The families of Alvaro, Trinity, Anita and Intan, children who were injured by the Samarinda church bombing in November 2016, recently testified against the allegedly mastermind behind the attack, Aman Abdurahman. The father of Intan, who died of her injuries following the attack, said, “We have started to move on, put the past behind and be happy with what we have now. But entering that court room; it filled us with mixed feelings – sadness, fear." He also voiced a concern that their testimonies may ignite hatred and revenge from the families and supporters of the bombers.
The families of Alvaro, Trinity, Anita and Intan, children who were injured by the Samarinda church bombing in November 2016, recently testified against the allegedly mastermind behind the attack, Aman Abdurahman.
“All of us, at first, refused to attend the hearing as it will bring back the sad memories, but the Special Forces said it is important for us to testify," said Marsyana Tiur, Alvaro's mother.
She continued, “I am not concerned about the perpetrators or who is behind the attack anymore. What is important to me now is my child. I told the judges about the amount of money we needed for Alvaro's treatment. They advised me to keep all the receipts as they will try to propose to the government to sponsor the cost. I hope they will do it." Open Doors has been providing some financial assistance to the families affected by the bombing.
The father of Intan, who died of her injuries following the attack, said, “We have started to move on, put the past behind and be happy with what we have now. But entering that court room; it filled us with mixed feelings – sadness, fear." He also voiced a concern that their testimonies may ignite hatred and revenge from the families and supporters of the bombers.
Thank you to those who have been praying for these families, who have sent messages of encouragement, and who have given to support Open Doors work with children like Alvaro, Trinity and Anita, who have experienced horrific persecution at such a young age. Trinity's mother says, "That prayer, it goes straight to my heart. Your gifts and support, and that from other churches and believers, have helped to remind us that there are many good people out there. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers." Please continue to pray for them.
Your support helps persecuted Christians continue to courageously follow Jesus.
Together, we can reach those where persecution hits hardest.