Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, with a total of more than 220 million Muslims, or about 13% of the world’s Muslim population. While most Indonesian Muslims practise an animistic and superstitious version of Islam known as ‘folk’ Islam, proponents of Islamic extremism have encouraged and engaged in violence against Christians.
The wickedness of these attacks has led many Muslims to question Islam and to be more open to the gospel. Bold evangelists are taking advantage of this opportunity to share the gospel and are leading many Muslims to faith in Christ.
In one Muslim-dominated area of Indonesia, however, several different obstacles cause Muslims to be hesitant placing their faith in Christ. Front-line workers cite problems such as village leaders forbidding access to certain areas used for discipling new believers, mosque leaders breaking into worship gatherings and forbidding them from continuing, and landowners blocking roads leading to churches.
In the same area, prohibitions against Christian burials in common cemeteries and exorbitant fees for Christian burials in approved locations remain a stumbling block for many who have expressed genuine interest in converting to Christianity. The cost of burial in an approved Christian plot can cost up to a few months’ wages, whereas Muslims can be buried for free on any private land.
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