It's not over yet. For the last several weeks, U.S. news has been dominated by the story of an unknown Florida pastor, Terry Jones, who threatened to burn the Koran to mark protest against the building of a mosque near the site of the World Trade Centers, which were destroyed in terrorist attacks on 9/11. Since then, however, Jones decided not to act out the burning of the Muslim book in reprisal. He said he expects the mosque not to be built. However, this flagrant act of prejudice has made international waves after being aired on Iranian-sponsored television. Although the Koran burning never took place in America as planned, several small-group demonstrators did tear pages of the Koran outside the White House and in the state of Tennessee.

Internationally, the Koran-burning debacle has been denounced and has sparked anger by Muslims who already living in the volatile region of Kashmir (bordered by India, China, and Pakistan). Muslims have rioted and caused a reported 17 deaths and many injuries. Earlier this week, it was also reported that several Christian schools in Kashmir and India have also been burned. According to news sources, around five schools, both Catholic and Protestant, have been burned. Local reporters and citizens suggest the Christian school burnings stem from long-held violent tensions between Kashmir and India and are feeding off the current unrest from the Koran disagreements.

Christian schools seem to be caught in the crosshairs. Ironically, Christian schools in the region also have a large percentage of Muslim students, along with Christians, Hindus, and others, according to Asian News. Local religious and political leaders have called for peace and a halt to the international mob-driven violence. Unrest will likely continue to plague this region of the globe for the continued future, as governments and protestors continue to clash. At the time this article was written, no students have been killed as a result of the Christian school burnings.

This international and political exchange gives us pause to reflect on the enormity of our challenge to educate, to share God's truth, and to live in peace. In times like these, we should remember our fellow international Christian teachers and students in prayer, both for their safety and their strength to witness God's love to others-even in the face of persecution. As the Bible reminds us, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Have you discussed the tensions between Muslims and Christian in your Christian school classroom? How are you using this international event to teach the importance of witnessing for Christ and loving our neighbors?