Last month we reported the arrest of Ribur Manulang and Roy Kalbulan, two Christians accused of converting Muslims in Indonesia. These courageous believers used their arrest and imprisonment to further the cause of Christ through their testimonies. Ribur has written a letter of gratitude to those who prayed for her and Roy. Here are some excerpts.
“First, I want to thank Isa (Jesus), my Lord. All things that have happened in my life so far – including my being in jail – are according to His will. I want to thank all my brothers and sisters in Christ who have been praying for us.”
She describes her arrest: “The people brought me to the house of the village chief where I was questioned. They mocked and berated us, and in response we told them what we know about Jesus and why we believe in Him. But every time we said something, they slapped and kicked us. It was a miracle that we had the strength to endure it all.
“Then the police came and brought us to the prison. On the way there, the Lord opened the door for us to share our faith. Every step and every mile, it seemed that opportunities to talk about Isa kept coming to us. So, the police, reporters, and everyone in the prison heard about Him!
“One time, I felt dismayed. I told God it was very difficult for me, and I even thought of giving up sharing my faith. But the Lord encouraged me with words from Matthew 10:24, ‘I will never stop you from spreading the Good News. If I, your Master, was persecuted, you will face the same thing too, because the student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.’
“My heart overflowed with thanksgiving! I asked the Lord to grant me wisdom to speak because I was not good in speaking. I prayed so that whenever people asked me, I could share the gospel with confidence.
“In the prison cell, I felt God’s amazing love. So, thanks for your prayers, my brothers and sisters in Christ… I’m not worried anymore. Jesus is my Good Shepherd; I lack nothing. My brothers and sisters, please keep praying for us. I hope this letter has blessed. May the Lord bless us and give His peace.”
Thank You, Father, for the courage and opportunity You have granted Roy and Ribur to speak about their faith. We pray that You will continue to speak through them in this way. Grant strength and patience, Lord, to Roy and Ribur that they might faithfully endure this trial in their lives and bring glory to Your name. In the name of Jesus our all in all, Amen.