Siwa was headed to class in Papua, Indonesia, when he heard the gunshots and saw the billowy, black smoke. Soon a large, angry mob came toward his middle school, and his classmates started running in all directions.
“Are you with us?” a young Papuan in the mob demanded of Siwa.
“I just want to go home,” Siwa replied.
Before he knew it, Siwa was dowsed with gasoline and tragically lit on fire. He made it to the local hospital where they treated him for burns on more than half of his body.
He’s Known and Loved
Siwa is among the dozens injured in recent deadly Papua riots. He is also a soccer player for Papua United Football Club, a program started by CAMA workers Buzz and Myrna that focuses on developing young leaders.
This young man is loved by our workers and the Papua United family, and they continue to visit and pray with him. Will you also pause right now to pray for Siwa and Papua, Indonesia? The island is experiencing some of the deadliest violence and riots in years due to tribal, ethnic, and religious conflict. Over 60 people have died, and many houses, shops, and cars have been burned.
Our Workers Arrived
While we continue to pray for peace, we also praise God for the two new CAMA workers you sent to Papua to work alongside an aXcess couple. They arrived in October just when the tension erupted.
Let’s also rejoice that this region is one of the 12 pathways you can help further launch in 2020 though the Alliance Year-End Offering. Thanks to those who have already given!
If you haven’t yet donated, will you give a year-end gift today? You can further launch gospel presence on this island.
A Glimpse at Peace
Even in the turmoil, there are glimpses of peace. This month, Buzz, Myrna, and a local committee hosted a “We Are One” fundraiser for those affected by the riots.
People from different ethnicities and religions came together to donate sweet potatoes, fish, baked goods, coffee, ornaments, cows, goats, and chickens that were auctioned or sold. They raised more than $10,000!
The committee already knows four ways they will use a portion of the proceeds before Christmas. They want to remind their anxious community that God has not forgotten them.
Christ has come to bring light and life to all, and here lies our hope.