Release International

A pastor and his wife have been testifying about how God protected them from swordwielding extremists during an attack on their church in Aceh.

Pastor Luther Saragih and his wife Netty fled into the jungle when a 100-strong mob set fire to the Evangelical Mission Church in Siompi in the Sharia province last year (7x7, September 26). The attack came after news that the church was to hold a revival meeting. 'The people were holding swords ready to kill us,' Pastor Saragih told CBN News, 'but we were astonished when they just looked at us as we passed in front of them. I believe God's angels were there to protect us.'

Netty, who was three months pregnant at the time, fell several times as she fled and feared a miscarriage. But she thanks God that He kept her baby safe.

The church building was completely destroyed but there are plans to rebuild. Meanwhile, members meet in each other's homes. 'At first I told myself I will stop sharing the gospel,' said Netty, 'but God allowed me this amazing experience. We did not think we'd survive.' Thank God for Luther and Netty's strong testimony -- and for the gift of their child.

• Ask God to give their church courage to continue its outreach work.

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