Volume #6 Issue#1 August 2009 - The Fight

In the beginning of July, YOUs became headline news; a once obscure people group became a topic of conversation.  The Uyhgurs live in a variety of countries across Central Asia (Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan); but, early in the month of July, a riot broke out in one particular YOU populated area.  The government reported numbers, which are likely deflated to save face, of a death toll of just over 150.  The violence was reportedly horrific as mobs beat passers-by with bats and rocks, leaving many dead in the streets and much damage done to local businesses.  This ethnic struggle continued a few days later when the Majority people group sought retaliation. Several thousand Uyghus have been arrested and investigations continue into the background of the violence.  The government responded by turning off the internet and stopping international calls; the hope was to keep the violence from spreading to other YOU groups in other parts of Central Asia.  

 

 

This sort of aggressive behavior is not only fierce and brutal to those involved in it, it leaves everyone wanting to point a finger and find an enemy on whom to unleash their pent up feelings.  As workers called to bring the light of Christ to dark situations like this, we must remember that this vehement display is no more and no less than what all sinful man is capable of.  Romans 3:10-16 say: “There is no one righteous, not even one… their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.  Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways.”  As workers, we are tempted to take sides in these sorts of disputes, but it is important to remember “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rules, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12).  This passage ends by reminding us of the importance of prayer.  In light of this recent outpouring of violence in a specific YOU area, it is important that we remember our response must be prayer.  Pray for hurting YOU families. Pray for peace to be re-established. Pray that Christian workers in that city would stand firm for Him.  Pray for YOUs worldwide who are affected by this vicious attack.  Pray that Christ would be revealed to many who are seeking answers.