August 19, 2002

Dear Praying Friends--

I know that many of you are waiting for some news on the situation in Tentena. I am still waiting for a direct word from our contacts in Central Sulawesi. It is very hard to get information out of that region.

I did want to let you know I have read a number of reports in Indonesian Newspapers that indicate that additional troops have been sent to bring peace. The Central Sulawesi police are arresting some of the provocateurs.

A group of U.S. Congressmen met with Hamza Haz, Vice President of Indonesia.There is concern on the part of the U.S. government on the status of terrorism in Indonesia.

Pray for the integrity of those doing the investigations and the arrests.There are real problems in finding the truth because threats and bribery are just a way of life there.

PLEASE keep praying. The attacks must stop. This region must begin the building blocks for peace. There have been over 2,000 people killed in the last three years in this region alone.

I was in Central Sulawesi in February of this year. The team I was with interviewed Christians and Muslim leaders. They all agreed that in order to restore peace the "outsiders" must be removed from the region. When the term "outsider" is used they mean Muslim extremists who have come into Poso to provoke and organize the locals to violence. Most of the "outsiders" are members of the Laskar Jihad and come from other regions of Indonesia. There are a few accounts of foreigner (Pakistani, Yemenis, Afghans) coming into Poso to train some of the local Muslim militia. Pray that these "outsiders" will be removed in hopes that a true platform for peace can be found.

As soon as I get direct information about Tentena I will sent that news to you.

Meanwhile---Pray for safety for both innocent Christians and Muslims in this region.

Blessings--

Carl Cady--U.S. Director for International Friends of Compassion