Indonesia: Violence, similar to 1999 –2001, has once again targeted the Christian enclave of Ambon, in the South Maluku Islands. The Laskar Jihad (LJ), an Islamic militant group responsible for the deaths of over 9,000 in past years was pressured to disband in late 2002. However, the Laskar Jihad has resurfaced on April 27, 2004 and declared that it will send 12,000 LJ warriors into Ambon. An estimated 36 people have died in the recent violence including the brutal torture and killing of Septer Sanabuky, director of the Evangelical Theological Seminary. Up to 300 homes have been torched as well as a church, Christian university, and the UN office. Over 2000 Muslims and Christians have fled their homes looking for safety. Pray that the Laskar Jihad warriors will not be able to enter Ambon. Pray that the Indonesian government will act, that additional security forces will be sent in and that there will be an end to the violence. Pray that the Christian refugees will find a place of safety.

Indonesia: Rev. Damanik, an advocate for reconciliation between the Muslims and Christians with the Malino Peace Accord in Central Sulawesi, remains seriously ill with a kidney disease and under arrest in a Palu hospital. His health is failing and is in need of surgery as it could become life threatening. Pray for permission to re-locate him to a Jakarata hospital for surgery, for the finances required for surgery and that his his health will improve. Pray for strength and encouragement for him and his family. Pray that he will soon be released.

Saudi Arabia: Brian O’Connor, an Indian Christian expatriate was arrested in Riyadh in April and is being held for preaching the gospel, and allegedly selling liquor and drug- related charges. Upon his arrest he was badly tortured and pressured to renounce his faith in Christ. Brain has remained strong in his faith.Pray that he will be quickly released from prison and that he will not be deported but able to return to his job. Pray that he will be able to be a strong witness for the Lord and that he will heal and not be beaten again. Pray also that God will protect the Christians living in Saudi Arabia from arrest.

Nigeria: Peace talks have ceased and violence against Christians has escalated. The Christian Association of Nigeria withdrew from the peace process upon learning that Islamic militants had burned 9 more churches. About 1,000 Christians have died this year in Kaduna and 63 churches have been destroyed. Tensions have risen since 12 states in Northern Nigeria adopted Sharia law. Nigeria: On April 3,2004 in Makarfi a young Christian boy was accused of desecrating a page of the Qur’an. He sought police protection from a violent Muslim mob. Upon refusal of the police to release the boy, the mob vandalized shops and burned the police station as well as nine churches and two homes owned by pastors.Pray that the Christians will not fear reprisal from the Muslim community. Pray that peace process will work and that the violence will cease.