Many Christians do not know that Mao Zedong, the former leader of China, was a powerful symbol throughout much of Asia. Uprisings of Communist hopefuls took place in Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, and many other nations.

Even after the dream of Communism was revealed for the deadly anti-Christian scam it was, the torch was still carried on by many violent forces.

In the Philippines for example, Maoist rebels known as the NPA (New People’s Army) have been using violence to force the government into Communism since 1969, but that seems to be coming to an end now.

“The greatest stumbling block to peace for the Philippines is gone,” was the reaction of the Philippine government in December, after the death of New People’s Army (NPA) leader, Jose Maria Sison, aged 83. Sison led the rebel movement, but no longer lives in the Philippines. He did what many anti-Christians rebels do when they escape to live in exile – go live in a nation with a strong Christian heritage that abides by Christian-Judaic law. His death in exile in the Netherlands seems to be the final blow for the group.

If the Philippine government is correct, the days of the NPA might be numbered. With only 2,112 rebel fighters, down from 25,000, just 1,800 firearms, and almost no ammo left to fight with, the government might be right.

Now with their leader-in-exile dead, the future of the Maoists does not seem good.

The main stronghold of the Maoists has been Mindanao where BTJ partners have been serving those hit hardest by the violence. BTJ will continue to serve in the area with the message of Christ that has far outlasted the message of Mao Zedong.