In The Name of Jesus Savior

In The Name of Jesus  Savior Allah, the Arabic term for God, which has been used in religious and cultural contexts before the dawn of Islam, and has been used in Bibles in the Malay language and litany for more than 400 years, has recently become under scrutiny. At the root of the Allah tug-of-war is the official view that Malaysian Muslims might be confused if Christians also use the word to describe God. The controversy first surfaced in 2009 when the Herald, a Malaysian Catholic weekly newspaper, mounted a legal challenge against the government after it had been ordered to stop using the word Allah. After much discussion, the High Court ruled that Allah was not restricted to Muslims, and the Catholic Church had the right to publish the word in the Malay language section of its weekly newspaper. On January 22, 2013, a note sent to a Christian priest announced that a Bible-burning “pesta” or festival would take place in the town’s public park. The note, written in Malay, ended with a sinister warning in English: “Let’s teach ‘em a lesson.” Although the pesta did not occur, it has had the desired effect of adding to the fear and despair of Christians in Malaysia. Though a secular state and culturally diverse; life in Malaysia is strongly influenced by Islam. During Ramadan 2012, the Prime Minister announced that Islam will always supersede politics. This year, during the May 2013 election season, minority Christians began taking a bold political stand as they were asked by their churches to pray for political leaders who were honest, and to elect a government that values liberty and religious freedom. In response, explosive devices were planted near opposition rally sites, and there were more than 2000 cases of arson. Motorcycle gangs of Malay Muslims roamed towns and venues to intimidate people from attending opposition rallies. One With Them Malaysia is trying to preserve what it perceives as its national and cultural heritage. As being Malay is seen as being a Muslim, citizens with other ethnic origins such as Chinese or Indian can be Buddhist, Hindu or Christian, but Malays have to be Muslim. Stand One With Them, with Christians in Malaysia, especially those of Malay descent who do not have a government they can turn to for help. As Ramadan nears the end for this year, pray for them as they turn their eyes to their Savior who hears their cries and strengthens them as they walk with Him on this difficult journey.      2013.08.04

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11)