I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust”… You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day. Psalm 91:2, 5
Indonesian Villagers (2003)
Islamist Rampage
A pregnant woman and a six-year-old girl were among the victims when Islamists went on the rampage, attacking five Christian villages in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, on 10 and 12 October 2003. At least eleven Christians were shot dead or hacked to death with machetes, others were severely injured while many fled the violence to seek safety in the Christian town of Tentena. Some had only recently returned from Tentena to rebuild their homes after suffering terrible violence two years before. In one of the five villages, called Beteleme (meaning Bethlehem), children came with the attackers and set fire to 38 Christian houses and the church, while the adults shot and stabbed the villagers.
A few days later, police arrested 13 people suspected of being behind the two attacks while four others were shot and killed while resisting detention. The prompt response of the police was welcomed by the Christian community; the authorities had consistently turned a blind eye during previous attacks on Christians. But the police who made the arrests were Christians and, after protests by Muslims who were outraged that action had been taken against the militants, they were re-deployed to another area.
Christians around the world face difficult challenges. Do not be overcome by hopelessness or the troubles of life. Trust in the Lord and His unfailing mercy so that regardless of the circumstances you will, at all times, be heaven focused.