An American Muslim convert has found a new way to reach believers in cell-phone crazy Indonesia: He sends them a daily text message containing the teachings of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.
The popularity of Craig Abdurrahim Owensby's service underscores a growing religious revival in Indonesia, where practice of the faith has traditionally been less rigid than in other Islamic countries.
More than 100,000 people have signed up so far. They also get a number to call to hear sermons from moderate preachers in the world's most populous Muslim nation.
"It's a little oasis of calmness," said Uray Fitri Yani, a 27-year-old financial consultant who subscribes to the service. "The messages give me hope."
The service, which starts at about 11 cents a day, is likely to grow, as cell phone users in this 210-million strong nation are small but rising fast. Like many Southeast Asians, Indonesians like text messaging because it is cheaper than making a voice call on their cell phone.
Owensby isn't alone in his digital sermonizing. A Colorado entrepreneur uses digital messaging to offer a daily psalm and even the pope employs it to disseminate daily thoughts.