Story number 1 for 18 Apr 2003

(Indonesia)–We begin today in Indonesia where the war in Iraq is affecting outreach in that predominately Muslim nation. President of CB International Hans Finzel says persecution against Christians isn’t going away. “The persecution is great and it’s getting worse. The reason that’s happening is because we’re seeing so many conversions. (The) People (are) coming from the Muslim background to faith in Christ. This whole war in Iraq and everything has just added fuel to the Muslims view that the Christians are out to get them.” Finzel expects this to continue as many Muslim converts are taking leadership positions in the church. He talks about one of them. “He’s now the head of a major training school we have in his part of Indonesia. He has 125 students in their seminary studying for full time ministry. They will be church planters.” Finzel is appealing for Christians to support these pastors.