18th March 2008

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Jemaah Islamiyah

Barnabas Fund has received credible reports that the Al-Qaeda linked terrorist organisation Jemaah Islamiyah has threatened to target Christians in Indonesia this Easter. Jemaah Islamiyah has been responsible for many attacks in the past - it is believed to have organised the Bali bombings in 2002 and 2005, and bomb attacks at churches on Christmas Eve in 2000.

Jemaah Islamiyah is dedicated to creating a single Islamic state throughout South-East Asia under shari`a law. It considers non-Muslims as legitimate targets and is active throughout the region. The organisation is closely linked to Al-Qaeda, and has shown that is it able to carry out devastating attacks, such as the Bali bombings in 2002 which killed 202 people. On Christmas Eve, 2000, Jemaah Islamiyah bombed several churches in Jakarta, Bandung and Riau, killing 18 people and injuring more than a hundred.

Threats to Christians on major celebrations such as Easter and Christmas are frequent in Indonesia, and security guards are often posted outside churches at this time. Some churches in Jakarta keep metal detectors near their entrances to try to thwart bomb attacks. This Easter will therefore be a time of great anxiety for Indonesia`s Christians.

Please Pray

1. Pray that Indonesian Christians will be able to worship in safety this Easter. 2. Pray that the authorities in Indonesia be active in protecting Christians from terrorist attacks and that that they will apprehend those who threaten to attack Christians.

*Links:*

Daily Prayer Point <http://www.barnabasfund.org/news/news_03.php> New book from Patrick Sookhdeo <http://www.barnabasfund.org/resources/resources_02.php>

Prayer Focus Update <http://www.barnabasfund.org/support/pfu.php> Contact Barnabas Fund <http://www.barnabasfund.org/about/about_01.php>

Barnabas Aid Online <http://www.barnabasfund.org/news/news_01.php> Save Iraqi Christians More info <http://www.barnabasfund.org/projects/projects_01.php> <http://www.barnabasfund.org/projects/projects_01.php>