In Indonesia, where Islamic extremism continues to be a threat, you’re helping your Christian family rebuild their lives—and even start a secret church.
It was only a few months ago that Siti*, Soleh*, and their four sons were begging for mercy from their neighbours.
Shouting began around midnight. The family awoke to chaos. Dozens of villagers had gathered, surrounding the property with angry voices piercing the night.
“Come out!” they shouted. “You’ve converted to Christianity! You’ve even influenced others. We don’t want our village to become unclean because of you. Leave now!”
Confused and frightened, Siti and Soleh stepped outside, pleading for understanding. But the accusations kept coming. There was no room for explanation.
That night, carrying only what they could grab, the family of six fled their home. With nowhere to go and little money, Siti called Tina*, her mentor in faith and the woman who had introduced her to Jesus.
“We’ve been forced out,” Siti said, her voice shaking. “We don’t know where to go.”
Tina met them in the middle of the night. Together, they searched for shelter and finally found one small, empty room they could rent. Cramped and bare, the space became a home for the frightened family who had been handed a devastating reminder of the
cost of following Jesus where they lived.
Meeting Jesus
Siti was the first to give her life to Jesus. In early 2024, her husband Soleh had contracted a severe illness. His skin blistered and peeled. His fingers locked up. But medical tests yielded no answers.
"There was something different when she spoke about Jesus"
Siti
Struggling to cope, Siti connected with Tina, a fellow parent at her son’s school. Listening to their story, Tina, a former Muslim, began to share quietly about Jesus. At first, Siti listened alone. But soon, Soleh joined the conversations too.
“There was something different when she spoke about Jesus,” Siti remembers. “Our hearts felt peace, even when our situation didn’t change.”
Eventually, Tina asked if they would like to know Jesus personally. Both Siti and Soleh said yes. Not long after, their four sons also chose to follow, having seen the quiet transformation in their parents. In December, the entire family was baptised.
Then came the miracle. Soleh’s condition began to improve—first slowly, then suddenly. The burning sensation disappeared. His skin healed. His fingers regained movement.
“We only prayed and praised the Lord,” Soleh said. “And He healed me. It was a miracle.”
Overflowing with joy, the couple began to share their testimony. Five other people in their village chose to trust Jesus.
When one of the new believers publicly shared their story, word spread quickly that Soleh and Siti had become Christians. Suspicion turned to anger—an ire that eventually led to that terrifying night.
“Stepping into hope again”
That incident was the catalyst for a new beginning for the family – and an opportunity to see the worldwide Church in action! When Open Doors local partners learned what had happened, they visited Siti and Soleh’s family.
Through the prayers and generosity of supporters around the world like you, the family was able to rent and move into a house (pictured), with three bedrooms and space to breathe.
“It was like stepping into hope again,” Siti said.
With support from local partners, the family is now preparing to start a small chicken farm and also plan to host a small secret house church in their new home—led by Tina—where they can worship and grow in faith.
*names changed to protect their identities
