Faith Behind Bars

CBNNews --- Indramayu, Indonesia - In May 2005, three Indonesian Sunday school teachers were imprisoned for converting Muslim children to Christianity.

Our Cbn News Asia Team recently visited the three women in prison and discovered they're still sharing their faith behind bars.

We visited Rebekka, Ratna, and Eti at the local prison in Indramayu, Indonesia and found them in high spirits.

They remain positive, even though they have now spent two years in jail for a crime that most people say they did not commit.

In 2005, the three Sunday school teachers were summoned to court after a group of Muslim radicals in their village accused them of converting their children to Christianity.

Evidence was presented suggesting that the Muslim parents were aware that their children attended Sunday school with their Christian friends. Regardless, the court still pronounced the women guilty and sentenced them to three years imprisonment.

Observers in the hearings concluded that pressure and intimidation from Islamic extremists convinced the judge to hand down the harsh ruling.

Even if people believe that Eti, Ratna and Rebekka were unjustly sentenced. It's amazing how these three women can call this prison their "school of trust."

Rebekka, a Sunday School teacher, said, "I call this prison ‘a school of trust in God.' I think it's not easy to be in prison, but everything is easy with the Holy Spirit. Jesus is very faithful to me in this jail. He supplies all our needs, never leaves me, never forsakes me. They ask me why you never look so sad. I told them there is joy in my heart and peace in my heart because of Jesus."

Ratna and her husband, Sembi, who was then visiting, also testified how the whole experience has made them grow spiritually.

Sembi said, "It is very difficult that my wife cannot be with me and my children at home, but I thank God because he helped us to be stronger in our faith and in our relationship with each other."

The three women did not keep their faith in Christ to themselves. They shared it with fellow inmates.

Edi Koswara is one of them. He is in jail for stealing a motorcycle and says it was the kindness of Rebekka that led him to ask her about Jesus.

Edi said, "I saw the kindness of Jesus on her face. I know every child of God has joy on his face. I want the same and know about this"

A former Hindu and Muslim, Edi embraced Christianity.

"I know Jesus has died for me and has forgiven my sins," Edi said. "When I die, I know I will be with Jesus in heaven."

Inspired by biblical passages, Edi made several paintings which Rebekka used in her Bible studies.

Rebekka says she believes all the good things that happened to them inside the prison were answers to the prayers of Christians from around the world.

"The community of Christians is very good. We have received many letters. That is the very best time for me in jail. Proof to me we are the body of Christ," she said.

And prayers for their early release have also been answered. Eti, Ratna and Rebekka will be freed on parole in June.

Will the three women stop teaching Sunday school to the children?

Rebecca said, "Of course not! But we must be wise because they will watch us."

But with their Heavenly Father closely watching them, Eti, Ratna and Rebekka say they are confident that their future is secured.

- source