A second-grade boy died days after five older Muslim boys beat him for his faith in Jesus. The attackers, who range in age from 11 to 13, had previously bullied the 8-year-old boy, so far known publicly as ‘KB’, at his school in the village of Pangkalan Kasai, in the Seberida district Indragiri Hulu (Inhu) Regency, Riau, Indonesia. Their insults turned into physical violence on Monday, 19 May, when they beat him so badly that he went home hunched over in pain. The next day, KB told his mother what had happened. His parents met with school officials about the incident on Wednesday. That Friday, the school principal met with the attackers and KB’s parents, helping both sides work through the incident peacefully. As time went on, KB’s condition worsened.
“I have met the perpetrators who beat my child, and they confessed,” said KB’s father, Gimson Beni Butarbutar. “My child’s stomach was kicked, that’s why it’s swollen. The child doesn’t want to eat rice and even vomits blood.”
Butarbutar and his wife took KB to the hospital.
“My child was treated and given injections and oxygen,” Butarbutar said. “His epigastrium was already swollen. He was having difficulty breathing. On the way to the hospital, he was already having convulsions. His condition was terrible.”
KB succumbed to his injuries Monday morning, 26 May, at Indrasari Rengat Regional General Hospital (RSUD). His parents are devastated.
“He was my first child,” his father said … “He was a good and strong child. He dreamed of becoming a soldier. I used to want to become a soldier, but I didn’t. That’s why I wanted him to become a soldier. I can’t believe all of this. I feel like I’m dreaming.” Police are still investigating the incident. KB’s parents hope for justice for their son.
KB is remembered as a bright student who regularly attended Sunday school. “This child is diligent in Sunday school, often participates in Bible quizzes, and often wins,” said Pastor Piet, pastor at GPDI Solagracia, where KB’s family worships.
KB did become a soldier. A sodier for Jesus. and he died valiantly in battle.
Lord Jesus I ask that you quicken this to the heart of KB”s father. His wish/desire has become true. Much better to die as christ’s soldier than end up fighting ina human army for possibly obscure reasons.