James Kanaganayagam, Sri Lanka country director (BTTB).
War planes are constantly over rebel-held areas. Many fear it's a preview of a conflict in Sri Lanka that could see thousands die.
Back to the Bible' s Country Director James Kanaganayagam says many people have already felt the effects of war. "This has just compounded the already huge number of refugees which is now over 200,000 in the eastern province alone. The problem with the refugees is that there isn't enough infrastructure set for these people to be accommodated. So there's a huge issue there for humanitarian assistance."
This conflict is also causing problems for Back to the Bible and other ministries in Sri Lanka because it pits the Sinhalese Sri Lankan government against the Tamil Tiger rebels. Kanaganayagam says, "It's primarily an ethnic issue. There is an increasing number of arrests being made, and all of the people arrested are Tamils because they're more likely to be connected with Tamil Tigers. So there's that sense of tension for the Tamil-speaking people."
While these tensions are increasing, it hasn't stopped ministry. "We have the correspondence courses that are continuing to minister to people and draw people. It's not an overt evangelistic tool. But it continues to grow because people are looking for answers to their questions."
More than 70,000 people have gone through the program over the years.
In addition to correspondence course, Back to the Bible is also reaching out through their radio broadcasts in these difficult times, says Kanaganayagam. "We have daily programs on national stations that actually cover the entire country, and these programs have the potential of reaching millions of people in Sinhalese and Tamil. People have come to know the Lord through that program."
While funding is an important need, Kanaganayagam also is asking believers around the world to pray for the morale of his staff. He says his team is battling a bit of discouragement.
If you'd like more information about Back to the Bible-Sri Lanka, click here.
