Saturday, May 28, 2005

INDONESIAN BOMBING VICTIMS NOW TOTAL 27, INCLUDING LOCAL PASTOR, POLICE, SMALL CHILD

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

INDONESIA (ANS) -- Among those killed in two bombs that ripped through a crowded market Saturday morning May 28 in the village of Tentena, Indonesia, killing 27 people and wounding many more, were a local pastor, two policemen, and a small child.

The first bomb exploded at 8.15a.m. Then, as people rushed to the aid of the wounded, a second more powerful bomb exploded killing many more, including a pastor, Demi Doelelia, two policemen, and a small child, according to a report filed with ASSIST News Service (ANS) by Ramon Williams of Worldwide Photos Ltd. -- The Religious Media Agency, in New South Wales, Australia.

Williams reports the town of Tentena is a majority Christian village that has provided refuge for the many Christians who have fled religious conflict in the Poso region that has claimed 2000 lives since May 2000.

He said Tentena is also the home of Rev Rinaldy Damanik, President of the Central Sulawesi Christian Church, who was released in November 2004, after serving a 3-year sentence on a charge of 'carrying illegal weapons.'

Williams quotes Ian Freestone of International Friends of Compassion:

"Damanik's reputation as an outspoken advocate for peace in the region has won him both friends and enemies. There are some religious extremists, as well as elements within the police and military, who would prefer to see the conflict reignited. Damanik's message of peace and growing influence in the region thwarts the efforts of those who thrive on destabilization."

Freestone added: "The bomb attack in Tentena is the most powerful bomb to rock Indonesia since the Bali bombing in October 2002 and it is the first time a direct attack has been launched on Tentena. The placement and timing of the bombs was intended to inflict as much loss of life as possible. No doubt the bombers are hoping that by such wanton acts of destruction, they can provoke the Christian community to retaliate and so reignite the conflict in Central Sulawesi that caused the loss of 2000 lives between 1999 and 2002."

International Friends of Compassion, in association with its Indonesian partner, 'Bless Indonesia Today,' is providing immediate emergency medical supplies to the Tentena hospital to help deal with the overwhelming number of casualties, both adults and children. An initial gift of $2000 Australian dollars has been given for this purpose, but more is urgently required in the next 24 hours.

If you are able to assist in any way, please follow the information below.

Those receiving this prior to Sunday worship are asked to pray for the community of Tentena, and for people such as Rev Damanik who are endeavoring to give Christian leadership in the midst of the fear and chaos. There would no doubt be a feeling in Tentena that, 'if we are no longer safe in Tentena, then where can we go?'

According to a web search, IFC US (www.ifcus.org/) is an American-based Christian organization which exists to meet the physical and emotional needs of Indonesian refugees. Founded in 1974, IFC has operated as a training organization to raise up leaders throughout the nation of Indonesia.

The ministry website says: "IFC changed focus more than four years ago as a result of the outbreak of attacks on villages in the Maluku Islands. This conflict began in Ambon on January 19, 1999. Outside militia members came to this region to either kill or remove the Christians from the Maluccas. These villagers have faced horrific attacks on their villages and to date approximately 10,000 have been slain."

It adds: "Tens of thousands of homes have been burned and an estimated 1,000 churches have been destroyed, along with a Christian University. Nearly 600,000 people seeking safety have fled from their home region. This mass exodus of families has resulted in a humanitarian crisis. Organizations like IFC have stepped in to provide the most basic needs for these suffering saints. These refugees are now returning to their home villages."

The website states that IFC US seeks to raise the level of concern by encouraging people to pray and to give from their abundance to meet the basic necessities of the refugees who have lost homes and loved ones. IFC US seeks to restore the God-given dignity of these ones and rebuild their homes and lives.

"The staff and leadership of IFC US believe that Jesus Christ is a God of mercy and hope. He is the God who brings grace and dignity amidst the most disgraceful and undignified situations. IFC US believes that Jesus has a special message to refugees because He Himself was one (as a child his parents fled to Egypt for shelter from the angry rage of King Herod). IFC US joins with IFC Indonesia, IFC Australia, IFC Europe and IFC Singapore to practically demonstrate the love of Christ by meeting both the physical and emotional needs of the Indonesian refugees."
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IFC Australia can receive your gifts to:
TENTENA EMERGENCY into the account:

Ruach Charity Account: Commonwealth Bank,
Sydney Rd, Balgowlah, New South Wales Australia
BSB Number: 06-2109 Account Number:10118169

Or by mailing a check made out to the 'Ruach Charity Account' to Ruach Ministries Ltd PO Box 610, Balgowlah 2093.

Credit card payments accepted. Phone: 61-2-9907 0953 (leave a message if unanswered and we will return your call)

Receipts and details of expenditure will be forwarded to you. Please indicate 1) purpose of gift, 'TENTENA RELIEF' and 2) if you are wishing to obtain a tax-deductible receipt. If you do not request one, it will not be given.

Gifts given will be dispensed immediately to this current crisis, either in providing medical assistance, or in assisting the orphans and widows affected by this tragedy.

IFC US Mailing Address:
IFC US
PO Box 81823
Fairbanks, AK 99708 USA
phone: 907-456-7567
Fax: 413-674-2392

IFC US Email Contacts:
Carl Cady, IFC US Director: carl@ifcus.org
Daniel Holmgren, IFC US Board Member: dan@ifcus.org
Bob Ingalls, IFC US Board Member: bob@ifcus.org
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Worldwide Photos Ltd: rlgmedia@ozemail.com.au
The Religious Media Agency - Ramon A.Williams
PO Box 494 - Padstow NSW 2211 - AUSTRALIA
phone: +61-2-9792-2393 - fax: +61-2-9792-2881
http://au.photos.yahoo.com/rlgmediaau
http://community.webshots.com/user/ramon_williams
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