Saudi Arabia: Crackdown in Saudi Arabia, Indonesia: A Family is Reunited in Indonesia, Page 3

December 2001

Articles in this issue:  War Against the Church, Page 1 | Indonesia, Page 2 | Indonesia, Pakistan, Page 3 | Pakistan, Page 4

“O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their heart, You will incline your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed.” Psalm 10:17-18

Tensions Rise in Ambon… 

Children like these are being kidnapped and indoctrinated into Islam.

The leader of the Laskar Jihad, Jaffar Umar Thalib, arrived in Ambon on Sunday October 21, 2001. Thalib reportedly held meetings with various groups and delivered a speech at the Al Fatah Mosque on the following Tuesday. He inaccurately stated that George Bush had declared war against Muslims, and that Colin Powell had said that the next target would be Indonesia due to the presence of the Laskar Jihad. Thalib further said that "Muslims have been instructed by Allah to protect this country and fight to implement Shariah law." He says that he regretted that some Muslims were talking about peace and reconciliation and stressed that the war would not be over until Muslims could celebrate Idul Fitr [Muslim Holy Days] in the Christian places. He called on Muslims to consolidate and unite to introduce Shariah law in Maluku. Umar Thalib's presence in Ambon raised fears of increased tension between the communities. (Source: Indonesia - OCHA consolidated situation report No. 47).

Islam in Indonesia…

There are 203 million people in Indonesia, 87% of which are Muslims (2000 Indonesia Census Data). Those of the Islamic faith can be divided into two groups, the `moderates' and the `purists'. Most of Indonesia's Muslims are moderates and historically Indonesia has been tolerant of other religions. However, there has been a rise in the number of those who profess a "purer" form of Islam. Those who are discontent for various reasons in a depressed economic country are being more and more influenced by the lofty visions of those at the extremes. The American bombing of Afghanistan is adding fuel to the fire, and despite the Western allied effort to say, `This is not a war on Islam', the perception is fast becoming otherwise among Indonesia's moderates.

The tension within Indonesia is being felt by many. For example, this tension is conveyed in this plea for prayer from a Western Missionary in Indonesia:

"The `war' atmosphere has polarized the world and its impact is huge in Indonesian Islamic circles. Many moderate Muslims are starting to express anti-American and anti-Western feelings and are joining calls for Jihad. The current emotional response is threatening national stability and there are groups that are planning to overthrow the current president and government. Please ask God to prevent radicals from gaining control and implementing Islamic Law as they desire. This would lead to national disintegration and close many doors to evangelistic efforts. The Indonesian church needs to be bold and not intimidated under the increasing pressure of the minority Islamic hard-liners that are stirring up the masses for their own gain." 

(Ian Freestone of Australia contributed to this article)

(Click here for more information on Indonesia.)

Christians Murdered In Pakistan

	A Martyr for the Lord: Pastor Emmanuel

Another country being heavily influenced by Islamic extremists is the nation of Pakistan. Despite President Musharraf's promise of support to the US, part of the general populace sympathizes with or directly supports the Taliban. Anti-Western and anti-Christian sentiments culminated on Sunday, October 29, 2001, when Christian worshippers and a Muslim police officer were gunned down at St. Dominic's Church in Bahawalpur (Punjab Province). As usual the small Protestant group was borrowing St. Dominic's Catholic Church for their worship service. Because Christian groups often have problems building churches, several congregations may share the same building. Between 8:45 and 9:00 A.M., five bearded terrorists came on two motorcycles. After killing the guard at the church gate they entered the main building where the service was in progress.

(Click here for more information on Pakistan.)

Continued on Page 4... 

POSTED:  January 21, 2002

December 2001

Articles in this issue:  War Against the Church, Page 1 | Indonesia, Page 2 | Indonesia, Pakistan, Page 3 | Pakistan, Page 4