After serving almost one year in jail, Wilhelmina Holle, 49, regained her freedom on December 10, 2009. In a recent interview over the phone, Ibu Holle breaks the news to Open Doors. “When I was released, all I did was cry and thank God for my release,” she said.
Reflecting on her prison days, Ibu Holle realized that she grew in her love for the Lord. “I started to join many church activities when I was in Masohi Prison. Now, I serve Him more in a local church,” said Holle, who went through a season of despair during her first few months in detention. Co-accused Asmara Wasahua tried to discredit her faith while in prison, but he was unsuccessful. “He (Asmara) had never been kind to me that time,” Ibu Holle said.
Holle, a Christian elementary school teacher, was falsely accused of defaming Islam while giving private lessons to her students on November 10, 2008. The rumor led to a massive protest and the burning of Letwaru, a Christian predominant village in post-conflict Maluku, on December 9. She was detained along with Asmara Wasahua, a former parliamentary candidate of an Islamic party. Holle admitted to the accusations under duress, but maintained her innocence later on, in a press conference. Open Doors came to see Ibu Holle on April 12, 2009.
“She still remembers the day when Open Doors came to visit and pray for her in Masohi Prison,” remarked an OD worker. “She sounded happier and more enthusiastic.” Family and friends from the defense legal office came to celebrate with her.
“I was worried that neighbors and former co-workers will despise me when I returned. But I was wrong,” said Ibu Holle. Muslim friends came to her house to celebrate Christmas together, a wonderful surprise for the schoolteacher.
Ibu Holle got an offer to teach in another place, but she refused. “I want to take care of my children first and spend quality time with them.” With help from a local church, she was given a teaching position in a Christian school in Ambon where she lives. On January 11, 2010, Ibu Holle returned to her heart’s home—teaching children.
Prayer Points:
1. We praise the Lord that Ibu Holle was released on schedule, and was able to reunite with her family during the Christmas season.
2. As a civil servant, Ibu Holle was entitled to three months’ salary that she failed to receive, since she was in prison. She is also trying to secure a placement letter that will allow her to teach in public schools. Please pray for God intervene on her behalf.
3. Finally, let us remember Ambon in prayer. This Maluku island was once the stage of a bloody religious conflict between Muslims and Christians from 1999 to 2001. The two groups are still polarized, living in separate communities, although there are efforts toward peace building. Let us pray for true peace to reign in Ambon, and for God’s people to be channels of reconciliation.
