"As of Saturday night Indonesia time, the District of Poso in central Sulawesi Island was under attack by Islamic Jihad forces," said Christian Aid's contact in northern Sulawesi. "The situation is very critical. Unless there is a miracle many lives will be lost.

"Over the weekend we received an alarming urgent e-mail from our contact in northern Sulawesi and immediately this morning e-mailed our list of persons who requested to be notified of such emergencies," said John Lindner, Editor of Christian Aid's "Missions Insider" e-mail report and "Christian Mission" print magazine. The contact in Sulawesi, who asked that his name not be published, said he had just talked with Christian leaders in Tentena, a city in central Sulawesi, and they were crying out for help. "They are desperate for food, medicine and protection. They are completely surrounded and request our prayer support. If the jihad terrorists break through [local defenses] there will be great massacres.

"According to the contact, the jihad forces are well organized and well equipped -- sometimes better equipped than the army."This is of utmost urgency and we must pray that the hand of the Lord will stop these disciples of bin Laden from doing their evil deeds," the contact said. Intercessors across the United States and around the world are being asked to pray. "Please bring this to the attention of as many intercessors as possible. Call your friends, prayer groups and churches and ask them to pray, as these Christians are in imminent danger," said Lindner.