Indonesians in flood-struck Sumatra hold Christmas mass

At a church in Sumatra, dozens of worshippers sang hymns at a Christmas mass, gathered together for their first service since deadly floods swept the Indonesian island.

The Angkola Protestant Church, in the hard-hit South Tapanuli district, was festooned on Wednesday with balloons and simple Christmas decorations.

Outside, the street leading to the building was buried under mounds of debris and foliage.

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Many in the congregation are still sheltering at evacuation sites after the disaster wreaked havoc on the island four weeks ago.

Church-goer Krismanto Nainggolan said this year’s Christmas service was “different”, even as he noted joy in the bittersweet moment.

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“The feelings are mixed. Every word of the pastor’s sermon made us want to cry,” he said after the Christmas mass.

  

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