Two brothers with radical Islamist leanings attacked the Boston marathon. Even as I write this, details are revealing that the two young men from Eastern Europe were heavily influenced by Al Qaeda type ideology. Their hatred of our way of life was intense.
Before I say more, let me say that I love Muslims. I have several Muslim friends. The word “Islam” means peace, but for me it means, I Sincerely Love All Muslims. There is a mean, fearful, and frankly stupid attitude toward Muslims that is not Christian. Islamophobia is not in the spirit of Christ.
Having said that, I write the following report:
Radical Islam, carrying AK47′s are marching thru vast regions of Africa. Beginning with the fall of Gaddaffe’s Libyan regime in October 2011, Rebel groups carrying guns are overthrowing countries, government, and law and order almost daily. For the most part, these African rebels are radical Islamic in ideology. Since December of last year, a coalition group in The Central African Republic (CAR) calling themselves Seleka has terrorized Christians in CAR. Pastors have been killed, Churches bombed and hundreds of Christians has been targeted. By March, these radical Muslim guerrillas have all but eliminated the Christan church in their country.
Seleka rebels drive into Bangui- CAR 1
Last year, Muslim rebels overthrew the government of Mali. As they marched South to take the capital, churches were burned; Christian women raped and forced to wear a veil. The march of Islam is spreading. Using government overthrow as their means, these Muslim rebels have terrorized Christians in Sudan, Mali, Tanzania, Somalia and the list goes on.
In Kenya, Al Shabaab terrorists have bombed killed and threatened Christians for more than a year. This is happening in a country that is 78% Christian. Al Shabaab (connected to Al Qaeda) are recruiting youth in the Nairobi slums. Their goal is total takeover and the establishment of Sharia law.
In the midst of this religious hatred are several of our Barry Wood Ministries staff. We have men doing Jesus film ministry in areas of Uganda, Tanzania, and the DRC that are 95% Muslim culture. Yet the Gospel of Jesus Christ is penetrating these cultures in a dynamic way. Our evangelists have been threatened, jailed, and shouted down, but still the message goes forth. I spend time each day praying for these men. They are warriors of love in the middle of a war of hate. I urge you to pray for them regularly. Jesus loves Africans and wants them in his forever family.
