I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I live in this body I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

News 01/10/05: Bombs, Petrol and Avian Flu

In 1918 and early 1919, Spain Flu killed 50-100 million people around the world. Now a new breed of virus is emerging. Avian Flu H5N1 could kill up to 360 million people if necessary steps are not taken immediately (National Geographic Indonesia, October 2005). More and more people in Indonesia fell victim to this bug. A lot of those infected died. If a pandemic were about to happen in the world, Indonesia would be its epicenter.

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The streets all over Indonesia were flooded with people for the past week. As the world oil price soared to a record high, Indonesian government decided to increase the prices of oil in the local market. The public disagreed and went protesting. But the nation’s budget has dived so deep into deficit the government cannot afford subsidising petrol anymore. And today, the prices of oil in Indonesia rose 107% on average. And people screamed.

Rising the oil price. A necessary step with effects we don’t dare to imagine. Increased price of goods. Closure of businesses. Unemployment. Starvation. Robbery. Looting. Murder…

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Today, six bombs blasted in Bali. Four others were defused by authorities. At least 25 people pronounced dead and hundreds wounded. One of the bombs exploded in R.aja’s. Once my favourite restaurant, now blackened with carbon, with human flesh stuck on its walls. The smell of fresh blood filled the air. And terror filled the heart of humanity once again. The incident has reopened an old wound. In 2002, three bombs blew, killing hundreds while injuring many more. Bali was gaining its live back and Indonesia its strength, but evil force wouldn’t give it a chance.

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Struck by avian flu. Slammed by oil prices. Crushed by bombs and terror. Please pray for protection… and for a blood-washed Indonesia.

2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

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