I saw only one (1) citation of trafficking specifically in Aceh. However, _my_guess_ is that Aceh was not unaffected in previous years since North Sumatra borders Aceh province & people can & could travel. There are indications by Indonesians which would agree with this.

Since the Tsunami:
http://www.childtrafficking.org/cgi-bin/ct/main.sql?ID=1311&file=view_news.sql&TITLE=-1&TOPIC=-1&YEAR=-1&LISTA=No&GEOG=-1&FULL_DETAIL=Yes

This site is a conservative political site but was written not long
after the tsunami. It was referred to me by someone:
http://www.theconservativevoice.com/articles/article.html?storyid=1976

On the conference held in Medan (info about increased enforcement of
laws in Indonesia):
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_20246.html

Young women / girl children used for military purposes (an opion
piece):
http://203.2.218.61/asiapacific/specials/indon/opinion_child_informants.htm

http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18245.htm
The years I looked at: 2002-2004 each had some issues with
women/children & trafficking in North Sumatra / Medan & Aceh/Banda
Aceh.

- During the year, some Acehnese women turned down marriage proposals
by security force members, only to have their parents threatened. Women
who did become engaged to security force members sometimes became
targets for GAM rebels.
- East Java, Jakarta, West Java, North Sumatra, and South Sulawesi
Provinces have the largest street children populations (see Section
6.f.).
See section 6.f.
Also under RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Section 1 Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom
From: item b. Disappearance.


This site on women includes a line on Aceh, but does not all pertain to
trafficking of children:
http://www.catwinternational.org/factbook/Indonesia.php

This document was written before the "peace" accord which was signed
between the Aceh separatists & the Indonesian national Government this
year.

http://lfip.org/laws822/docs/indhumantraffrpt%5B1%5D.pdf

A Citation on page 45:
Majalah Kalingga, February 2000 (characteristic of trafficking in
children in North Sumatra);

Pages 53-54
- Were offered and promised to work in restaurants, karaoke, houses and
hotels to children.
- The recruiter operated at malls/other recreational places, suburbs,
information were spread from mouth to mouth
- Were promised instant jobs (without having to apply)
- Were promised jobs with high salary and interesting facilities
All referenced to: Majalah Kalingga, February 2002 (character of
children trafficking for prostitution in North Sumatra)

Page 64:
Provincial office for Department Social North Sumatra discerned that to
combat children trafficking was a difficult effort especially when it
is done voluntarily. They stated to not having legal instrument to
combat children trafficking and the authority was laid in other
institution.

Page 68:
Saudi Arabia as a destination for domestic workers only began in the
1970's


From a table on page 46:
d) In 1999 1,712 cases were revealed and addressed and were brought
into trial for 1,390 cases. Data gathered based on the location where
women trafficking cases were revealed are as follows:

CITIES 1999 2000
Medan 286 282
- From Page 46

From tables on pages 59, 60:
Sumatra : Medan is source & region of transit.

Children trafficking in Medan showed as follows:
Region of origin Tembung, Helvetia, Tanjung Gusta, Semarang, and
Tangerang
Region of transit Padang Bulan
Target location Bandar Baru, Deli Serdang, Sicanang, Belawan, Warung
Bebek, Firdaus, Rampah, Dumai, Tanjung Balai
Karimun, Pekanbaru, Riau.

(This is near Aceh & statistically would imply similar things in Aceh.
... The report elsewhere terms trafficking of women & children as an
iceberg type problem where really only the tip of the problem can be
seen due to the massive shoreline in Indonesia! I have seen stats
indicating 200,000 domestic servants from Indonesia in Saudi Arabia,
often subject to mistreatment & usually with little recorse if they are
Indonesian. According to 2 witnesses closer to the fact, Indonesia no
longer knowingly permits domestic workers to go to the Arabian
Peninsula due to the serious problems that have resulted which the
Indo-govt cannot help with.)

===
Yemen:
http://www.childtrafficking.org/cgi-bin/ct/main.sql?ID=2117&file=view_news.sql&TITLE=-1&TOPIC=-1&YEAR=-1&LISTA=No&GEOG=-1&FULL_DETAIL=Yes

http://www.childtrafficking.org/cgi-bin/ct/main.sql?ID=1864&file=view_news.sql&TITLE=-1&TOPIC=-1&YEAR=-1&LISTA=No&GEOG=-1&FULL_DETAIL=Yes

http://www.childtrafficking.org/cgi-bin/ct/main.sql?ID=1335&file=view_news.sql&TITLE=-1&TOPIC=-1&YEAR=-1&LISTA=No&GEOG=-1&FULL_DETAIL=Yes

Bahrain:
http://www.childtrafficking.org/cgi-bin/ct/main.sql?ID=1349&file=view_news.sql&TITLE=-1&TOPIC=-1&YEAR=-1&LISTA=No&GEOG=-1&FULL_DETAIL=Yes
Indonesia - Pray for the protection, exoneration and release of three Christian men in Sulawesi, Indonesia, who were falsely charged with murder and inciting communal conflict in 2000, during the Muslim-Christian conflict at that time. The Indonesian authorities have already indicated that they are prepared to execute these three Christians at any time and even the coffins have already been ordered for them!

Egypt – Pray that the growing prayer initiative within the Egyptian Christian community would strengthen further, and that God would act quickly in response to the prayers offered.

UAE - Pray that the Supreme Council will allow freedom of religion for all citizens.

Morocco - Pray that the Christian leaders in Morocco would be empowered by the Holy Spirit and that they will know God’s strength in the face of any persecution.

Iraq - Pray that the diversity of the Christian Church will be a source of creativity and strength not of division and weakness.

email: win@win1040.com
phone: (719) 522-1040
web: http://www.win1040.com
WINDOW INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
P.O. Box 49127
Colorado Springs, CO 80949-9127
INDONESIAN EARTHQUAKE & CHURCH CLOSURES
The 6.3 magnitude quake of 26 May that hit the city of Yogyakarta in Java, Indonesia, killed over 5,700 people, injured 10,000 and damaged or destroyed over a half million homes and 269 schools. Many residents have also lost their livelihoods. Christian agencies like World Vision are among those that have diverted staff and supplies from tsunami-hit areas to bring relief. Meanwhile, Jubilee Campaign, a UK-based group that monitors children's rights and religious persecution, reports the government has closed more than 150 churches in Indonesia's capital city of Jakarta and the island of Java over past months. Recent legislation has been enacted that could shut down hundreds more across the country. [MISC. sources/HCJB, 9 June'06]

IRANIAN PRESSURE FAILS TO STOP CHURCH GROWTH
Christians around the world remain concerned about Iran's threats against Christianity that has caused many believers to leave the country. However, Sargon Daniali, who lived in Iran for a time, says despite the persecution church growth continues through radio, television and internet evangelism as well as 'political protest.' "Because [Iranians] are upset with Islam, they go on purpose and chose other religions, one of them [is] Christianity." Daniali believes the government oppression continues under Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "They hate Christianity and they are committed to destroying Christianity; to stop Christianity in the country because Christianity is growing." Many Christian Iranians like Daniali who have fled their homeland are now actively involved in evangelism and church planting in other areas. A 40 days of prayer for Iran focus is now on. More information can be found at www.prayforiran.com. [MNN, 8 June '06]

ERITREA: PETITION LAUNCHED
A multi-agency petition has been launched to protest against widespread religious repression in Eritrea and the hundreds of evangelical believers now in prison. The petition is supported by Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Doors, Release International and Release Eritrea and will be handed to the Eritrean Ambassador to the UK, Negasse Sengal. Supporters are encouraged to download the petition from the CSW website www.csw.org.uk

BAPTISTS RESIST REGISTRATION IN KAZAKHSTAN
Following a fine on one of their pastors of more than three times the average monthly salary for leading unregistered religious activities, the Baptist Council of Churches explained their objections to registering their churches in the Central Asian country of Kazakhstan. The Baptists regard such registration as "sinful" because it would require them to divulge extensive information about leaders and congregations. Information such as ethnicity, education, family status, political affiliation and "the most acute problems worrying parishioners" create a "web almost impossible to break free of," according to the Baptists. Many council members still recall the trial and imprisonment of many Baptists under Soviet rule for refusing to register. "Many were sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment and some even ended their days in prison." [FORUM 18 NEWS SERVICE, 9 June '06]
Saudi Arabia – Pray that the Christian Church would be committed in prayer for those who suffer for their faith in this nation.

Bhutan - Heavenly Father, we pray for safety and encouragement for all those Christians in Bhutan who have converted from Buddhist backgrounds.

Iran - We ask that you, Heavenly Father, would use the Christian Church as a real witness of your love and light to those who persecute your children.

Indonesia - Pray for the safety and release of the three Christian women who were sentenced to three years of imprisonment for allegedly trying to convert Muslim children even though these children attended the women's Sunday School classes with their parent's permission.

email: win@win1040.com
phone: (719) 522-1040
web: http://www.win1040.com [updated]
WINDOW INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
P.O. Box 49127
Colorado Springs, CO 80949-9127
Printable file with all prayer requests available at:
http://www.prayersquared.org/WeeklyPrayerPoints/wpp050706.swf

UAE - Pray for improved pay and conditions for the many migrant workers from Asia.

Egypt – On 14th April, 2006, extremists armed with knives attacked worshippers in three churches in Alexandria, killing one and wounding others; subsequent inter-communal violence led to the death of one Muslim. Pray for healing for all those affected and a reduction in such tensions.

Western Sahara - Pray that Christians would continue to bear witness to the Prince of Peace amidst the strife around them.

Iran - Pray that all who choose to follow Jesus Christ will know how to live appropriately under the threat of persecution.

Indonesia – Pray that the Indonesian authorities will stop denying Christians the right to build new churches.

WINDOW INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
P.O. Box 49127
Colorado Springs, CO 80949-9127
USA
email: win@win1040.com
phone: (719) 522-1040
web: http://www.win1040.com
Debbie Meroff
Reply-To: newsbytes-owner@yahoogroups.com
N E W S * B Y T E S - February 2006
*************************************************
A Free Service of OPERATION MOBILISATION NEWS & INFORMATION*

TEL AVIV: GAY CAPITAL?
Israel tourism officials have announced that they plan on turning Tel Aviv into the gay capital of the world. "Tel Aviv and gay people are a perfect fit," said an official with the Israel Hotel Association (IHA). The idea was born when IHA Director-General Eli Ziv visited London to participate in the 2005 World Travel Market exhibition and met with representatives of the homo-lesbian travel industry. "We are drafting plans to encourage gay tourism from Germany, England and Holland," said Ziv. Tourism Ministry Director-General Eli Cohen said he would offer any financial assistance necessary. Tel Aviv hosts the largest Gay Pride Parade in Israel, drawing up to 100,000 people. [Ynetnews.com]

"YEAR OF THE FAMILY"
At its annual Partnership Conference in Cyprus, SAT-7, the Arabic Christian satellite TV channel in the Middle East and North Africa, announced the launch of the "2006 Year of the Family" Campaign. The campaign will include special programs on SAT-7, book distributions and seminars in churches with the aim of strengthening families. SAT-7 is sponsoring the event in association with local churches and Bible Societies in the Middle East. The slogan is "Together we can shape the future!" SAT-7 is also aiming to raise awareness of the needs of the disabled in the Arab world, and expanding programming for youth. [www.sat7.org/]

IRAQI CHURCHES BOMBED
A spate of car bombs exploded outside churches in Iraq on Sunday 29th January in what appears to have been a coordinated attack. The explosions occurred within a half hour period, apparently chosen to coincide with the time at which Christians would be going to church. Two churches in the northern city of Kirkuk and at least two others in the capital Baghdad were targeted. At least three people, including a 13-year-old boy, were killed and an estimated 16-20 people injured. According to some reports as many as 7 churches were bombed. On the same day, Christian students at Mosul University were beaten up by Muslim students. Many Iraqi Christians believe the events were retaliation for the Danish cartoons of Mohammed. [BARNABAS FUND 2 Feb.'06]

FIRST-EVER TURKISH CHRISTIAN SATELLITE TV CHANNEL
A broad coalition of sending organisations and Turkish local churches are pooling resources to start TURK-7 TV, the country's first Christian satellite TV channel. Programs were scheduled to begin airing in January on the same frequency as SAT-7, the successful Christian TV broadcasters for the Arab-speaking world. Initially TURK-7 will be on for 2 hours each Tuesday and Thursday, but it is hoped the channel will eventually have 24/7 programming. Follow-up (audience relations) will be an important part of the effort. Says one leading Turkish pastor, "Television is a very effective method for communicating across the entire nation. The most exciting thing is that TURK-7 is helping Turks to proclaim Christian truths to their own people, in their own language". [www.sat7.org/ ]

BIBLE GROUPS IN ETHIOPIA
Starting at zero four years ago, Ethiopia's capital Addis Adaba now has 185 Bible listening groups meeting regularly to listen to audio cassettes of the Bible and talk about the Scriptures. The groups are part of the Bible Society's "Faith comes by hearing" project. "Many participants have told us how listening to God's Word has changed their lives," states the project director. He says the people come together for fellowship and nourishment from the Scriptures. [BIBLE SOCIETY, EN 1/06]

YOUNG PEOPLE JAILED FOR READING BIBLE
Eritrean military authorities have jailed 75 Protestant Christians at the Sawa Military Training Camp for "reading Bibles and praying during their free time," local sources in the small East Africa nation confirmed. Most of the newly arrested evangelicals, 37 of them women, are student youths doing their compulsory national military service at Sawa, a remote center near Eritrea's mountainous western border with Sudan. The young conscripts had not attempted to conduct a Christian meeting or transgressed any other military law. Muslim conscripts are allowed to have their own copy of the Quran and pray 5 times a day. Since May 2002, the repressive regime of President Isaias Afwerki has closed down all independent evangelical churches and refused to allow their members to meet anywhere for worship. [COMPASS 2 Feb.'06]

RESPONSE TO CHRISTIAN RADIO IN INDONESIA TRIPLES
The coast of Indonesia is being rebuilt after the December 2004 tsunami, although survivors are still dealing emotionally and spiritually with their loss. A new radio station was launched in November by Back to the Bible in North Sumatra, one of the worst-hit areas. The station was launched through relief funds that came into Back to the Bible after the tsunami hit. Several programs are being aired, including a live call-in program. In the future, Aceh-language programming will be added to reach the hard-hit and spiritually needy area of Banda Aceh. The message of hope is resonating with listeners, many of whom write asking difficult questions. Response has nearly tripled since November. [MNN 2 Feb.'06]

INCREASE IN MISSION INTEREST BY STUDENTS
Jerry Rankin of the USA's Southern Baptist International Mission Board says more and more students are showing interest in missions. In 2001 and 2002, the board has seen more candidates than they have ever had in their history, with over 1,000 missionaries dispatched to fields in each of those years. "Even though we have a higher number of retirements," he said, "we're seeing the highest [number] of missionary appointments." This past year, over 3,000 people applied as candidates to be apprentice missionaries, expressing a sense of call to missions. And "these are candidates for our long-term service, accentuated Rankin, "not our short-term service." [CHRISTIAN POST 6 Feb.'06]

USA [TRADITIONAL] CHURCHES LOSING ATTRACTION [YET HUNGER REMAINS]
A growing number of Americans no longer view a local church as their primary religious meeting place. A study by the Barna Group shows that new forms of religious experience, such as house churches, marketplace ministries, and cyberchurches, are becoming the norm for millions. Discontent with traditional churches, changes in lifestyle and a desire to get closer to God have spurred a megashift. 2/3 of adults have internet access and the internet now serves as the foundation for faith experiences for more than 1 in 10 adults, although most also use it in tandem with another form of corporate religious experience. [RELIGION TODAY]

SHOCKWAVE! [PERSECUTED CHURCH]
For the fifth year, a prayer initiative organised by Open Doors International's youth branch, "Underground," will involve thousands of youths worldwide in praying for persecuted Christians. The March 3-5 event kicks off in New Zealand and travels across all time zones, both online and in other creative ways such as all-night events or prayer breakfasts. For more information in various languages or to obtain resources visit:
http://www.odshockwave.org/

RESOURCES:
TO ENCOURAGE CHRISTIAN WORKERS, especially those working in difficult or dangerous places, a new 15 minute daily radio program produced by Trans World Radio. For details see www.memcarebyradio.com Audio of programs also available on the web.

"France 2006," 40 DAYS OF PRAYER & FASTING DAYS FOR FRANCE, will take place from March 1st to April 9th. Prayer guides, promotional leaflets, and a new DVD called "God in France" can be ordered online. See www.objectiffrance.org

KIDS OF COURAGE website helps kids, parents and teachers link up with
mission prayer and projects worldwide: http://www.linkingup.com/

EZINE FOR MOBILIZERS "Missions Catalyst" by Caleb Project is a weekly
bulletin designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide to be a voice
for strategic ministry.
See http://tinyurl.com/ar8ac
email info@cproject.com

==========

NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM News & Information
[OMNI] in London, England. Material may be freely copied and circulated.
Items do not necessarily reflect OM position and questions should be
directed to the original news source. Html version can be found on
www.om.org. Please do not hit "reply" to this email as subscriptions are
automated. For a free e-mail subscription send a message to:
newsbytes-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To unsubscribe write: newsbytes-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Indonesia - Pray for an end to the forced church closures in West Java and that Christians throughout Indonesia will have enough churches in which to worship.

Western Sahara - Pray for renewed efforts to resolve the sovereignty of this disputed territory.

Egypt – Pray that a Presidential decree decreed in December concerning church buildings would be implemented and lead to changed practice.
BOMBING IN INDONESIA MAY HAVE TARGETED CHRISTIANS == A marketplace bomb blast in Palu, Indonesia, killed 8 people and injured 56 others on New Year's Eve. Authorities say two shrapnel bombs were placed in key areas meant to target a specific group of people. The bomb exploded in a marketplace in a Christian area as residents were buying pork for their festive meals. Pork is offensive to Muslims, and the bombing of what locals call a "Christian market" where the meat is sold may point to Islamic terrorists. Indonesian authorities have widely condemned the attack, and there have been a series of arrests. The bombing is the latest in a string of violent incidents over the past two years, echoing conflict between Muslims and Christians from 1998 to 2001 that claimed more than 1,000 lives. A peace accord was signed in December 2001, but sporadic attacks have continued ever since, with Christians forming the overwhelming majority of victims. [COMPASS, 6 Jan.'06]

A YEAR AFTER THE TSUNAMI == One year after the Dec.26 '04 tsunami that took over 200,000 lives, agencies in Indonesia say that rebuilding will take over a decade, and healing more than a generation. However, many ministries in hard-hit areas report that God has opened doors where once they were closed. In India and Sri Lanka many churches have grown as a direct result of the practical love shown by believers. World Vision was named as the top provider of emergency aid in Indonesia, according to a recent study done by Fritz Institute. World Vision was also one of the top aid providers in India. The study showed that the recipients of aid considered international relief organizations to be superior to government and local relief groups. [MNN Dec.22-30'05]

3.3 MILLION COMPLETED BIBLE STUDIES == Amid earthquakes, droughts, famines, hurricanes and civil wars, people around the world last year responded to the Bible League's outreach in record numbers. More than 3.3 million of the ministry's Bible studies were completed during 2005, and many of these people received their own copies of God's Word as a result. In Southeast Asia alone more than 1 million Bible studies were completed, a 34% increase from 2004. These totals reflect the dedication of the ministry's staff and volunteers in more than 50 countries, said Mike Southworth, executive vice president of ministries. "It's through these incredible people and their local churches that the ministry of the Bible League is extended to others living in some of the remotest parts of the earth." [BIBLE LEAGUE Jan.'06]

NEW MISSION FEATURE FILM == "End of the Spear" is being released in U.S. theatres this January, telling the story of Nate Saint and four other missionaries who were slain 50 years ago by the Waodani tribe (previously called Aucas) in the eastern rainforests of Ecuador. CEO Mart Green formed Every Tribe Entertainment, the company that produced the film, after hearing the story of Nate Saint's son, Steve. Every Tribe is devoted to creating "motion picture experiences that affirm life and inspire hope for a broad international audience through true stories presented in highest quality on film." Every Tribe's affiliated Bearing Fruit Communications has produced Beyond the Gates of Splendor, a documentary of the same events that is being marketed to churches and other Christian audiences. [Townhall.com]

RESOURCES:
Ebay recently launched `Ebay for Charities', a scheme whereby anyone can
auction something and give a percentage of the proceeds to charity. See
http://pages.ebay.co.uk/community/charity/index.html

MK CONNECTIONS:
Websites of interest to Missionary Kids and Third Culture Kids:
http://www.mknet.org
http://www.mkplanet.com
http://www.mkministries.com/index.htm
http://www.tckworld.com

MISSION FINDER: A US-based service offering free personal assistance for
finding worldwide mission projects: Vocational, medical, short term,
orphanages. Classified lists of sending agencies, mission resources, travel tips, insurance, and more. Website: http://www.mfinder.org Email: finder@mfinder.org

BUDDHISM: Valuable training tools and resources for Christian ministry to Buddhists. Access vital maps, charts, testimonies, and short vignettes on historic missionaries to the Buddhist world. http://www.sonrisecenter.org/

************************************************************
NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM News & Information
[OMNI] in London, England. Material may be freely copied and circulated.
Items do not necessarily reflect OM position and questions should be
directed to the original news source. Html version can be found on
www.om.org. Please do not hit "reply" to this email as subscriptions are
automated. For a free e-mail subscription send a message to:
newsbytes-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
( Jan. 9th, 2006 01:38 pm)
Pray for the protection, exoneration, and release of three Christian men in Sulawesi, Indonesia: Fabianus Tibo, 60, Dominggus Da Silva, 42, and Marinus Riwu, 48. They were falsely charged with murder and inciting communal conflict in 2000 and have been sentenced to death, even though they had substantial evidence to show that they were not guilty of these charges and were in fact rescuing Christian children and women from violent attacks by Muslims.

Window International Network [win@win1040.com]
http://www.win1040.com
PO Box 49127 · Colorado Springs · CO · 80949-9127
Indonesia - ACEH REBELS OFFICIALLY DISARMED: Ending the 30-year insurgency

=====

In an answer to prayer, the civil war in Indonesia's Aceh province may be over after Free Aceh Movement rebels officially disarmed on Tuesday, December 27, effectively ending a 30-year insurgency one year after the tsunami destroyed their battlefield.

Christian groups working in Indonesia said peace talks between the rebels and the government were already underway prior to the December 26, 2004 tsunami. However, once the disaster struck, it forced the two parties to work together.

Many experts agree that the tsunami opened the door for humanitarian aid, relationship building and the potential for evangelistic work.

However, prayer remains essential. Thousands of people around the world have been praying for this region during the Praying Through The Window initiatives for more than a decade. Intercessors have prayed for this region because Indonesia is an area that has endured great persecution, even recently with many teenagers being beheaded. The hostility towards Christians may not stop overnight, but the absence of armed conflict is obviously going to be a good thing for the people of Banda Aceh.

The December 27 action paves the way for the guerrillas to transform themselves into candidates in provincial elections in April, in which they expect to win strong support. The Aceh rebels' army disbanding, which took effect immediately, is a key step in a peace plan born out of the devastation wrought by the tsunami to end an insurgency that has left at least 15,000 people dead.

"We are entering a political era now, we do not need weapons anymore," Sofyan Daud, one of the group's commanders, said.

The announcement came shortly after rebel representatives met with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Banda Aceh, the capital of the province that was the area worst hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami.

Under the peace accord, the government has agreed to withdraw its troops from Aceh, grant the province broad autonomy and allow former rebels to stand in the elections. The rebels agreed to disarm and disband.

The December 2004 tsunami left at least 156,000 of the province's people dead or missing and a half-million more homeless.

====
Prayer Points

Please pray for:

* Praise God for this major step in bringing peace to the Banda Aceh area. Pray that one of Southeast Asia's longest separatist conflicts will come to an end in 2006. Pray also that Islamic oppression of the Acehnese will end.

* Thank the Lord that so many people found Christ in Indonesia during 2005. Praise God that the light continues to dispel the darkness. Pray that 2006 will be a great year for the Gospel in Indonesia.

* Thank God that the three Indonesian Sunday school teachers, who were jailed in September 2005 for allegedly forcing Muslim children to become Christians, are being used mightily by the Lord. Pray that God will continue to protect Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun. Pray also that they will gain justice.

* Three men on death row (Tibo, Dominggus and Marinus), who are due to be executed shortly after a grossly unjust trials. They are accused of defending their people against jihadist attacks while the government stood by and did nothing to protect them.

* The revision of government regulations regarding church buildings in Indonesia, which is not proceeding well and needs divine intervention.

* Christian relief organizations working in tsunami areas to be allowed to continue to work without government or rebel interference.

* The 2005 increase in persecution of Christians in Indonesia to decline in 2006.

* Christians to be allowed to worship and live in peace as they rebuild their lives devastated by the December 2004 tsunami.

Sources: Mission Network News, The Associated Press, IndonesiaWatch, Open Doors USA
====
RCVD from:
Window International Network [win@win1040.com]
for other relevant news: goto: http://www.win1040.com
Persecution against Christians continues to escalate in Eritrea

The brutal crackdown against evangelical Christians in Eritrea seems set to continue. Since the start of the year, hundreds of believers have been arrested, subjected to interrogations, food deprivation and torture - with many being ordered to sign documents renouncing their faith.
...
"The president of Eritrea, he has basically made the evangelical church enemy number one of the state and is going about on a ruthless campaign to try to eradicate and shut her down," said Kevin Turner, president of Strategic World Impact, a ministry assisting persecuted Christians worldwide.

Pray for:
* The people of Eritrea need deliverance. Continue to pray for either a change of heart or the removal of the Eritrean government.
* The nearly 1,800 Christians imprisoned, that their faith in Christ would grow during their time in prison, and that their trials would produce lasting growth in the Eritrean Church. Pray that God would strengthen and encourage all those in prison and be especially close to those who are suffering any kind of torture. Pray also that He would convict their torturers and cause them to repent.
* The families of the 26 pastors in prison who have had their bank accounts frozen. Ask God to provide supernaturally for these families. Pray also that the families of prisoners will be able to visit their loved ones. Pray that the congregations of the 26 imprisoned pastors will continue their ministry and reach out to others.
* Freedom of worship to be granted to people of all faiths.
* The total healing of pastor Oqbamichael Tekle-Haimonot, who has just been released after 10 months in detention during which he suffered a mental breakdown as a result of hard labor, solitary confinement and other mental and physical deprivations.
* God to strengthen and encourage the Orthodox Patriarch, Abune Antonious, who has been stripped of his administrative powers and placed under house arrest.
* The safety of all the people who are fleeing Eritrea. Many have died attempting to cross the desert and the Red Sea. Others have drowned in the Mediterranean as they seek to reach Europe.
* The E-Petition Campaign for Eritrea to put pressure on the Eritrean government to release the Christian prisoners.
* Violence in the country to decrease, especially against Christians.
* Christians to be able to worship in freedom and in peace in all regions of the country.
* A great spiritual awakening among Muslims to have a revelation and encounter with the LORD.
Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Doors, International Christian Concern.

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The 10/40 Window nations will be impacted because of your prayers and financial partnership! If you would like to order your bundle of Praying Through the Window 8: The Persecuted Church in the 10/40 Window prayer calendars for your church, friends, and family to join the millions praying for the 10/40 Window, visit www.win1040.com/resources/.
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Arrests Made Over Sulawesi Christian Schoolgirl Beheadings

Five men have been arrested in connection with the recent beheadings of three Christian schoolgirls in Indonesia. The Indonesian military said the men, including a former or retired soldier, were being held for questioning, the British Broadcasting Corporation said, Assist News Service reported.
...
"It is clear this latest attack on an innocent schoolgirl is designed to provoke further religious violence on Sulawesi," CSW's advocacy director Tina Lambert said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost their daughter. We urge the Indonesian government to do more to protect the innocent and prevent a return to widespread inter-religious violence."

Pray for:
* Thank the LORD that the five perpetrators of the beheadings of the three girls have been caught. Pray that true justice will prevail. Pray that everyone associated with these brutal murders are also arrested.
* Thank the LORD for the good recovery of Noviana, the fourth girl in the beheadings attack who escaped, fleeing with slash wounds across her face.
* The government to have wisdom and strength in dealing with radicals who promote violence and persecution. Pray that the government will protect all of its citizens regardless of their religion, wisdom and conviction.
* Ivon's recovery. Pray for God's comfort and strength for her family, as well as Siti's family.
* The testimony of the Poso Christians to hold strong and to demonstrate Christ's love in the midst of the terror they are facing.
* The murders to not deter Christians and Muslims from being friends, loving and caring for one another in Poso and throughout Indonesia.

Source: IndonesiaWatch
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Iraq's Constitution Adopted

The vote on the constitution was 78.59 percent for ratification and 21.41 percent against, the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq said. The charter required a simple majority nationwide with the provision that if two-thirds of the voters in any three provinces rejected it, the constitution would be defeated.
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Some 9.8 million Iraqis cast ballots, or 63 percent of registered voters.
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Pray for:
* Assyrian and Chaldean churches, which are meeting with the Vatican over concerns for the future of the national Iraqi Church.
* The new constitution to be recognized by all and be effective to protect religious liberty for all despite concerns that it will not.
* God to continue to move mightily in Iraq and for many to encounter Christ.
* God's protection for peacekeeping forces in Iraq. Pray for the plans of insurgents to be thwarted and for the violence to stop.
* Terrorists hiding out in Iraq or in any other country to be found and brought to justice. Pray Mark 4:22.
* Iraq to fulfill her destiny and the purpose God has in His heart for Iraq and the nation's people.
Bhutan - There has been a crackdown in recent months on the Church in Bhutan. Lord, we pray that this would not cause Christians to be fearful. We pray that they would not forsake the assembling together and that they will continue to grow in the Word of God and encourage one another. Lord, we pray that You will protect them as they seek to know You more.

Indonesia – Recently, there has been a sharp increase of violent attacks by Muslim militants against Christians in central Sulawesi, including the horrific beheading of three Christian schoolgirls. Pray that the hatred, violence, and persecution against Christians will end immediately. Pray that the authorities will act swiftly, responsibly and effectively in apprehending, prosecuting and punishing those responsible for the beheadings and other anti-Christian attacks. Pray that the attempts by Muslim fundamentalists to Islamize Indonesia and have Islamic law introduced throughout the country will completely fail.

To God be the Glory, in Christ Jesus as He answers!
The Sundanese, with a population of 35 million, are the second largest ethnic group in Indonesia after the Javanese, from whom they are quite distinct. The Sundanese mainly live in the West Province of Java Island.

The first Sundanese kingdom (called “Taruma Negara”) was established about AD600. This kingdom was strongly influenced by Hinduism. In 1527, its main city, Sunda Kelapa, fell to Islamic soldiers. This stopped much of the influence of Hinduism in the area.

The Sundanese language, one of the more complex in Indonesia, has three levels — high (polite), middle and low. However, because the Indonesian national language is studied in school, the younger, urban generation do not speak Sundanese.

“Whether rich or poor, the most important thing is to live together” is a saying among the Sundanese. They love to congregate during the cool evenings to relax and chat together. They also prefer living together as extended families.

The Sundanese are 98 per cent Muslim. Many are “Santri”, who adhere strongly to Islam. However, there are numerous nominal Muslims called “abangan” who still hold to pre-Islamic practices such as visiting their ancestors’ tombs to pray, seeking out witchdoctors for good fortune, and reciting the Qur’an as a charm.

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Prayer points

* Pray for Christian workers (local and foreign) to have cultural sensitivity and wisdom in serving and reaching the Sundanese, especially in the villages (Rom 13:7–10).

* Pray for good, continuing cooperation among the Christian workers among the Sundanese.

* Pray that local non-Sundanese churches will have courage to pray for and witness to their Sundanese neighbours.

* Supernatural power is needed to counter demonic power and confirm and demonstrate the gospel (Luke 7:19–22). Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in such power.
* Pray for protection from Islamic fanatics in the area.

* There is some discussion about the government placing restrictions on Christians. Please pray that this will not be passed at national level.
http://www.christiantoday.com/news/missions/christian.freedom.international.demands.release.of.indonesian.sunday.school.teachers/510.htm

Continue to pray for these ladies. As one does to the least, one does to all. If children cannot come to Jesus, who can?

Peace,
Mert
Indonesia, Southeast Asia

Leader: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Christians: 16%
Persecution Ranking: 37th

"Perhaps the deadliest tsunami in recorded history," according to an ABC News report, has been one of Indonesia’s most significant challenges this past year. With at least 226,000 deaths and a devastated coastline, including the destruction of entire villages, the task of reconstruction and restoration to those left behind will undoubtedly continue for years to come. Many Christians within Indonesia and from around the world are among those who responded to the crisis, sharing the love of Jesus Christ with help of various kinds.

The 22 million Indonesian Christians are a minority in their nation of 200 million, known to be the world's most populous Islamic state. However, since Indonesia is a secular state, by law Christians are professed to be equal in status. In experience, however, thousands of Christians have been killed in recent years due to conflict often intensified by Muslim jihad solders.

Churches in Indonesia face many problems in trying to get registered, and a number of churches have been forced to close down. In West Java, local bylaws require approval from the surrounding community before a permit is granted to build a church or hold services in an existing building. Since this is a Muslim-majority area, permits for church construction are seldom granted. In Bandung, not only do local officials rarely give permission to erect church buildings, but they also do not allow congregations to meet in private venues. Many of the Christians in that area have complained that this is an abuse of their basic right to religious freedom. The Church of Indonesia has a great concern for its nation and there is much indigenous ministry going on, reaching out to the poor and unevangelized.

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Prayer points:

+ Pray for thousands, who have been devastated by the December 2004 tsunami, to find Jesus Christ through Christians who are helping them to rebuild and heal.

+ Pray for protection upon the Christians of Indonesia in conflict-ridden regions.

+ Pray that in Java and throughout Indonesia, churches will obtain registration and the freedom to operate.

+ Pray for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the nation in spite of persecution.

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Father in Heaven, We know that You are "close to the brokenhearted," and that You are the God who "carried our sorrows" in Jesus Christ. We ask that You would bring the people of Indonesia hope and healing in the aftermath of terrible loss brought by the tsunami of 2004. Strengthen Your people to sacrificially help victims, not only in the immediate crisis, but for the long-term. May You grant Your Church much greater freedom to worship and live out their faith in peace among their neighbors. Amen.
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Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, Voice of the Martyrs USA, and 3P Ministries.
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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."
The two following stories describe a basic reality: persecution in SE Asia. To be Malay is the Muslim in the mind of many. Only the cross can break the power of lies. Indonesians are growing stronger & the gospel is spreading ... Pray that this would also happen in this land & would not stop ... to the last day!!

Peace,
Mert Hershberger

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MALAYSIAN COURT RULES AGAINST RIGHT TO CONVERT
The country of Malaysia consists of four main ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese, Indians and tribal peoples. On September 19, a superior court upheld an earlier judgment that the Malay people cannot renounce Islam. According to the Malaysian constitution, ”A Malay citizen is a person who professes Islam.” For the approximately 15,000 Malay converts to Christianity, this means that they retain the official status of a Muslim, regardless of their religious beliefs. Two of the three judges on the panel ruled that she could only change her status with the permission of Muslim religious authorities. The third judge, a Hindu, held that she had the right to renounce Islam without permission, since the Malaysian constitution guarantees the freedom of religion.

In 1998, Azalina Jailani converted to Christianity and changed her name to Lina Joy. She went to court to force the National Registration Department to change her religious status from Islam to Christian so that she could be married in a civil ceremony to her Christian husband. Her request was rejected when the judge ruled, ”As a Malay, the plaintiff exists under the tenets of Islam until her death.” Pray for Lina and the other Malay Christians living in a state of constitutional limbo. Pray for them as they experience social rejection and legal discrimination. As one Christian woman told AsiaNews on September 21, ”We are discriminated and virtually live underground lives. Our parents, siblings and friends all shun us like lepers.”

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INDONESIANS ANSWER CALL TO MISSIONS DESPITE ONGOING PERSECUTION
Roy Peterson of the Seed Company, who recently returned from a trip to Indonesia, says Indonesians are willing to spread the gospel to their countrymen despite the ongoing threat of persecution. “Churches were being closed down by the majority religion [Islam] there,” he said. “There is a lack of freedom to get land to open up and build new churches. They are living with persecution. It’s very quiet . . . not well-broadcast persecution, but it is a part of everyday life.” Despite the pressures, believers are doing everything they can to encourage evangelism. At a conference where Peterson spoke, hundreds of young people responded positively to the call to get involved in missions. “Many of the people groups in Indonesia still don’t have the Scriptures in their language,” he said. “There are about 700 different languages across those 3,000 miles of islands.” The Seed Company is training Indonesians to do the work. “Across the spectrum I saw young people, I saw pastors, and I saw business people giving strategically,” said Peterson. “I just came away with a sense of God working in that country.”
INDONESIA: THREE WOMEN SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON
from: Compass Direct (http://www.compassdirect.org) – September
1, 2005

Indonesian judges sentenced three women to three years in prison
on September 1 for allowing Muslim children to attend a Christian
Sunday School program. Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti, and Ratna
Bangun received the sentence after judges found them guilty of
attempting to convert children under the Child Protection Act
of 2002. The teachers had instructed the children to get permission
from their parents before attending the program, and those who
did not have permission were asked to go home, according to Jeff
Hammond of Bless Indonesia Today (http://www.blessindonesiatoday.org).
None of the children had converted to Christianity.

“The ladies, witnesses, and judges were constantly under the
threats of violence from hundreds of Islamic radicals who threatened
to kill the three ladies, witnesses, pastors, missionaries, and
even the judges if the women were acquitted,” Hammond told Compass.

The three women, described by friends as “ordinary housewives,”
were relieved that they had not been given the maximum five-year
prison sentence but were devastated at the prospect of being
separated from their children, who range from 6 to 19 years of
age.

Full story here (http://www.compassdirect.org/en/newslongen.php?idelement=3949).

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an update on our July 20 News Brief, INDONESIA
- Women Stand Trial on Charges of 'Christianization.' (http://www.calebproject.org/main.php/world
news briefs) To send a note of support to these ladies, contact
Open Doors (http://www.odusa.org).

<><
Received via Mission Catalyst News
IRAQ: THE GOOD NEWS
Despite bombings, hostage-taking and political wrangling, some positive news has emerged about the growth of Iraqi churches. In Baghdad, 15 evangelical congregations have started since the removal of Saddam Hussein's regime in April 2003. Officially, only two existed before. Now local Iraqi pastors lead all congregations, and many Christians who fled the country have returned. "The people are open like never before," said Pastor Ghassan Thomas, adding, “Muslims too want peace. Many of them are frightened. When the hostages are killed, often a Quranic verse is used to justify it. So many Muslims are scared of their own God. When we preach that God is love, it is so liberating to them." In the northeast, Iraqi Kurdistan offers a haven for Christian activity as the two rival Kurdish governments reportedly grow in their toleration of Muslims becoming Christians. Kurds compose about 25% of Iraq’s population. Pray that the country’s new constitution will ensure freedom of religion. [COMPASS, 8 July ‘05]

RADICALS IN INDONESIA ORDER 8 MORE CHURCHES CLOSED
A campaign by a radical Islamic group to close down Christian churches in the Indonesian province of West Java has escalated in recent days, reported the Christian human rights group Jubilee Campaign. “Members of the Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI), an organization of Muslim clerics that receives 5 billion rupees (nearly US$600,000) in support from the government of Indonesia, entered 8 churches during worship services on Aug. 14 and ordered the churches to close.” The incident brings to 35 the number of West Java churches shut down since the MUI issued a series of 11 religious rulings (fatwas) at the end of July. [ASSIST NEWS/HCJB 16 Aug.’05]

“CHRISTIANS IN CRISIS”
A Filipino pastor and evangelist who was tortured and scheduled for public hanging in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Christmas Day, 1992, now leads an organisation that supports persecuted Christians worldwide. Wally Magdangal had just two days left when he was spared execution through the intervention of international human rights groups, the U.S. Congress and White House. Accused of blasphemy, Magdangal said he was actually imprisoned for leading an underground church in Riyadh for 10 years. This had become one of the largest churches in Saudi Arabia with between 300 and 700 people attending services. After being deported, he and his family moved to the U.S. where he now operates “Christians in Crisis” [http://www.christiansincrisis.net], visiting heads of state to tell them about the persecution and torture of Christians and other groups in Saudi Arabia. [CHARISMA/CMDNET 6 Aug.05]

ARABIC SAT-7 VIEWERS FORM CHURCH IN SWEDEN
Ten Arabs in a small city in Sweden came to know Christ through broadcasts from the SAT-7 Arabic satellite network. Centres affiliated with SAT-7 in Europe often help viewers find and integrate into local Arabic churches. But since these new believers had no Arab-speaking church in their city, they decided to start their own. [MNN 25 July ‘05]

"BOILER ROOM" PRAYER FOR LONDON
The City of London is the latest location for a new type of prayer community known as "Boiler rooms". The centres owe their name to the claim of Victorian preacher CH Spurgeon that his ministry only bore fruit because of his "boiler rooms" of prayer warriors who prayed in the basement while he preached. The new breed of boiler rooms – five have opened so far – are an initiative of the 24/7 Prayer Network. The latest, in Tabernacle Street, Moorgate, includes lunchtime prayer for the business community and evening "complines" and has seen members praying on the tube in the aftermath of the London bombings. The groups seek to echo monastic principles as a refuge for prayer and hospitality. [NEWSWATCH/CHRISTIANITY 9/05]

GROWING MISSION-MINDED KIDS
Through the OMS International "Kids Can Do" education programme, kids can take a virtual mission trips and support project that make a huge difference. Says Susie Howard of OMS: "In a lot of Sunday Schools and Vacation Bible Schools, the children will actually raise money for a project, but sometimes they really don't know what they're doing. By educating the children they have a better idea of who these people are. They have more compassion for them, tend to pray for them more at home, and hopefully someday be even open to the thought of going somewhere else and doing something." It's a programme not just for kids, but for adults who want to help develop missions-minded kids. For games and more info visit the Kids Corner page on the OMS website www.omsinternational.org [CMDNet 16 July ‘05]

RESOURCES
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is November 6, 2005. Find out more at:
http://www.releaseinternational.org/idop

Treasury of where to look for resources connecting children and missions!
http://missionresources.com/teachingkids.html

Free missionary stories for kids with downloadable coloring sheets from The National Children's Ministries Agency of the Assemblies of God
http://bgmc.ag.org/files/true-missionary-stories/index.cfm

NEWS BYTES is compiled monthly by Debbie Meroff of OM News & Information
[OMNI] in London, England. Material may be freely copied and circulated.
Items do not necessarily reflect OM position and questions should be
directed to the original news source. Html version can be found on
www.om.org. Please do not hit "reply" to this email as subscriptions are
automated. For a free e-mail subscription send a message to:
newsbytes-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
( Jun. 26th, 2005 04:38 pm)
Hamran Ambrie's testimony:
A dedicated Muslim leader of a large Indonesian Islamic political Party, before reading the Gospel/Bible led him to receive Jesus Christ as his own Savior and Lord. He paid a heavy price but stayed faithful to the end.

His story:
http://www.the-good-way.com/eng/book/b08.htm
.

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