This week, we’re continuing our persecution awareness series in June. We talk about school bullies and how kids should be nicer to each other. But where do they learn it from? I have an account of a young kid who was bullied to the extreme for his faith in Jesus, and his bullies likely learned this behavior from the adults around them. If they’re perfectly fine doing this to a child…(1).

“A second-grade boy died days after five older Muslim boys beat him for his faith in Jesus.

The attackers, who range in age from 11 to 13, had previously bullied the 8-year-old boy, so far known publicly as “KB,” at his school in the village of Pangkalan Kasai, in the Seberida district Indragiri Hulu (Inhu) Regency, Riau, Indonesia. Their insults turned into physical violence on Monday, May 19, when they beat him so badly that he went home hunched over in pain.   

The next day, KB told his mother what had happened. His parents met with school officials about the incident on Wednesday.  

That Friday, the school principal met with the attackers and KB’s parents, helping both sides work through the incident peacefully. As time went on, KB’s condition worsened. 

“I have met the perpetrators who beat my child, and they confessed,” said KB’s father, Gimson Beni Butarbutar. “My child’s stomach was kicked, that’s why it’s swollen. The child doesn’t want to eat rice and even vomits blood.” 

Butarbutar and his wife took KB to the hospital. 

“My child was treated and given injections and oxygen,” Butarbutar said. “His epigastrium was already swollen. He was having difficulty breathing. On the way to the hospital, he was already having convulsions. His condition was terrible.” 

KB succumbed to his injuries Monday morning, May 26, at Indrasari Rengat Regional General Hospital (RSUD). His parents are devastated.  

“He was my first child,” his father said. “My second child is a girl. He was a good and strong child. He dreamed of becoming a soldier. I used to want to become a soldier, but I didn’t. That’s why I wanted him to become a soldier. I can’t believe all of this. I feel like I’m dreaming.” Police are still investigating the incident. KB’s parents hope for justice for their son.  

KB is remembered as a bright student who regularly attended Sunday school.  

“This child is diligent in Sunday school, often participates in Bible quizzes, and often wins,” said Pastor Piet, pastor at GPDI Solagracia, where KB’s family worships.” 

In these countries, it’s not only adults who are persecuted for their faith. Children are also impacted, whether they are persecuted directly or they are orphaned because of their parents’ persecution. Remember to pray for these families.

Let me know if you have any comments or suggestions below or you can contact me here! I love hearing from you!

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Source: 

1. https://www.persecution.org/2025/05/30/christian-student-dies-after-bullies-beat-him-for-his-faith/