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(Indonesia)–We begin today in Indonesia, where a suspected Al-Qaeda pointman was caught plotting more attacks. The leader, ‘Hambali’, is the force behind a deadly jihad whose targets often included the Christian population. Southern Baptist International Mission Board[1] representative, Charles Cole, speaking from Jakarta, says persecution is a way of life there. “The only question is not ‘will it happen’, but ‘when and where will it take place?’ This creates a tension on everyone and provides an atmosphere that does cause limitations on where you go and what you do.” Cole says ministry continues through the national church, which is very much alive. He urges prayer. “We’re not asking for Christians around the world to do away with the danger, but to provide us with the necessary faith to trust the Lord in dangerous situations. The gospel cannot be spread across Indonesia unless we’re willing to go into dangerous areas.”

(International)–Meanwhile, reported members of Al Qaeda are urging Muslims to fight a holy war against US troops in Iraq. Denton Lotz of the Baptist World Alliance[2] says Christians around the world may also be targeted in jihad because their faith is seen as a Western religion. As for ministry, Lotz describes the three-fold responsibility of Christians during this crisis. “First of all, it’s to pray for those who are suffering; secondly, to be compassionate to those who are in need; and thirdly, to follow Christ’s command to be peacemakers. We need to support governments who are working for peace, we need to pray for them, we need to encourage them, but certainly not as Christians should we take up the sword against Islam.” Lotz says, despite some security concerns, they continue to look for ways to share the Gospel. He adds they want people to respond to Christ because of the movement of the Holy Spirit. “We do compassionate ministries out of the love of Christ not with any ulterior motives. We need men and women who’ll follow the cross of Christ because there is the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives.”

(Iran)–Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic Republic in 1979. Since then, ministry has been difficult. Words of Hope’s[3] Lee DeYoung says they’re broadcasting in the Farsi language because spiritual hunger is growing as witnessed by the increasing number of listeners to the broadcasts. “It’s really a time of polarization, where witness for Christians in the Islamic world is, in some ways, meeting with fiercer opposition, and some of the restrictions and concerns and risks and dangers are notably increasing.” DeYoung requests prayer for believers in Iran. “There’s still a real issue of difficulty of any person, who has come from a Muslim background, being seen going into a(n) open Christian church. So, most of the growth of the Iranian church has been underground, unknown to the government, or at least not under direct observation and surveillance.”

(Philippines)–Next, a missionary plane carrying much need supplies ran off the runway Tuesday and turned over in a river. The accident occurred while landing on a tribal airstrip in the Philippines. The aircraft was carrying 300 pounds of cargo into the tribe. New Tribes Mission[4] reports no one was injured. Praise the Lord for His protection and for prompt assistance from the Philippine Air Force. Pray for the missionaries and the mechanic as they work to dismantle and transport the plane for repairs.

(Hong Kong)–And finally, this fall, the CB International[5] church association will celebrate 40 years of work in Hong Kong. The leadership team hopes to use this occasion to launch a 10 year outreach and growth initiative. Pray that God will give the Hong Kong churches big dreams, jointly-owned dreams, and a heart for carrying out the Great Commission together. To accomplish this, they work establish long-term partnerships in the communities, building toward evangelism and church planting, among other things.

[1] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=IMB [2] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=BWA [3] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=WOH [4] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=NTM [5] http://www.gospelcom.net/mnn/media/group.php?agencyAb=CBI ———————————————————————

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