Sri Lanka Easter Bombing: Two Years Later

During Easter of 2019, Jihadist Terrorists bombed three churches and three hotels in Sri Lanka, killing 267 and wounding over 500 more.  The attack, which was one of the worst terrorist attacks in recent years, was carried out by ISIS terrorists who used the same type of explosive that they used when they bombed three churches in Indonesia in 2018; the bombing of Manchester, England in 2017; and the 2015 attack on Paris.  This explosive device used is appropriately named by ISIS as the "Mother of Satan."  

The attacks shocked the nation of Sri Lanka.  Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist nation, and most Christian persecution up until now came from Buddhist extremists.  Though the nation had endured a 26-year Civil War between the Buddhist Sinhalese and separatist Hindu Tamils, Christians and Muslims represented a small minority of the population, with Christians making up 7% of the population and Muslims 10%, with neither religious group launching a serious attack on the other. 

Investigations revealed that the ringleader of the eight Jihadist bombers was Zaharan Hashim, an extremist leader who had been expelled from his Islamic school at the age of 15 due to his extremism.  When police raided his safehouses, they found clothing typically worn by Buddhist monks, indicating that they initially planned to attack Buddhist Temples, but they ultimately decided that attacking churches would bring more global exposure.  Since ISIS views both Christians and Buddhists as Infidels, they're both considered legitimate targets.  

Those who survived the attack will carry the scars of this hate for the rest of their lives.  One seven-year-old girl named Debbi lost both of her parents to the attack as well as her eyesight.  In one single day, she went blind and became an orphan.  Yet, she does not despair.  When interviewed Debbi said "Why cry?  My parents are with Jesus.  One day we will also go to be with Jesus."  Instead of becoming a victim, Debbi became a victor.  She still glorifies God and remembers her mother's favorite Bible Verse: "Commit your way to the Lord" Psalm 37:5.  Debbi now lives with her aunt and uncle.  

Assistant Pastor Stanley of the Zion Church was about to start his service when he saw one of the bombers being escorted out of the church for the courtyard.  Pastor Stanley went out and spoke to the man, who identified himself as Umar, who stated he had been there to pray for his sick mother.  However, Pastor Stanley sensed that something was wrong.  As he went back inside, he saw Umar trying to force his way in.  Unable to do so, Umar detonated his bomb.  Many of those caught in the blast were children who had just finished Sunday school and had gathered near to church entrance.  Fourteen of these children were killed in the blast, two of whom were Pastor Stanely's nieces.  

Chandrika attended the service at Zion Church with her husband

Dharshini and her 15-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter.  Sadly, Chandrika lost her husband in the attack along with her son, leaving her a widow.  Miranthini, a young woman, arrived to the church a few minutes before the service.  She too was caught in the blast, and the shrapnel shredded her leg.  Some of the shrapnel couldn't be removed by doctors and she was no longer able to due her job at a local factory due to her injuries.  Despite her handicap, Miranthini still holds to her faith, stating "God preserved me, so He must have a plan."  Girija attended the service at Zion Church with her four children while her husband was at work.  Sadly, she took shrapnel to her head and died in a local hospital.  Girija's 12-year-old daughter lost her hearing as a result of the blast.  

For all the suffering they have endured, these individuals, their families, and much of the Christian community still maintains a strong faith in God, and their firm commitment to their faith and their refusal to give in to despair has won the admiration of many of their non-Christian neighbors.  Their stories show us that nothing, not even a suicide bomber, can stand against God's faithfulness to those who honor him.  

Sources:

"Sri Lanka Bombings: Overcoming a Terrorist Attack."  Voice of the Martyrs Magazine.  Nov. 2020.