Dear Friends,

Janice and I send you greetings from Jakarta . Although Jakarta was rocked by a bomb explosion yesterday, today most folks here in Indonesia continue on as if nothing happened. Further, the government assures us that this is the work of a radical group that has little support here in Indonesia and the perpetrators will soon be captured and properly punished.

Yet, it seems to me that the political situation here in Indonesia is slowly being captured by radical Islamic elements. This past week a government official in Bandung closed 13 churches (one of which is an Independent Baptist work of ours) for disturbing the peace and threating security. The reason for closing these churches clearly shows that either the government was forced to close the churches or the churches would be closed by radical elements. Within the next few days Indonesia will choose a new president; yet the present front runner is a man, that by all appearances, believes Indonesia would best be served by living under Islamic law. As I write this letter, the majority of the students at the public high school across the street are gathered in the school's mosque for Friday prayers. These prayers are usually accompanied with a rousing sermon by a young dynamic speaker that is thoroughly convinced that radical Islam is the future of Indonesia . In a few moments, I will walk over to a restaurant to meet with a few of our fellow missionaries. As I walk through the housing areas, I will greet and be greeted by many Indonesians; however, these days many Indonesians will refuse to meet my glance, and return my greeting. Slowly, but surely, the voice of radical Islam is controlling the common people of Indonesia . It is difficult to experience this change, but it reminds us that we have the truth that will bring joy and peace to all people.

This past month has been a real time of joy for us here in Jakarta . This last month I preached four anniversary services. The Gereja Pertama Baptist Independent celebrated 29 years, the Ebenzar Baptist Church (Cijantung) celebrated 25 years, the Cipulir Baptist Church celebrated 29 years, and the Cileduk Baptist Church celebrated 3 years. All of these churches today are self supporting, mission minded, growing churches that have nice facilities. Yet, I can remember when they were struggling works meeting in difficult circumstances, no finances, and totally dependent on a missionary to encourage the work along. Folks, it has been done, and, Lord willing, it will be done again with Pastor Yusuf and the Cibubur church, Pastor Hadir and the Sunter Jaya church, Pastor Munjait and the Pelumpang church, Pastor Andar and the church in Batam, ... . As our Bible school turns out more and more graduates the list is growing, not getting smaller! Pray for our Pastors and our churches as they face these uncertain times. God is still at work, let's not focus on the horrible circumstances, but the opportunities the Lord is giving us.

The Bible school is doing well. We have lots of new students, and I have the opportunity this semester to teach them preaching, Life of Christ and New Testament Survey. Our students get plenty of practical ministry experience through working in our churches here in Jakarta , and not a week goes by that they don't come in with a bunch of neat stories concerning their ministry opportunities. However, they also come with many Bible questions that have arisen as they minister. It is one of my greatest rewards as a missionary to help these students solve those Bible questions. God's word has the answer!

Janice and I are doing fine personally. We go about our lives as usual. In our spare time, I collect stamps and mess with computers while Janice bakes and cross stitches. Janice spends a good bit of her time trying to keep me healthy with vitamins, mushroom tea and other assortments of health treatments. I continually protest, but to no avail. I'm healthy as a horse (whatever that means.)

For your faithful prayers and financial support we are thankful.

In Christ,