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Central Asia today: five republics


more different than you think
• Algeria: help to stop the door closing
• Christian martyrs in Somalia JULY/AUGUST 2008
From the director
Revolving doors: work
barnabasaid while there is opportunity
july/august 2008
For many centuries Uzbekistan was a Muslim country where Christians, previously a strong
Contents presence, were persecuted. In 1917 a communist curtain began to descend, and after a
brief period of resistance Uzbekistan was engulfed in another period of tyranny. The Uzbek
To guard the safety of Christians in hostile environments
names have often been changed or omitted. Thank you
for your understanding.
Soviet Socialist Republic was created in 1924, and what remained of the Church was severely
persecuted under communist rule. In 1991 Uzbekistan gained independence, and with it
3 Project News religious liberty. The Church grew and mushroomed, as evangelists and church-planters
A wife in China, a widow in Sri Lanka made full use of their new freedom. Today Uzbekistan is reverting back to a situation of anti-
Christian persecution. The door is closing. (See pages 6-10 for more details.)
6 Focus
Compare and contrast: the five From 1992 until 2000 Algeria was
ravaged by a civil war which left
let alone Christian ministry. Iraq
imploded in a matter of weeks after
republics of Central Asia more than 100,000 dead as Islamic Saddam’s regime had been toppled
extremists fought the army of in 2003. Christians, who had been
Information the secular Algerian regime. The
extremists also targeted the small
relatively safe under Saddam, found
themselves in a lawless society
pull-out but growing Algerian Church, which where foreign troops were unwilling
Muslim mission in the West was made almost entirely of converts and their own government unable
from Islam and their children. When to protect them from the violence of
11 Newsroom peace came, so did religious liberty.
Not only the government but also
Islamic extremists.
As Christians we are called
Burma: Christians and the cyclone many sections of society seemed to work where and while we can,
Somalia: five martyrs in two weeks willing to let Algerians follow Christ for we do not know how long an
if they so chose. The underground opportunity will last. The doors close
14 The Other Nine church came to the surface, and in
many parts of the country Christians
and open – like a revolving door.
Uzbekistan had about 16 years of
Will you speak up for Algerian had the novel experience of being relative freedom, Algeria only six. In
Christians? able to meet openly for worship these brief periods of time Barnabas
without fear of harassment. In Fund has greater scope to strengthen
16 Campaign Update one town there were more church
buildings than mosques. For a brief
and encourage churches. But when
freedom disappears what we can do
Spotlight on Europe period the Christian community to help our brothers and sisters is

18 In Touch had respite and peace. Then in 2006


government policy changed. New
much more limited. So we are driven
by a sense of urgency, knowing
How we used the money you gave regulations were introduced, which that the future lies in the hands of
affected Christians’ freedom to meet God, and that we live in the eternal
and to share their faith, even to present where God is and where we
own a Bible. Christians have been must serve Him.
arrested, and many churches have Today across the Muslim
been closed down without warning world the move towards a more
or explanation. The door is closing. conservative type of Islam is
(See pages 14-15 for more details.) threatening churches to the point
The Lord Jesus said to his where their very survival is at
disciples, “As long as it is day we stake. Africa is heavily destabilised,
must do the work of him who sent ravaged by ethnic-tribal-religious
me. Night is coming when no one conflicts. Zimbabwe teeters on the
can work.” (John 9:4) In our rapidly brink. We must work while it is
changing world, the idea that we day. Barnabas Fund has mounted a
must “work while it is day” could major operation to help Christian
hardly be more relevant. Tragedy can cyclone victims in Burma, where
strike literally overnight as it did in we have been involved for many
Burma (Myanmar) on the night of years. In Zimbabwe and other
2 to 3 May 2008 when the cyclone crisis situations we strive to use
and tidal surge devastated large every opportunity to bring aid and
Cover: Christians in Burma. Turn to page 11 to parts of the country (see page 11), encouragement. Please join with us
read how the cyclone in May has affected the destroying buildings, power-lines, in prayer and support.
beleagured Christians of this repressive nation communications and blocking roads. Dr Patrick Sookhdeo
(Source: WorldShare) Normal life became impossible, International Director
Focus
Central Asia
Lying at the crossroads between the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, Russia and China,
Central Asia has historically been a volatile region. The great cities of Samarkand and Bukhara
(now in Uzbekistan), strategically placed on the ancient Silk Road, were famed not only for
trade but also as centres of Islamic culture. In 1991 the republics of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan gained independence from the Soviet Union. This
led to the opening of Central Asia to Christian mission. These countries are majority Muslim
and independence also led to an Islamic revival reacting against decades of Soviet atheism.
Meanwhile, the governments of the region are seeking to keep religion under their control and
are clamping down on any activity which they feel threatens their authority – including the
growing Church.

Transformed Uzbekistan whose modern-day


capital Tashkent was conquered
there are reports of Christians
being forcibly converted
by invasion and by the Muslim armies as early
as 712.
to Islam. However, by the
nineteenth century most of
conquest In the thirteenth century
the Mongols invaded, later
Central Asia was under
Russian control.
Over the centuries a series of converting to Islam. What The Russian revolution of
invasions brought momentous became known as the Golden 1917 had a profound effect
changes for those living Horde dominated Central Asia on Central Asia. Some of
in Central Asia, including and large parts of Russia. Many the nations of Central Asia
Christians. Before Islam, of the modern peoples of Central saw it as an opportunity to
there were several different Asia are the descendants of gain independence, but they
religions practised in the region, tribes who fought alongside were overpowered and the
including Zoroastrianism, the Mongols. Soviet regime established its
Buddhism and Christianity. The Golden Horde was in dominance over the region. In
Assyrian Christians were very turn conquered by Tamerlane 1922 the borders of what have
active in mission work in the (ruled 1370-1405), a brilliant become the modern countries
early centuries of the Church. military leader who valued of Central Asia were established
They shared the Gospel in what high culture but was brutal to by Lenin’s then Minister of
is now Afghanistan and in the his enemies. He was known Nationalities, Stalin. These
areas north of Afghanistan for his hatred of Christianity borders were modified in 1936
where Turkic tribes lived. There and completely eradicated all and have remained more or less
are reports of thousands of trace of it in Central Asia. He is the same since then. The Soviet
Christians living in these celebrated as a hero in modern era saw rapid modernisation as
regions by the sixth and Uzbekistan, and in Samarkand formerly nomadic people were
seventh centuries. his statue has recently replaced pushed into collective farms
However, as the Arab that of Karl Marx. and many moved from the
Muslims took power throughout In the fifteenth and sixteenth countryside into towns. Mass
the Middle East and moved centuries Russia grew stronger, immigration of Russians and
further east, Islam began to expelling Mongol invaders Ukrainians into Central Asia also
become the dominant religion from Russia. In the following took place during this period.
in Central Asia. Some parts centuries there was often From the 1920s onwards
of the region, such as modern conflict between the Russian there was a campaign to
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Empire and the Central Asian eradicate Islam in the Soviet
were not Islamised until much Muslim kingdoms, known Union. As a result many Central
later. As a result they do not as khanates. Thousands of Asians, particularly in urban
have such a strong Muslim Russians were taken as slaves areas, became atheists or lost
identity as, for example, in raids by the Turkic tribes and most of their former knowledge

6 Barnabas AID july / august 2008


Focus

of Islam. However, the Soviets independence, many of these power, Christians and Jews in
found they could not completely Europeans have left, while Uzbekistan would either have
eliminate Islam so they allowed Muslim missionaries from Iran, to pay jizya (the traditional
an “official” form to exist which Pakistan and Saudi Arabia humiliating Islamic tax on
they sought to control. This have arrived. Saudi sources non-Muslims) or convert to
urge to control religion and have funded the building of Islam. Furthermore, militants
tolerate “official” manifestations many mosques in the region. trained in Afghanistan are
of religious belief continues to Meanwhile, neighbouring reported to be returning to
influence the attitudes of rulers countries are trying to influence the region, particularly to
in post-Soviet Central Asia. the region politically. Uzbekistan. Governments
The rise of Islamist (radical have responded with hard-line
Islamic) groups across Central measures, including torture
Since Asia has had a negative impact
on religious freedom in the
and mass imprisonment, plus
restrictions on religious liberty
independence region. In Tajikistan thousands
died in a conflict between the
which have affected not only
Islamists but all non-traditional
from the Soviet government and Islamists
lasting from 1992 to 1997.
religious groups including
Christians.
Union Many Islamist groups operate
in the Ferghana Valley, an
The attempt to control
religion was taken to extremes
Since the end of communist rule area which is deeply religious by President Niyazov of
in 1991, the newly independent and densely populated and Turkmenistan (died December
states of Central Asia have covers territory in Uzbekistan, 2006) who created a cult centred
been trying to re-discover their Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. on himself. In 2001 he wrote
cultural identities. For most, The most prominent group is and published a sacred book,
Islam is a part of that cultural Hizb ut-Tahrir, who seek to re- Ruhnama, and it was legally
identity, distinguishing them establish a single Islamic state, required that all places of
from the “Christian” Europeans the Caliphate, ruled by shari‘a. worship must have a room set
(such as Russians) who had Members of Hizb ut-Tahrir have aside for reading it.
settled in the region. Since stated that, if they were to gain

july / august 2008 Barnabas AID 7


Focus
Persecution of
Christians
Christian mission to Central Registration makes a church permission to register. On
Asia was almost impossible legal but also means that the 2 June 2005 it was reported
during the Soviet period, authorities can exercise control that the last legally registered
although there were Christians over its activities. Unregistered church in Karakalpakstan had
amongst the Russians living in churches can be forced to close. been closed down, meaning that
Central Asia. After the collapse all Christians trying to meet
of communism, mission work together are engaging in illegal
began, and was at first largely activity. Since 1991 hundreds
unhindered by the governments. of people in Karakalpakstan
Korean missionaries, in have become Christians.
particular, saw many new
converts. There were no Kazakh
believers
in 1990,
but by
2000
there
were
more
than
6,000
meeting in over
40 Kazakh-speaking Forthcoming
congregations. In the same law changes
period in Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyz
Uzbekistan’s harsh laws
believers grew from just 20 to
seem to be setting a trend.
over 3,200. Less fruit has been
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and
seen in the other Central Asian
Kazakhstan all have restrictive
countries where Islam is more
new legislation in the pipeline.
strongly established.
In the mid 1990s Central
Asian governments began to Registration can be very difficult
adopt heavy-handed tactics to obtain in some countries.
to control the resurgence of One factor is the number of
religion. Uzbekistan has been members required. In 1991
particularly harsh towards all the republics required only
Christians, introducing ten members for a church to
very restrictive laws about register, but in Uzbekistan this
evangelism and worship. was increased to 100 adults
Christians in the other four in 1998. In Turkmenistan the
republics believe that their number was increased to 500
present window of opportunity in 2003, then reduced to five in
may close in a few years if their 2004. Registration applications
governments follow the example must list the names and
of Uzbekistan. addresses of all members, thus
making it easy for the police to
Restrictions on worship find and persecute converts from
Church ministers in Uzbekistan face much harassment
Islam.
Perhaps the most important A part of Uzbekistan called
and persecution. Dmitri (David) Shestakov was given a
issue for post-Soviet Christians four-year prison sentence in May 2007.
Karakalpakstan, where He is serving this in a remote and harsh prison colony,
is the registration of churches. anti-Christian persecution where the authorities consider him a model prisoner.
This is a relic of the Soviet has been extremely severe, Barnabas Fund is helping to support his wife while he is
era, and was a method consistently denies churches in prison, including the cost of making the long journey
for controlling religion. to visit him

8 Barnabas AID july / august 2008


Focus
Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan praying that these changes will In Kyrgyzstan the leader
are planning to increase the not be made law. of a small group of Christians,
number of members a church Saktinbai Usmanov, was
must have before it can register, Problems in rural areas murdered in Jety-Oguz in
thus creating difficulties for In rural areas village December 2005. Saktinbai, a
small churches. In April 2008 communities can react against convert from Islam, was found
Kazakhstan’s Lower Chamber of Christian converts from Islam in his house, with multiple
Parliament approved legislation or those seeking to spread the stab wounds in his back.
which would place quotas on Gospel. In Uzbekistan many new Pages had been ripped from a
the number of missionaries young Christians in rural areas Bible and thrown around the
allowed to work in the country, have been beaten severely and room. Saktinbai had received
prohibit religious groups from told to recite the shahada, the death threats from the Muslim
evangelising, ban children from Islamic creed, to renounce their leaders in Jety-Oguz, and had
attending worship services Christian faith and return to survived a previous attempt
without parental permission, Islam. Older converts have been on his life. Later Saktinbai’s
and prohibit religious isolated and ostracised in their son courageously moved to
organisations from receiving communities as Muslim leaders the village and has taken over
foreign donations. Christians are forbid people to speak to them. leading the church.

Legal problems for Christians in different Central Asian countries


Uzbekistan Turkmenistan Tajikstan Kazakhstan Kyrgystan
Churches must be
Registration is not
registered. Registration Registration is required, Churches are “advised”
Can Christians is hard to obtain; it
Registration required,
but in practice
difficult to obtain,
that they need to
but since 2004 has been but churches which are
open a church? requires 100 members unregistered churches register, but this is not
easier to obtain not registered
and the permission of are often left alone obligatory
can be harassed
local authorities

What are the First offence:


Heavy fine Fines and sometimes Sometimes fines for
Fines for those
penalties for imprisonment or those who “refuse” to
who do not register
N/A
Second offence: deportation register
illegal churches? Prison 3-8 years

Missionaries
No legal prohibitions, No legal prohibitions, No legal prohibitions,
Is evangelism “Missionary activity” but converts can face but converts can face
(nationals or
but converts can face
foreigners)
permitted? is illegal problems from family problems from problems from
must register with the
or community family or community family or community
authorities

Is it permitted to All religious literature


All imported literature All imported literature All imported literature
imported has to be
produce Christian checked by “experts”.
must be checked. must be checked, must be checked, No serious problems
Much is confiscated but much is allowed in but much is allowed in
literature? Much is confiscated

Is Christian
Religious instruction
Requires permission, Requires permission, Requires permission, Requires permission,
education requires permission,
which is often given which is often given which is often given which is often given
which is hard to obtain.
permitted?

july / august 2008 Barnabas AID 9


Focus
God at work in Central Asia: one family’s testimony
“Andrew” was serving time in prison for fraud, where he became infected with tuberculosis. During this time, three
of his four children committed suicide. While in the tuberculosis hospital after his release, Andrew heard the good
news about Jesus from some Christians and invited them to visit his home. He and his wife were on the point of
divorce, hurling accusations at each other and afraid that their last remaining child would kill herself.
Two Christians began to visit the family regularly. First Andrew and then his wife gave their lives to Christ. Their
daughter was deeply depressed and unable to trust anyone, but the Christians befriended her and every week met
at the house to read the Bible and pray with the family. After some time Andrew was miraculously healed from his
tuberculosis. The Christian visitors burned all the occult items in the home, and after this the family became free of
fear. In one of the Bible study meetings, Andrew’s daughter also decided to follow Christ.
Andrew says: “I did everything for my children to make them happy, but they committed suicide. Now I know
that neither money nor children make you happy. I and my home will belong to the Lord.” He is now a leader of a
cell church of Muslim-background Christians. He preaches the Gospel and disciples new believers. His wife supports
him in his ministry and their daughter is a member of the worship team.

How Barnabas Some of the peoples in Central Asia


Fund is helping Descended from the Kipchak tribes that were part
of the Mongol Golden Horde. Traditionally normadic
Christians in Kazakhs
Kazakhstan
Uzbekistan
but now mainly farmers and urban dwellers.
Sunni Muslim, but their Islamic identity is weaker
Central Asia than that of most other peoples of Central Asia due
to their being Islamised later.
In the last 12 months Barnabas
Fund has sent about 60 grants Uzbekistan Descendants of Turkic tribes who invaded Central Asia
to the five Central Asian Tajikistan alongside the Mongols. Still mostly rural though many
republics, ranging from £200 Uzbeks Kyrgyzstan have moved to towns. Sunni Muslims, and often very
(US$400; €260) to £20,000 conservative religiously.
Afghanistan
(US$40,000; €26,000) for a wide
variety of needs: winter relief,
support for victims of violence/ Tajikistan Tajiks are not Turkic but are an Iranian people
imprisonment, Scriptures and Afghanistan who speak Persian. The Tajiks were inhabitants of
other Christian literature, radio Tajiks Kirgizstan
Central Asia before the Mongol invasion. In modern
ministry, training, support times they are some of the poorest people in Central
for pastors and evangelists, Pakistan Asia. They are majority Sunni Muslim.
children’s ministries, provision
of church buildings, equipment Nomads who were modernised under
and materials for churches, and Turkmenistan Russian and Soviet rule.
small business start-ups. Turkmen Afghanistan Custom still plays an important role in Turkmen life,
Pakistan especially in marriage. Turkmen are Sunni Muslim and
religiously conservative.

The Kyrgyz were Islamised in the 17th century -


Kyrgyzstan much later than other peoples of Central Asia.
Kyrgyz Uzbekistan Their knowledge of Islam and their
Afghanistan commitment to it are relatively weak.
Folk religion is widespread.

Russian migration to Central Asia began


All 5 republics. when it came under Russian control and greatly
Making pelmeni (like ravioli). This is one of many Russians Most numerous in increased under Soviet rule.
small businesses which have been set up with grants Kazakhstan (25%) Russians are traditionally Christian.
from Barnabas Fund to enable converts from Islam to Many have returned to Russia since 1991
Christianity in Central Asia to support themselves

10 Barnabas AID july / august 2008


This series of pull-out supplements is intended to provide background information for Christians seeking to understand
the nature of Islam and its contemporary expression. One aspect of this relates to understanding the reason for the
oppression and persecution of Christians in various Islamic parts of the world, and another to the growing challenge

Pull-out supplement
which Islam poses to Western society, culture and Church.

Da‘wa - Islamic mission the assistance of attractively produced tapes, videos,


Part 2: Da‘wa in the West DVDs and the whole gamut of modem technology
including a multitude of websites. Muslims are
A Scottish undergraduate starting at Edinburgh encouraged to give up their holidays in order to go
University found himself sharing a flat with students of on da‘wa missions, and to use personal visitation and
various nationalities. The flatmates talked about the tourism to promote Islam. Many da‘wa organisations
reasons why they had come to the UK. Iqbal, studying have been set up in the West. It is interesting to note that
medicine, said: “I have come to the UK to see it become in the US the majority of such organisations were started
a Muslim state.” He explained the overall strategy: “If by Muslim professionals such as doctors, engineers,
we get London and New York, we will have the Western university lecturers etc. Many da‘wa organisations are
world.” Iqbal is now a doctor in the UK and very active now involved in door-to-door visitation, friendship da‘wa,
in his local mosque. handing out leaflets, and setting up booths with Islamic
material at public events. Islamic bookshops offer a wide
Establishing Islam in the West range of materials for those interested in Islam. Special
study groups are offered to potential converts and regular
Da‘wa efforts in the West took off in the 1970s with lessons are arranged for new converts to ground them in
the resurgence of Islam and the rapid rise of Islamism Islamic knowledge.
(extremist or political Islam) backed by oil wealth. Some Muslims are involved in providing medical care,
Khurram Murad (1932-1996), deputy vice-president of social welfare and educational facilities - an innovation
Jama‘at-i Islami Pakistan 1987-1996 and former director as far as traditional da‘wa methods are concerned.
of the Islamic Foundation, Leicester, UK, explained that Muslim prison ministry in the West has been a fruitful
the goal of da‘wa activists is to see the West converted to field, with many inmates becoming Muslims. Some
Islam and integrated into the global Muslim community, Muslim groups offer volunteers to help the elderly in
the umma: their community regardless of cultural background or
religious affiliation.
There is the goal of bringing the same West to Islam, which Ahmad Deedat, an Indian Muslim scholar (1918-
would necessary mean that it would become part of the 2005) who grew up in South Africa, founded the
Muslim Ummah.1 Islamic Propagation Centre in Durban in 1957 which
printed a variety of da‘wa booklets attacking Christian
For many Muslim leaders, the recent mass Muslim beliefs (examples are Crucifixion or Cruci-fiction? and
migration to Western countries can have only one Resurrection or Resuscitation). He was very skilled in
rationale: participation in da‘wa to bring non-Muslims public Muslim-Christian debate, sparring with renowned
to Islam and establish Islam in the West. It is a God- Christian leaders in South Africa, the US and Britain.
appointed move indicating the revival of Islam and of As usual in such emotive events, each side later claimed
its power. the victory. Videos of his lectures and debates as well
as his books have been widely distributed in Muslim
As for Muslims, . . . their presence in the West can have only communities around the world. In 1986 he received the
one justification: to communicate the message of Islam to “King Faisal Award for Services to Islam”.
their fellow human beings here, both by words and example. Learning from Christian missiology, Muslims are
Even though they might have come for reasons other than now being encouraged to use contextualisation in their
Islamic, to get money or education or both, this duty is mission approach. Fadlullah Wilmot, Muslim Aid’s
foremost.2 Indonesia Country Director, encourages Muslim activists
not to destroy local culture but respect it, support it and
Islamise it. Islam is presented not as a new religion to be
Replicating Christian missionary methods imposed on Western society, but as the final culmination
and fulfilment of the basic truth God has revealed
Muslims in the modern era have successfully copied through all prophets since creation. Islam is described
most Christian mission strategies and methods and are as the original, most natural religion. Non-Muslims are
using them for the expansion of Islam in the non-Muslim not asked to change their religion, but simply to “revert”
world. to what they are told are their own original beliefs
Funded by the Saudis and other oil-rich states from which they have strayed. Muslims hold that every
and individuals, a vast project to resource da‘wa by baby is born a Muslim and often use the word “revert”
publications, translations and radio and TV programmes rather than “convert” when they speak of a non-Muslim
has been initiated. Intellectual persuasion is used with embracing Islam.
Khurram Murad, Da‘wah Among Non-Muslims in the West, Leicester: The Islamic Foundation, 1986, p8.
1

Khurram Murad, “Editor’s Preface”, in Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi, Muslims in the West: The Message and Mission, Leicester: The Islamic Foundation, 1983, p7.
2

i
Targeting Western women3 members and for Muslims in general. The Cambridge
Pull-out supplement
Muslims Community for example, organised a weekend
There are other da‘wa methods which are most certainly course in June 2006 with sessions on subjects such as:
not copied from Christian mission. Western women “The Importance of Giving Da‘wa”; “Giving Da‘wa to
are considered to be an easy way to infiltrate Western Christians”; and “Giving Da‘wa to Atheists”.
countries and make converts. A Syrian Muslim tour There is also a focus on encouraging Muslim children
guide pointed out a group of white women on one of to be active in da‘wa. Children from eleven or twelve
his tours and explained that there is a Muslim strategy
years old are encouraged to invite non-Muslim friends
to develop relationships with such women, marry them,
and to convert them to Islam. Marriage to a Westerner is home to do homework together. Then the friends’
also an easy way to settle in a Western country, providing families can be invited as well. The Muslim hosts are
plenty more opportunities for da‘wa. encouraged to show Islam in its best light and especially
At a mosque in Lewisham, south London, a speaker to emphasise to their non-Muslim visitors that Islam
addressed a group of young Muslim men in 2007, urging is morally upright and give them confidence that their
them to engage in da‘wa by marrying English women, or children are in a safe environment when with the Muslim
at least by having sexual relationships with them. (All family. Non-Muslim children can also be invited to come
babies from such relationships would be considered on “Friday School” outings organised by the mosque.
Muslims.) After this, the man can get to know her family
and friends, and share his faith with them as well. The
speaker told his audience that English girls tend to like
Arab men, especially if treated in a kind and caring way.
The easiest women to target, he advised, were those Islamic music
from broken homes or with a deep need for a physical
While more puritanical Muslims consider music to
relationship. “Britain is a land of free honey,” said the
be haram (forbidden), those in the Sufi tradition use
speaker, indicating the ease of winning converts to Islam.
music for their devotional life and for da‘wa. Invitations
It is not only Arab Muslims who use this strategy in
to performances of qawwali music, a form of Sufi
the West. At a church event in east London, a group of
devotional music popular in the Indian sub-continent,
Iranian Muslims were overheard discussing amongst
gain the interest of Western music lovers and seekers for
themselves who would approach which girl in the
spirituality. CDs by famous qawwali performers, such
congregation.
as the Pakistani Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, are popular and
An article posted on the website of the London
make good gifts to non-Muslims.
School of Islamics in 2006 appears to be an interview
Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, decided
with a Saudi doctor who runs a clinic for female genital
to abandon his musical career after converting to Islam
mutilation (“female circumcision”). The doctor explains
in 1979. However, in 2004 he returned to the world of
how rich Saudi men may have many concubines,
popular music with a secular album An Other Cup. He
including white women. Most are European, from
now states that, despite the controversy among Muslims
countries such as Russia, Greece, the Balkans,
about music, he is convinced that it has a role to play in
Scandinavia, France and Ireland. A few are from
promoting the devotional life of Muslims, in encouraging
America and elsewhere. She describes the women and
those in difficulties, and in da‘wa. He declares that he
what happens to them:
himself is firmly committed to sharing the message of
Islamic tawheed (the unity of God) with non-Muslims.
The young, the pretty, the stupid. Many college girls. They are
Sami Yusuf is a young and very popular Muslim
easy to acquire. Some of the rich will go on hunting trips, as
British singer-songwriter from an Azeri background. His
they are called. They simply seduce a bird that they fancy, fly
songs, in Islamic hip-hop style, focus on Islamic themes.
her to the Kingdom where she simply disappears into a harem
He has performed worldwide and uses his music as a
to never be heard from again. Many of the older Princes will
means of promoting the message of Islam.
hire a recruiter to find him the right candidate.Once here she
is turned over to the old man to do with as he pleases.
Several of the recruiters bring the candidates here for
circumcision to calm them down before going on to their final
destination. It is surprising how few western women know
Da‘wa organisations
what female circumcision is. As a general rule when they Various national and international Islamic organisations
arrive here they have no idea what we plan to do to them.4 have been established to facilitate the Islamisation of
the West. Some examples operating in Britain are the
World Islamic Mission, the UK Islamic Mission, Tablighi
Jama‘at, Jamaat-i Tabligh al-Islam, and the Muslim
Students and children World League.
The London-based Islamic Council of Europe was
Islamic student societies are especially active in da‘wa established in May 1973 with backing from Saudi
to fellow students. As they compete for influence against Arabia and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.
secular and Christian student societies, they often engage Working in close cooperation with international Islamic
organisations and the governments of Muslim states,
in da‘wa activities such as organising special lectures,
it attempts to coordinate the efforts of more than 24
debates and other outreach events. Local Muslim Muslim organisations in Britain, Germany, France,
societies often offer special da‘wa training for their Scandinavia, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, the
3
See Rosemary Sookhdeo, Stepping into the Shadows: Why Women are Converting to Islam, 2nd edition Pewsey, UK: Isaac Publishing, 2007.
4
Dr Muzaffar interviewed in “White Girls Circumcision in Saudi Arabia” http://www.londonschoolof islamics.org.uk/DiscView.asp?mid=864&forum_id=2&
(viewed 22 April 2008)

ii
Netherlands and Luxembourg. It aims to protect and Council of Britain, who has a seat on the Board of

Pull-out supplement
preserve the religious and cultural life of Muslims in Trustees, stipulated that everything in the exhibition
Europe and also to develop “a better understanding of should comply with shari‘a.
Islam” in the West i.e. da‘wa. IslamExpo is an event fêted as “Europe’s biggest
In 1978 the Islamic Council of Europe organised exhibition of modern-day Islam”, first held in July 2006
a seminar in London in which various strategies at Alexandra Palace, London. The next one is set for
were outlined for Muslim minorities in non-Muslim 11-14 July 2008 in Olympia, London. It is a collaborative
countries. The Muslim community must seek to live effort between the office of the Mayor of London and
in physical proximity to each other, creating areas of the Muslim Association of Britain. Through exhibitions,
Muslim concentration in which infrastructure such as stalls, workshops, live shows, concerts, lectures
mosques and other autonomous Islamic institutions can and seminars, IslamExpo aims to dispel myths and
be established. The Muslim community must lobby the misconceptions about Islam and to depict Islam and its
host state to grant the Muslims recognition as a separate achievements in a positive light.
religious community as a step towards gaining political Another such event is the UK-wide travelling
rights and finally political domination. exhibition “1001 Inventions: Discover the Muslim
Heritage in our World”, which has moved around a
Once the community is well organized, its leaders should number of venues in Britain’s main cities starting in
strive to seek recognition of Muslims as a religious 2006. Organised by the Muslim Heritage Foundation
community having its own characteristics by the authorities. and the Foundation for Science, Technology and
Once recognized the community should continue to request Civilisation, it aims at showing the public what Muslims
the same rights the other religious communities enjoy in the have contributed to the world in the areas of science
country. Eventually, the community may seek to gain and technology. It is especially geared to schools, and
political rights as a constituent community of the nation. is recommended by the Department for Education and
Once these rights are obtained then the community should Skills (DfES).
seek to generalize its characteristics to the entire nation.5 Many local Islamic festivals and exhibitions are
organised by Muslim communities in their specific
towns. An example is Edinburgh, where the Islam
Festival Edinburgh, a month-long collection of events
promoting understanding of Muslim faith and life, has
been running for five years. It is held at Edinburgh
Central Mosque as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Such events instil in Western minds the impressive
presence of Islam in their midst, its power, culture and
wealth, and thereby serve as vehicles for da‘wa. Similar
projects include the building of prestigious mosques and
Islamic centres and the proliferation of Islamic
lobby groups.

A selection of Muslim tracts and booklets for outreach in the West Legal and structural efforts
Islamists and their supporters seeking to Islamise the
Conferences and exhibitions West in stages make constant demands for legal changes
to protect Islam and give it a privileged position in state
Beginning with the World of Islam festival in London in and society, as recommended by the Islamic Council of
1976, which was opened by the Queen, a range of Islamic Europe (see above). Such changes include the enactment
exhibitions, conferences and events have been held in of laws against incitement to religious hatred. Islamists
Britain. It is interesting to note that these exhibitions have also used the threat of violence as seen in riots in
are usually opened by important government and public Muslim areas to intimidate governments to accept their
officials, and often receive some public funding. demands.
The Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) has been The programme is also expressed in demands for halal
organising an annual four-day “Living Islam” festival food in prisons, schools and hospitals; Islamic schools;
at the Lincolnshire Showgrounds since 2003. It is hijab (the Islamic head-covering) for school girls; time
advertised as a celebration of Islamic culture and history off for employees on Friday for midday prayers, and
and usually includes performances of nasheeds (Islamic Islamic banking, pensions and mortgages. Many of these
songs), speeches and stalls - in addition to bouncy concessions are being granted in areas where Muslims
castles, sports and open-air prayers. While it is mainly are concentrated demographically.
for Muslims, it also seeks to present Islam in a positive In addition, Islamists have infiltrated many, often
light to non-Muslim Britons. more moderate, Muslim institutions, and have succeeded
The “Festival of Muslim Cultures” (2006-7) received in placing sympathetic Muslim experts in academia,
funding from the Arts Council England, the City of politics and the media. They have mounted a consistent
London, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and effective campaign to rewrite textbooks so as to
the Home Office and the British Council. The Muslim present Islam only in a positive light, regardless of
historical facts.

5
M. Ali Kettani, “Problems of Muslim Minorities” in Muslim Communities in Non-Muslim States, London, Islamic Council of Europe, 1980, pp 91-107.
The quotation is from p105.

iii
Interfaith dialogue exchange surpluses now use sovereign wealth funds
Pull-out supplement
(SWFs) to buy Western assets. By 2007, the United Arab
Islamists often engage in interfaith dialogue with Emirates ranked first with the largest SWF holdings in
Christians with the purpose of promoting Islam. They the world, with Saudi Arabia third and Kuwait sixth.
aim to weaken and divide Christian churches, block Western states now worry about the security implications
Christian mission to Muslims and gain acceptance of oil-rich Muslim states acquiring important positions
of Islam. The Islamic concept of presenting Islam, in their key industries and companies. Wealth and power
Christianity and Judaism as closely linked “Abrahamic are a key instrument in Islamic da‘wa as they help to
faiths” has gained much credence amongst Christians attract non-Muslims to the faith.
recently, despite the fact that it is completely unbiblical
and, if followed to its logical conclusion, should result in
all Christians converting to Islam.
Conclusion
Most Christians are happy to see mission as a two-way
Islamic awareness seminars process, with each faith having the freedom to propagate
its message and convince others. Muslims, however, see
Islamic awareness seminars are another tool for da‘wa. da‘wa as a one–way street: only Islam has the right to
These are offered by prestigious Islamic institutions to propagate itself. Muslims reject all Christian mission
personnel at government and public institutions who endeavours and seek to suppress them and smear them
come in regular contact with Muslims as an opportunity as aggressive, deceitful and evil.
to better understand Islam and Muslims. Police officers, All over the world an extensive and well-funded
hospital staff, teachers, university staff and many other network of Islamic da‘wa organisations and emissaries is
groups attend such seminars. This is all perceived as seeking to win converts to Islam and to change societies
part of the duty to “exhibit the beauty, simplicity and and states in the direction of becoming more Islamic. In
consistency of the message of Islam”. addition to individual and organisational efforts, Muslim
states are also involved in promoting this project, using
their considerable resources and influence to further the
cause of da‘wa. While individual converts are welcomed,
pressures are also brought to bear on non-Muslim
Islamic finance societies to change their cultural, legal, educational and
economic culture and make it more Islamic.
The spread of what is described as shari‘a-compliant Under the cloak of multiculturalism, improving
finance in the West is also seen as a da‘wa method in that community cohesion, combating Islamophobia and
it promotes the Islamisation of the West. It subverts the removing prejudice, Western governments and public
Western financial system and impresses non-Muslims bodies are unwittingly supporting and partly funding
with the great wealth of Islam and its supposedly more a growing and sophisticated campaign of Muslim
ethical approach to finance. As an increasing number of missionary activity.
Islamic financial products are made available in Western These various efforts have succeeded in attracting
countries, and various regulations are introduced to a growing number of converts to Islam and starting a
facilitate this process, the structures and values of Islam process of Islamisation of societal structures in Western
and shari‘a become embedded in Western society. It states. This article has focused in particular on what is
is striking that not only Muslims but also many non- happening in the UK, but the same is being repeated in
Muslims are making use of Islamic financial products. most countries of the West. The ultimate goal of da‘wa is
The alarming irony is that the requirement for “interest- to establish Islamic states in every country of the world.
free” finance is by no means universally accepted by all
Muslims as part of Islam; rather, it is a modern Islamist (Part 1 of this article was published in Barnabas Aid,
interpretation of Islam’s source texts, and is rejected by May-June 2008 and entitled “What is Da‘wa?”)
many mainstream Islamic leaders.
Furthermore, Muslim states with huge foreign © Barnabas Fund, 2008

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iv Source: Barnabas Aid July/August 2008 www.barnabasfund.org


Newsroom
BURMA CYCLONE: homelessness and starvation are nothing new
for Christians, but Barnabas Fund is helping
The devastation caused by the reconstruction needs of Christian 44% Christian. Karen Christians,
cyclone and tidal surge which hit homes and churches which had especially women and children,
Burma (Myanmar) on 2-3 May been destroyed. have often been used as human
shocked the whole world. The An estimated two million mine-sweepers, made to walk in
suffering was beyond imagining. Christians were living in the five front of troops in areas where mines
At the time of writing there are an regions declared disaster zones. have been laid.
estimated 100,000 dead, a million This is about half the total number
homeless and no one knows how of Christians in the whole of Burma. More information is available in
many lacking food and fresh water. Many Christians live in rural areas, a 2007 Barnabas Fund booklet
It was compounded by the Burmese where building materials are often called Christians of Burma
government’s callous reluctance bamboo or wood, much less able (Myanmar). Please ask your
to accept much in the way of to withstand a cyclone than the national Barnabas Fund office
international help. brick and concrete used in cities. In for a free copy or download
The same government has been the two regions where the cyclone the booklet from http://www.
severely persecuting the Christian was at its strongest, Rangoon and barnabasfund.org/pdfdocs/
minority in Burma for decades. Irrawaddy, the Christian population Christians_in_Burma.pdf
They have been merciless in their is around 726,000 Christians. (Project reference 75-745)
treatment of ethnic minorities, Another of the disaster zones,
amongst whom are many Christians. Karen, has a population which is
Forced labour and forced relocation,
destruction of villages and crops,
have resulted in untold hardship,
starvation and many deaths. Some of
the persecution focuses specifically on
churches and Christian activities.
In this context, where
homelessness and starvation are
habitually used as weapons of
anti-Christian persecution, it was
essential to ensure that Christian
victims of the cyclone received help.
Barnabas Fund began immediately
to channel funds into Burma
through our existing Christian
partners there and through other
Christian organisations. We had
been assisting Christians in Burma
for several years and our partners,
already based in Burma, were not
hampered by the need to get visas,
but were able to swing into action
straight away. Within four days
of the cyclone the first funds were
in the country, and a session to
train Christian workers in relief
was conducted. Ten teams were One of the first pictures of the cyclone
sent out to local churches with aid damage sent from our partners in Burma.
supplies (including medicines) and “Almost all Christian ministries are
money to buy more. This pattern affected, church buildings and homes
was repeated, with training for destroyed,” our partners reported. But they
could not yet be sure how many believers
more people from local churches, had been killed because of the confusion
teams delivering water, food, shelter and damage to communications
and medicines, and discussions
about how to meet the long-term

july / august 2008 Barnabas AID 11


Newsroom
Five Christians martyred in Somalia
Four Christian teachers, two of In his blog for supporters of the was targeted because he was a
them converts from Islam, were school, Mr Ali had expressed convert from Islam.
murdered by Islamic militants concern about night-time raids Only nine days after this
on 13 April in Beledweyne in by militant fighters in his last incident, on 22 April, another
south-central Somalia. Daud posting on 30 March. Somali Christian convert from
Assan Ali (64), Rehana Ahmed A spokesman for the Islamist Islam, David Mohammad Ali,
(32), both of Somali origin, and group responsible for the attack was murdered by a gang of
two Kenyans, were shot dead on the town claimed that the Islamists while on his way
when Islamic militants stormed teachers were simply caught from Addis Ababa to visit his
the school where the Christians in cross fire. However, several sick mother. He had not seen
were sleeping. local residents are convinced his mother for many years
Both Mr Ali and Ms Ahmed that the four were singled out because his family opposed his
lived in the UK and were converts because they were Christians conversion to Christianity. After
from Islam to Christianity. Mr and the Islamists feared that the Muslims had killed David,
Ali returned to his home town they were teaching their pupils they dragged his body to a
in 2004 to realise his life-long about Christianity.  Mr Ali’s mosque, praising Allah that “an
dream of establishing a school. wife believes that her husband apostate was dead”.

Exaggerated convert figures could cost lives


Converts from Islam to Christianity available target they associate with But in the local culture, probably
are increasingly concerned about a the “Christian” West. more communal and community-
number of reports in recent months minded, many people will simply
Innocence and ignorance
which have cited astounding have gone forward because they saw
statistics on conversion. It is true Why should someone exaggerate others doing so.
– and a matter for thankfulness to the number of converts? There are Some extreme contextual
God – that more Muslims are now a variety of reasons. Sometimes it models of mission, which emphasise
coming to Christ than at any other is an innocent miscalculation when very close identification with Islam,
time in history. However, they are making estimates in a sensitive make it virtually impossible to
not converting on the vast scale context where there can be no firm distinguish converts from those who
alleged in some reports. These figures. For example, an estimate are still Muslims. Thus figures of
false reports, often initiated by non- might have been made by asking “converts” may include many who
Christians and then circulated by leaders of known convert churches are not really Christian believers.
Christians, are a matter of grave or convert groups how many Sometimes reports appear to
concern, not just for those who love members are in their particular have been originated by people
truth and accuracy, but also for the group and then adding together the unaware that a historic indigenous
many individuals whose lives are answers given. The error here is Church exists in many Muslim-
being endangered by the publicity that people may attend more than majority countries. So when a large
given to the exaggerated figures. one church or group from time to Christian congregation is seen in,
Muslims view apostasy time and thus a single individual for example Egypt, the observer
from Islam as bringing shame may have been counted many times assumes that all the worshippers
and humiliation on the Muslim over. Owing to the need for secrecy must be converts from Islam.
community. Publicising that there and the reluctance to name names,
the overlap between groups is not Deliberate disinformation
are large numbers of converts
deepens the shame and loss of face. known to the researcher. Other reasons are less innocent.
Many Muslims believe that shame Another innocent mistake comes When the Taliban were still in
is best removed by the shedding of from cross-cultural missionaries power in Afghanistan, a report
blood and may therefore set out to misinterpreting phenomena which circulated of huge numbers of
kill not only the converts themselves, they see. For example, an “altar call” Afghan converts from Islam to
but also those seeking to evangelise in some African contexts may result Christianity. This originated with a
Muslims, whether national in, say, 1,000 people “going forward”. disgruntled Afghan refugee who had
evangelists or Western missionaries. Someone who grew up in the been employed by a Western NGO.
Some may go even further and individualistic culture of the West When he was dismissed from his job
seek to get revenge and restore the may interpret this as 1,000 people for dishonesty he retaliated by going
honour of Islam by attacking any deciding to give their lives to Christ. to a newspaper and claiming that

12 Barnabas AID july / august 2008


Newsroom
transform the Middle East into publicity in the West is creating
a Christian entity by Christian extra danger for them. They
mission coupled with American are further concerned when
military might. This totally some Western Christians have
erroneous linkage has created more linked converts from Islam to the
danger for Western forces based political state of Israel. Muslim
in Muslim countries as well as for propaganda is always rife with
Christian missionaries, whether conspiracy theories, centring on
expatriate or national. Muslim converts functioning as
Sadly, there are also examples Zionist agents to penetrate Muslim
of Christians deliberately circulating society. The existence of the
inflated figures of converts. These internet and email allow dangerous
are usually Western organisations misinformation to be far more
whose financial support depends readily accessible than ever before.
on the enthusiasm of Christians Furthermore, this all comes at a
in their home countries. Some time when Islamic radicalism is
of these organisations seem to on the rise and converts are as a
have been newly created with result facing threats, violence and
the specific purpose of caring for martyrdom on a scale unknown for
converts, without having had any many generations.
An African convert from Islam to Christianity. A Libyan
sheikh has claimed that there are six million such previous involvement with them. It Many Muslims are coming to
conversions in the continent each year, but this is a is presumably because of this that Christ through the faithful witness
deliberate and dangerous exaggeration some have claimed absurdly high of local evangelists, local churches
large numbers of Afghan Muslims numbers of converts. Such figures and local ministries. In these
had become Christians. As he soon become public and again communities the new converts are
doubtless intended, the message, inflame Muslim sensibilities. nurtured and discipled. Others are
which was swiftly circulated around Some Muslims come to Christ coming to Christ through radio and
the world by delighted Christians, through dreams and visions. This television, both of which media
turned the Afghan government and has led to wild stories of whole have well developed counselling
people against Christian NGOs, and villages and whole communities programmes to follow up enquirers
created great danger for the small becoming Christians, stories which and converts. Muslims also find
number of genuine Afghan converts have never, to Barnabas Fund’s Christ through the miraculous,
and increased risk for all Westerners knowledge, been substantiated. often going on to ask local churches
in Afghanistan. or Christian acquaintances to
Coming at the worst time
A story that six million African help them understand their new
Muslims are becoming Christians It will never be possible to quantify faith. The idea that new Western
every year resulted from claims how many lives have been lost or initiatives will deliver millions of
made by Sheikh Ahmad al Katani of how many ministries damaged as a Muslim converts who would be
Libya in a televised interview on result of falsely high claims about uncared for were it not for the new
Al-Jazeera. The sheikh’s aim convert numbers. But it behoves organisations fails to recognise not
appeared to be to alarm Muslim all Christians in secure and free only the excellent work of many
viewers with high figures of countries to think carefully before long-term Western missionaries
Muslims leaving their faith in order publicising convert figures. In April and mission organisations who are
to persuade them to give more 1996 the Somali Islamist group al- serving faithfully, sensitively and
generously to Islamic missionary Itixaad al-Islami announced that unobtrusively, but also national
efforts in Africa. they had succeeded in killing every Christian workers in the Muslim
There has also been a very Somali Christian in the Somali world who minister unstintingly,
strong anti-evangelism move within capital, Mogadishu, and would now sometimes at the cost of their own
Islam, aimed at preventing Christian move on to eliminating Somali lives.
mission work amongst Muslims. Christians in Nairobi. Thankfully The present “numbers game”
By citing large numbers of converts there are still Somali Christians in is proving deadly. While it is good
to Christianity, Muslims inflame Somalia, but al-Itixaad al-Islami to highlight in public discussions
Muslim public opinion against may yet be trying to find and kill the issue of Islamic law’s death
Christian evangelism. Furthermore, them. Certainly, Somali converts sentence for apostasy, the quoting of
since the invasions of Afghanistan have continued to be assassinated provocative numbers in the Western
in 2001 and Iraq in 2003 and the in Somalia, including three in April media is not welcomed by converts.
“war on terror”, Muslim leaders 2008 (see page 12). In any case there are many secret
have increasingly been arguing Converts are increasingly believers known only to God.
that President Bush’s policy is to concerned at the way in which

july / august 2008 Barnabas AID 13


The Other Nine
In Algeria being a Christian means...

...you could be arrested any time simply for having a


Bible with you or talking to a Muslim about your faith.
What does “being a Christian” mean to you?
For Christians in Algeria it or buy if you are a Christian as church has been registered by
means that a lot of the time landlords often face pressure the Commission, which does
you are at the mercy of local from local authorities when not even reply to the letters
authorities. You cannot just renting to Christians. sent by the churches. On the
meet together as a small group The Algerian authorities other hand, police and local
in someone’s house, because also make it extremely difficult authorities are quick to close
you are only allowed to gather for Christians to register down churches. Since the
in an authorised place of places of meeting, and the beginning of this year, some
meeting. Otherwise, your group registration process can take 20 churches have been closed
is considered illegal and you can years. A Commission which down without warning and
face imprisonment from one to was introduced specifically to explanation. Many of them had
three years and fines of up to register Algerian churches took been operating officially for
300,000 dinars (approx. £2,300; 16 months to set up, finally years.
US$4,600; €2,990). It is also starting work on 4 August 2007. Being a Christian in Algeria
not easy to find property to rent So far not a single Protestant can also mean that you can

14 Barnabas AID july / august 2008


The Other Nine
be arrested without warning • Three Christian leaders were rights associations and leading
for being in possession of a sentenced in absentia to three political, social, cultural and
Bible or a New Testament. New years in prison plus a 500,000 artistic figures in the country.
regulations that were passed dinars (£3,850; US$7,700; Algeria is a Muslim country
in 2006 state that it is illegal to €5,005) fine. They were charged with a secular government,
“incite” a Muslim to convert to with insulting Muhammad and yet Islamic opposition to
another religion and to “make, Islam. These false charges were Christian evangelistic activities
store or distribute printed raised by a supposed convert to has been on the increase. The
documents or audiovisual Christianity who was annoyed Algerian Church is growing
productions . . . which has that he had not received the rapidly, and Islamic extremists
as its goal to shake the faith support and (financial) help he are complaining about the
of a Muslim”. These vague expected. Media reports often government’s “lenient” approach
regulations can include anything claim that Christians bribe towards Christian churches.
from testimony, outreach, even Muslims to convert. Some Muslims plan to create a
answering questions about “Commission to Fight against
Christianity from Muslim At least ten Christians have Christianisation”; one of its aims
friends to possessing a Bible or been arrested in recent months. is to lobby the president and
New Testament. Some non-Algerian pastors government to encourage them
who have been living in the “not to be weak in the face of
• One church elder met up country for decades have been the crusades”.
in a café with an undercover expelled. Foreign Christian
policeman who expressed students have been threatened Barnabas Fund supports several
projects in Algeria such as supporting
interest in Christianity. After the with expulsion. The current
pastors (project reference 02-570),
elder had left the café, he was level of anti-Christian activity helping with church construction
stopped by the man and two is such that it has been widely and church rent (project reference
uniformed police and arrested commented on in the Algerian 02-367), and start-up grants for small
when they found Scriptures in press, and has drawn criticism businesses (project reference 00-356,
his bag. from Algeria’s own human small business start-up fund).

Speak up for them!


Many people are concerned about this rise in official and unofficial discrimination against
Algerian Christians and the increasing anti-Christian attitudes and propaganda. It is
especially sad that this is happening because from about 2000 until 2006 there was
considerable religious liberty in Algeria and it was one of the safest of all Muslim countries
for converts from Islam.

Algerian Christians have asked their brothers and sisters around the world to support them
in prayer and to speak up for them by writing to their Algerian ambassador or to the Algerian
government. Will you help Christians in Algeria by writing a letter about their plight? It will
be most effective if you write in your own words, but we have provided a sample letter to
use if you prefer. If you write your own letter, it does not need to be long, but please make
it clear and polite. You can find the sample letter, more background information, a list of
incidents and churches closed, and a list of names and addresses you can write to at
www.barnabasfund.org/algeria Alternatively contact your national Barnabas Fund office
for a copy to be sent to you by mail.

july / august 2008 Barnabas AID 15


Campaign Update THE T AT
IME O
W
19,10 RITIN F
6 HA G,
Refugees in Europe: OUR VE SIG
SA
S
N
CHRI VE IRAQ ED
I
PETIT TIANS
the debate rages ION

NEW!! You can also sign our petition to Save Iraqi


Christians online at www.barnabasfund.org/iraq
The current situation translators. In the UK a mere 260
AT have
The French Foreign Minister,
IraqisTH E TIMbeen
E OF Wgiven
RITIN full refugee
,746 HAVE SIGNED OUR G,
Bernard Kouchner, pledged in
The situation of Iraqi Christians and 17
SAVE granted
status, with a further 2,680 March that France would accept
Iraqi Christian refugees is IRAQI CHRISTIANS
humanitarian or discretionary leave about 500 Chaldean Christians
becoming more and more PE
to remain TITION from Iraq. A few weeks later,
pressing. On 5 April a Christian German Interior Minister Wolfgang
leader, Yousif Adil Abbodi, was Europe’s response Schäuble urged EU member states
assassinated in a drive-by shooting However, this year Sweden has to accept Iraqi Christians as
in Baghdad. He had received started to close the door to Iraqi refugees. According to press
several death threats before. refugees as it does not have the reports, Germany is willing to
Whenever a church leader is capacity to continue helping such a receive about 30,000 Iraqi Christian
attacked or killed in Iraq, the whole large number. Swedish migration refugees. However, the Slovenian
Christian community feels it is courts decided last year that Iraq presidency of the EU rejected the
being threatened because of their was no longer a war zone, which German suggestion. “I think the
Christian faith. Together with the means that asylum is not granted right of asylum should be provided
abduction of Iraqi Archbishop automatically any more. Rather, without consideration of religion or
Paulos Farah Rahho, who was people have to prove that they are race,” responded Dragutin Mate,
kidnapped on 29 February and in grave personal danger. Last year the Slovenian Interior Minister on
found dead two weeks later, this Sweden granted asylum to 76% of 18 April.
murder sends out a powerful Iraqis requesting it. This year the
message to the small remnant of figure is down to 25%. The
Iraqi Christians and to those Swedish government has urged
Christians who have fled the the other European Union (EU)
country: they are to leave and not countries and the US to do their
to return. part to help alleviate the Iraqi
Overcrowding, poverty and refugee crisis.
dire living conditions are often the Over recent months, other
lot of those refugees who have voices have joined Sweden’s.
managed to reach the safety of Writing in an Austrian government
neighbouring countries such as newspaper on 1 May, Wolfgang
Syria and Jordan. A small Schüssel, former Austrian
proportion of Iraqi Christians have Chancellor, expressed concern that
found refuge in Western countries Christianity in the Arab world faces
such as Sweden, by far the most extinction. He noted in particular
welcoming European country for that anti-Christian violence in Iraq
Iraqi refugees. Since the 2003 war, has driven half its Christian
40,000 Iraqis have moved to population to leave their country
Sweden, of whom almost 25,000 since 2003. He wrote of his hope
(most of them Christians) have that the necessary financial support
been granted full refugee status. could be obtained from the
This figure stands in stark contrast European Commission to save the
to 6,000 Iraqis taken in the by the Christians and Christian culture of
Displaced Iraqi Christian refugee families like this
US in programmes for refugees and the Arab world. one need refuge

16 BARNABAS AID JULY / AUGUST 2008

5504 BARN AID 24p 11-24.indd 20 30/5/08 15:13:59


Campaign Update
“Now we face extinction at the hands of Al-Qaeda in Iraq and Kurdish nationalists,
and the whole world is turning a blind eye. Since 2003, half the one million or
so Iraqi Christians have fled from Islamist murder gangs. More than 40 of our
churches have been bombed (seven in one day in January). Christian women have
been kidnapped and told to convert or die. . . . Why is our historic friend, a fellow
Christian nation that so many fought for, standing by and letting this happen?
We are on the front line of the battle against Islamism, but our allies and friends
in Britain seem happy to feed us to the crocodile in the hope it will eat them last.”
- Albert Michael, Assyrian Aid Society, London (Letter to the Daily Mail, 22 April 2008)

“It’s a quiet life here. I am so happy. I


see the smiling faces of my children, and
YOU CAN HELP
I am so happy that they can live here At this time, when there is debate
within the European Union about
without fear.” - Merzoian, aged 31, an Iraqi whether or not to help Iraqi Christians,
computer programmer, Södertälje, Sweden. you can help your fellow-believers
by adding your voice. European
While living in Baghdad Merzoian had been Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner
kidnapped and held for four days. His arm has met with Iraqi Christians and been
shocked to hear how desperate their
is scarred where his kidnappers dragged a plight is. She has allocated an official
knife across it, saying they would later slit his to look into the matter. Please write
throat in the same way. He escaped from to her – a short, polite letter – urging
the EU to offer refuge to Iraqi Christians
Iraq with his wife and their two children, at their time of need. You might like
now aged 5 and 3, carrying little but a wall to quote some of the Iraqi voices in the
boxes on this page.
hanging of the Last Supper and some other
signs of their Christian faith. Ms Benita Ferrero-Waldner
(“Iraqi Refugees Find Sweden’s Door Closing” by Mary Jordan, External Relations and
The Washington Post, 10 April 2008) European Neighbourhood Policy
EU Commission Collège 21
B-1049 Bruxelles
“If you stay, you die. If you leave, you live. Belgium
They ask you, ‘Why are you a Christian?
Why do you live here? It’s not a Christian Keep gathering signatures for our
petition, which calls on Western
country.’ A couple of guys with guns came governments to “take serious note
and tried to kill us. After that moment I of the plight of Iraqi Christians, to
provide aid and relief for the refugees
can’t live there any longer. It’s a matter and to give refuge to some of them”.
of life or death. [In Sweden] I can now For more free copies of the
live without fear... You feel more human.” petition, contact your national
- “Matthew”, aged 26, an Iraqi doctor, Barnabas Fund office (you can
use the form on page 19 of this
Södertälje, Sweden magazine) or visit
( “Sweden Feels Strain of Refugees” by Rob Cameron, BBC News, www.barnabasfund.org/shop
21 March 2008)

july / august 2008 Barnabas AID 17


In Touch
Financial Summary for 2006/2007
We are thankful to the Lord and to all our supporters for a total income in the year to 31 August
2007 amounting to £7,798,518. This represents a 22.97% increase on last year’s donations. The bulk
of our income came in the form of donations from individuals.
The diagrams of expenditure show how the income was used. The percentage of total income
which went to the projects to support the persecuted Church is 76.09% with a further 7.77 %
covering the vital support ministries of prayer, advocacy, education, raising awareness and
research. Thus a total of 83.86% of income went to the ministries of the Barnabas Fund.
Full audited accounts are available on request from the International Office, Pewsey, UK.

Barnabas Fund Income 2006/2007

Barnabas Fund Allocated Expenditure 2006/2007

Barnabas Fund Ministries to Support the Persecuted Church 2006/2007

Helping your Christian family by leaving a legacy


Drawing up a will may seem daunting, but it is a good way to have a final say regarding all that
matters to you the most – your loved ones, your hard-earned money or goods, the joy of thanking
your friends or, as a Christian, the chance to honour God by helping to provide for your wider
family in Christ.
Many people like to remember a charity in their will, expressing their care and concern for those
less fortunate than themselves. We would like to encourage you to consider prayerfully supporting your
suffering brothers and sisters around the world by including a legacy to Barnabas Fund in your will.
We have put together a booklet which explains the importance of making a will and how to go
about this simple but vital task. If you would like a free copy of A Christian Guide to Making and
Changing your Will, please contact the UK Barnabas Fund office.

18 Barnabas AID july / august 2008

5504 BARN AID 24p 11-24.indd 22 30/5/08 15:21:37


Please send me a Save Iraqi Christians campaign resource pack.
Please send me ____ copies of “Iraq: Remember the Refugees” DVD
Please add me to your email news service. My e-mail address is
___________________________________________________________________

Gift Aid Declaration


Yes, I would like to help the persecuted Church I authorise Barnabas Fund, registered charity no. 1092935, to treat all donations
I have made since 6 April 2002 and all subsequent donations as Gift Aid donations
until I notify you otherwise.
Here is my gift of ______________________ Signature _________________________________________ Date _____________
(Applicable to UK tax payers only)
Please use my gift for
If you have previously signed a Gift Aid Declaration for Barnabas Fund, you do not
Wherever the need is greatest (General Fund) need to sign again. To qualify for Gift Aid, what you pay in income tax or capital
gains tax must at least equal the amount of tax reclaimed on donations to registered
Other ___________________________________________*
charities in the tax year. Please inform us if you change your name or address or stop
paying tax.
I enclose a cheque/voucher payable to “Barnabas Fund”.
Name
Please debit my Visa Mastercard American Express (Mr,Mrs,Miss,Ms,Rev,Dr)
Maestro CAF card /other charity card Address

Number
Postcode Telephone
Maestro issue number or issue date /
Email

Expiry date / Signature ______________________________ Please return this form to Barnabas Fund at your national office or to the UK
office. Addresses are on the back cover. Barnabas Fund will not give your address
or email to anyone else.
I do not require an acknowledgement of this gift.
Phone 0800 587 4006 or visit our website at www.barnabasfund.org to make a
I would like to give regularly through my bank. Please send me credit card donation. From outside UK phone +44 1672 565031.
the appropriate form. (UK supporters may use the Standing Order Registered Charity number 1092935 Company registered in England number 4029536
form below.) *We reserve the right to use designated gifts for another project if the one identified is
sufficiently funded.
Alternative Gift Card To make an alternative gift for a loved one, please Supporters in Germany: please turn to back cover for how to send gifts to
Barnabas Fund.
contact your national office.
Mag 07/08

Come and visit us at STANDING ORDER For UK supporters who would like to give regularly

our exhibition stand Please use these gifts by Standing Order for

Barnabas Fund is going to have Wherever the need is greatest (General Fund) Other ____________________________*
a stand at several Christian To: (name and address of your bank)
events in the UK over the coming _______________________________________________________________________________________
months. Please come and pay us ___________________________________________________________ Post code: _________________
a visit.
Sort Code ____/____/____ Account Number __________________
Account name _____________________________________________
19th July – 25th July
Clan Gathering, St Andrews Please pay Barclays Bank, Canary Wharf Branch, Canary Wharf, 2 Churchill Place, London, E14 5RB,
for the credit of Barnabas Fund account no. 904 669 72 sort code 20-26-46
£ _________ (amount in words) _________________________________________
26th July – 9th August
_________________________________________________________________________
New Wine, Shepton Mallet
Starting on (date) _________ and then every month/quarter/year (delete as applicable) until further notice.
From (Name) ___________________________________________________________________________
22nd August – 26th August (Address) _______________________________________________________________________________
Grapevine Celebration, Lincoln __________________________________________________________________ Post code ____________
Signature __________________________ Date ____/_____/____
25th Sept – 28th Sept This Standing Order is a new one / in addition to / replaces an earlier Standing Order in favour of
Christian Resources Exhibition, the Barnabas Fund (delete as applicable)
Harrogate Please quote reference (to be completed by Barnabas Fund) _______________________
Please send this form to Barnabas Fund and not to your bank
If you are a UK tax-payer please complete the Gift Aid Declaration above to enable us to reclaim the tax on
your standing order payments.
Barnabas Fund is a registered charity no. 1092935, and a company registered in England number 4029536
* We reserve the right to use designated gifts for another project if the one identified is sufficiently funded.
Suffering Church Sunday
November 2008 – book your church’s date now
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

We encourage local churches and fellowships again this year to set aside a Sunday
in November to remember our brothers and sisters around the world who suffer
because of their love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Barnabas Fund will provide resources
and ideas to help you focus on this theme in Sunday worship and small group
meetings.
This year’s Suffering Church Sunday will highlight the issue of poverty. In many
countries where Christians are a despised and oppressed minority, choosing to follow
Jesus often means choosing poverty as well. Being a Christian may close the doors
to getting a good education, securing a decently paid job or even finding work at all.

Resources will be sent with your


September-October 2008 magazine, but
please book the date in your church’s
calendar now.

How to Find Us Australia


Postal Suite 107, 236 Hyperdome, Loganholme QLD 4129
You may contact Barnabas Fund at the following addresses:
Telephone (07) 3806 1076 or 1300 365 799
UK Fax (07) 3806 4076
9 Priory Row, Coventry CV1 5EX Email bfaustralia@barnabasfund.org
Telephone 024 7623 1923 Fax 024 7683 4718 USA
From outside the UK 6731 Curran St, McLean, VA 22101
Telephone +44 24 7623 1923 Fax +44 24 7683 4718 Telephone (703) 288-1681 or toll-free 1-866-936-2525
Email info@barnabasfund.org Fax (703) 288-1682
Registered charity number 1092935 Email bfusa@barnabasfund.org
Company registered in England number 4029536 Germany
Chairman of the Board of Trustees: Mr Mike Penny German supporters may send gifts for Barnabas Fund
For a list of all trustees, please contact Barnabas Fund UK at the via Hilfe für Brüder who will provide you with a tax-
Coventry address above. deductible receipt. Please mention that the donation
is for “SPC 20 Barnabas Fund”. If you would like your
Jersey donation to go to a specific project of Barnabas Fund,
Le Jardin, La Rue A Don, Grouville, Jersey, Channel Islands JE3 9GB please inform the Barnabas Fund office in Pewsey, UK.
Telephone 700600 Fax 700601 Email bfjersey@barnabasfund.org Account holder: Hilfe für Brüder e.V.
New Zealand Account number: 415 600
Bank: Evang. Kreditgenossenschaft Stuttgart
14A View Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024
Bankcode (BLZ): 520 604 10
Telephone 09 630 6267 or 0800 008 805
Email office@barnabasfund.org.nz International Headquarters
The Old Rectory, River Street, Pewsey,
Barnabas Aid The magazine of Barnabas Fund Wiltshire SN9 5DB, UK
Published by Barnabas Fund The Old Rectory, River Street, Pewsey, Wiltshire SN9 5DB, UK
Telephone 01672 564938 Fax 01672 565030 Telephone 01672 564938 Fax 01672 565030
From outside UK: Telephone +44 1672 564938 Fax +44 1672 565030
Email info@barnabasfund.org
From outside UK: Telephone +44 1672 564938
Fax +44 1672 565030
Email info@barnabasfund.org
www.barnabasfund.org
To donate by credit card, please visit the website
or phone 0800 587 4006
(from outside the UK phone +44 1672 565031).

© Barnabas Fund 2008 For permission to reproduce articles from this magazine, please contact the International Headquaters address above.
The paper used is produced using wood fibre at a mill that has been awarded the ISO14001 certificate for environmental management.

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