Religions battle for souls on Sumatra [View All]

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthsuperior/news/world/10637415.htm

...

The groups include everyone from al-Qaida-linked militants to evangelical Christians, and their presence is most profound in Indonesia, where the needs are greatest and the cash-strapped government has thrown open the doors to foreign aid groups.

The heavy Muslim influence in Aceh province - one of the few Indonesian regions that has instituted Islamic law - has defined how the groups operate. While Muslims are bragging about their religious credentials, Christian groups are mostly invisible and instruct workers not to display their church names or wear crosses.

...

But evangelists like Wisconsin native Mark Kosinski say it's impossible to separate relief activities from sharing the Gospel. He acknowledged he was warned to tone down his message but says he has "a job to do."

...

"Any time you have a strong Muslim community and concerns about Christianization, there is going to be conflict," said Eddy Rubble, a North Carolina Christian who is volunteering here. "I'm afraid that after months of people helping one another survive, it will only take one spark to create a big issue."

------

Is anyone else having a difficult time understanding why a bag of rice or a jug of clean water must be handed out in a certain diety's name?