Jubilee Campaign USA, April 29, 2004
Maluku Violence Increases
The situation in the Maluku Islands (that we previously reported) is growing
progressively worse. As most of you know, violence once again broke out in the
Maluku islands last week. The death toll now ranges somewhere between 30-45 dead
and roughly 120 injured. Further, there have been an estimated 200-300 buildings
(including houses and businesses) burnt since the attack began.
In one specific incident, on Sunday April 25, the director of a leading evangelical
seminary in Ambon and a student were abducted by a mob. Their bodies were later
found tortured and beheaded.
Analysts fear that the Laskar Jihad, the terrorist group responsible for the escalation
and bloodshed from 1999-2002, are returning to Ambon. Reports have been issued
that thousands of Laskar Jihad members are already on their way.
As the security forces (pictured here) endeavor to protect the unarmed Christian
population, the real question must be: what is really behind this recent outbreak in
violence? A report from Salawaku, our partner organization in Maluku helps spread
some light on that question. Currently Salawaku is teaming with other Christian
organizations and NGOs to provide for the refugees displaced by the current violence.
Along with Salawaku, the Jubilee Campaign operates and orphan program to assist
those children who lost o ne or both parents during the original violence in Maluku.
We are in touch with those on the ground in Ambon via e-mail and via text messaging
(or SMS).
So far it appears that our orphans have remained unharmed; however, please remain
in prayer that peace, security, and safety will soon return to those imperriled in
Ambon in the Maluku Islands. And please stay informed by reading the following
in-depth article.
Ann Buwalda
Jubilee Campaign USA
email: jubilee@jubileecampaign.org
voice: 703-503-0791
web: http://www.jubileecampaign.org
This email was sent to shortcut2justy@yahoo.com.au, by Jubilee Campaign USA.
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