Page 15 - Voice of the Persecuted Christians - Apr-Jun 2023 - 122

© Main photo: Release International 2023
‘I asked God: “Why did it happen?” and “When will the suffering be over?” But at the same time she drew strength from repeating passages of scripture to herself.
Fenny has now returned to her previous job and is even back riding a motorbike again – even if slowly. She is grateful to have regained some of the life she had before the attack.
In total Fenny received 30 skin grafts as well as surgery to lengthen the space between her fingers. And even after the surgery it was necessary to undergo radiation treatment to kill off malignant cells that had formed in her body.
‘I did not want revenge because I know God had a plan. I never felt bitterness towards them,’ she said. ‘They said they had been indoctrinated and expressed their sorrow for what they had done. If I did [feel bitter], what use is that?’
As well as the challenge of physical recovery Fenny had to cope with the impact on her mental health. ‘I felt depressed because I could not do the normal things, like wash myself,
clean the house, or even hold a spoon,’ she said.
She added: ‘I am thankful to Jesus, the ministries that helped me and those who prayed for me. I am so happy I can do practical day-to-day tasks again – it’s a miracle!’
Fenny is thankful to be able to share her story; and (inset)
in 2019.
While the bombing at the Pentecostal church was the most powerful and destructive of those carried out that morning, the carnage could have been much worse. A bomb disposal unit later discovered and defused two additional explosives near the church.
In time a worker from a Release International associate ministry called at her house and began to support her in the days following her release from hospital, helping her to receive ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation. On top of this,
Surabaya Central Pentecostal Church was closed for repairs but has reopened again with a larger, stronger security gate and new protective barrier at the entrance. The pastor encourages members to stay faithful and keep meeting together.
the Government provided a level of support to aid her recovery, while separately local Muslims shocked by the attacks on the churches paid her a visit to express their sadness.
The bombers may have sought to destroy the church but it continues to gather for worship and to love all those living in its neighbourhood. Fenny’s story is testimony to its message of hope.
In fact on that day, May 13, suicide bombers from the Islamic State terrorist group murdered 15 people at three Indonesian churches, including ten from Fenny’s congregation at Surabaya Central Pentecostal Church. Several more were injured.
PRAY
• Thank God for Fenny, for her amazing recovery and inspiring testimony
• Pray that her story of hope and forgiveness would have a lasting impact on many people both in Indonesia and further afield
• Pray for God’s protection and blessing on the churches in Indonesia
‘I am so happy I can do practical day-to-day tasks again – it’s
a miracle!’
REMAINING GRACE
I could not help but ask this gentle woman of God how the events in 2018 had affected her faith. After all, it would have been only natural to have questioned God and maybe even to have felt shaken in her beliefs.
‘I was a believer before but after the bombing I felt I couldn’t serve my family or God any more,’ Fenny said.
‘However, it meant that I began to understand much more about the grace of God. Even when I couldn’t do anything, it was still there – it was not me any more but Him!’
She smiles. ‘I understand grace much more now.’
Tom Hardie
take months and involve major and extensive treatment. ‘I had 85 per cent burns and had to have morphine to cope with the pain,’ she said. One doctor told her he had never treated someone who survived burns as severe as hers.
Despite all she has suffered Fenny holds no bitterness towards
the attackers. In fact through a government programme to bring about reconciliation and help survivors to overcome their trauma she has even met former terrorists who have repented of their actions.
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