

[@anonimjesus9260]

The third person is subject to the law that is applicable in Indonesia, which to be fair to all religions, as shown below:

[@polygonzero]

I am an Indonesian and I know for sure that there is nothing in our Secular Laws (Indonesia is NEVER a moslem country) that considers persuading religious conversion as punishable crime. In fact, the accusation against the three of them was not persuading religious conversion but rather committing religious harrasment or insult as according to the children, the three women said negative things about Islam and Prophet Muhammad.

[@krypterniteify]

This video is from 07 so wat has happened to them ever since then??...all I know is that Jesus Christ is our one and only saviour. He is coming back really soon to take his faithful followers. I hope everyone turns to him and give their lives to him, like these 3 women have so we can all be saved and live in real peace with our Lord Almighty Jesus who is one with God and the Holy Spirit...Amen.

[@Jesuslovesamericans]

@MrMartinas89 Amen!!!!!!!! Couldn't have said it better.

[@haledwards4642]

Brave, persecuted Christians in faraway places continue to lead by example.

[@brenale_heartsJesus]

Praise God

[@chitoglendeslate3432]

In spith east asia, philppines has the best govt in terms of freedommof religion

[@deborahbetty58]

It is a human prerogative to be informed about different options in/on life views. Nobody can convert anybody. It is the sacred work of the Spirit of Yah Almighty the Creator. When His children sow the seeds of Life and truth, they can never force it to grow. So if it does, this it is truly the Divine works of Yah Almighty the Creator, Blessed be His Name.

[@barbiejr]

automatically in heaven.. god bless..

[@damo2353]

@theprof291166 Finally, I just have to point out the flaw in this statement "As for belief in God, remember nothing just 'creates' itself". I don't know if I agree with this or not, but if I did, as you do, I would like to ask who or what created God? Has it not occurred to you that this fails totally even as a rhetorical device for asserting the existence of a deity, much less as a supposed prooof of one.

[@oyexx46]

Only 3 years OMG should 100 years Proud became indonesian

[@th3w01fv2]

And like a good evangelical you make mountains out of molehills.

[@chitzz67]

Fruits of the Holy spirit, Godly joy, Godly love, Godly peace, forgiveness, enduring, gentleness, kindness, self- control, self-discipline.. wisdom and understanding.. these tree bears the fruit of the lord.. Jesus bless them..

[@user-sv7jg4bi4k]

If anyone doesn't want to be called with barbar / primitive / Savage. Follow the law please. It's not Muslim law but it's a nations

[@theprof291166]

@m00se321 yes there is if you check your history.

[@sally0777]

GOD is good all the time whether HIS childrens are in preson or outside it don't matter, keep the good work great is your reward in heaven.

[@susanpaulinia2380]

😭😭😭😭

[@XiaoFury]

Now that's how Christians should do it!!

[@chitzz67]

Blessed are you who are prsecuted in Jesus name.. For God's holy spirit lives in you...

[@zakuk77]

As far I know, here in the UK, they can not turn their speaker up for the Adhan, so your information is false.

[@MeSlypeeKnite]

its just a reminder... why dont you pray for it to??

[@mioksundiitsaklewamono547]

Jesus Christ is the redeemer ⛪.

[@Yayalifeisbeautiful]

OOoh I'm so glad those people are not giving up their faith but show to the other people that Jesus strenghten them.

[@TheAngusGao]

@xXxcheekzZzxXx Uhm, wrong!!! Indonesia has civil law not sharia.

[@anonimjesus9260]

ketiga orang tersebut dikenakan hukum yg memang berlaku di Indonesia, yang berlaku adil untuk semua agama, seperti dibawah:

[@anonimjesus9260]

All three are charged with Article 86 of Law No. 23 Year 2002 on Child Protection which reads: Any person who knowingly uses deception, a series of lies, or induce the child to choose another religion not of his own volition, but is known or reasonably suspected that the child is not rational and not be liable in accordance with his religion shall be punished with imprisonment of 5 (five) years and / or a maximum fine of Rp 100,000,000 (one hundred million rupiahs);

[@belekk.3561]

Was it forced conversion? Did they use violance? How about praying before class start in moslem way that has to be followed by non moslems. Don't u think this is also another way to introduce religion? How about azan voice or preaching from mosque that has to be heard by non moslem children?

[@christoffelsoekandar7018]

B

[@th3w01fv2]

You do realize that when you go preaching to a foreign country, you're tresspassing.

[@pajohnson3041]

If CHRIST is present in our heart's we enjoy heaven.

[@wise003090]

ONLY MUSLIMS SPREAD THEIR RELIGION THRU FEAR AND IMPRISONMENT. IF IT IS RELIGION OF COMPASSION, SUCH THINGS WILL NOT HAPPEN. NOT ONLY IN INDONESIA BUT OTHER MUSLIM MAJORITY COUNTRIES TOO.

[@perrosenmicasa]

I am disgusted to see so many hateful responses to this item. Such foul language and expressions. This isn't about all you people having a go at one another, it's about following God and loving one another. God must weep when he sees so much hatred going on between HIS children. The OT says "thou shalt not kill" - I assume the Quran says similar. How about people from all religions abiding by that and then people can start living in peace and worshipping God (or Allah) as they want.

[@theprof291166]

@MrMartinas89 How can Jesus be 'Lord'?!? So who is God then? Where in the Bible did Jesus pronounce himself God? Where?

[@th3w01fv2]

There you go again, proving that you can't stand having a non-believer have the last word. Would you rather that I let you save face?

[@velkyenute]

that ridiculous, getting imprisoned just because the want to share their belief. it's not like they'd do it with force. you guys got to think, with your heads clear, not with your "KNEES" period

[@theprof291166]

@damo2353 OK look forward to it.. !

[@melodicnostalgic3823]

Christians in India who cry Persecution hearing the story of some poor Christian guy beaten up in some lone corner of the country by Random Thugs should watch this video. They should check out Indonesia and see comparatively how Tolerant India is towards its Christians. - India's Previous Defense Minister was Christian - India's Head of Opposition Political Party in India is Christian - India's Supreme Court Judges are Christian - India's Famous Movie Stars who earn $20 Million or more are Christian All this despite Christians being only 1% of India's Population. Yet Indian Christians falsely cry - "Persecution" over-exaggerating things when countries like Indonesia and Syria are actually persecuting Christians by Killing them and making Laws against them !!! You blame Hindus who are Secular, Tolerant and Soft. You never go after Muslims who are Fanatic, Intolerant and Brutal.

[@billyasik]

@bluetune89 : You are right, but in this case, Those children WERE TOLD to sing Prayers to Jesus, and read the BIBLE. Their Parents were upset because they didn't know their children were told to do such a thing, those children didn't refuse because they are just Childrens ! They didn't understand THAT Deep about religions. So this "secret" Activity is Considered AGAINST Indonesian Law, and they Deserved to be punished. Thanks to Allah, the "Extreme Muslims" didn't have the chance to kill them,

[@frederich_barbarosa_1111]

Jesus Christ you are my life, Alleluya!

[@RoseinTheIce]

It's their right to speak what they believe, don't muslims do the same? SOME muslims in Indonesia have no respect to other religion. What if they do the same? Other religious group won't do barbaric things like they did. (ex, that group called FPI) Even most of the TV programs in Indonesia contains Islamic matter. n kids also watch it. It's just unfair, how they treat other religion. It's easy to get permission to build a mosque, but it's very hard to get the permission to build church/temple.

[@Stealthanugrah]

Kapan Bp. setop kritik orang terus! Maab Bp. buat argumen tadi. Tapi Bp. harus kalem.

[@minoel51]

Muhammad and Jesus is Messenger of ALLAH..Yes Jesus is a human being and he didnt die..someday he will return to this world..he will destroy the cross at the church..ALLAH IS ALMIGHTY..Ameen.

[@TheBagusJalan]

“ i know who he is“ Really?...so tell me smart azz what s his name?

[@pajohnson3041]

Persecution and problems are good manure for the speedy growth of the spiritual TREE.

[@sazag]

I'm not being racist LOVE! Just asking for something not alot of people are prepared to give.

[@drpujiarto9078]

Tuhan Yesus baik. Amin!!!

[@edwardlucky82]

It is funny how Jesus works often in our life. I too once lived in prison for insignificant time compared to them. It was the hardest time in my life. Yet in my darkest hour, I felt God's grace more then ever. I enjoyed my time there. Do you know that it is easier to speak about gospel of salvation inside prison more that anywhere in the world? Seriously, if you doubt what I said, just try it even for once. The harvest is here, but we don't have enough harvester. Will you also be the one?

[@islamisevil4474]

Hope you guys get out soon to continue with more conversions

[@chrisjoebekham]

with jesus's help..anything could go easily

[@mystic81006]

@MyKUREI I pray for you, I pray god comes into your mind, body and heart to change it for the better, I pray right now you stop hating people for there own belifes as we dont hate you. I pray to the father your eyes are opened right now for the fact of your own hate on any one. If you hate then you are no better then the ones you hate. but god himeself lets the sun shine on even the evil proving he is perfect, so you do the same I pray for you this..