A Time of Preparation
"I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, 'Here am I, here am I. '” Isa. 65:1
For weeks now local women have been preparing for the arrival of the Islamic month of Ramadan. They’ve cleaned their homes thoroughly. They’ve been purchasing pretty soup bowl sets in which to serve their own special blend of Harira. Most every kitchen contains buckets of sweet fried pastries drizzled in honey. Imported and local varieties of dates have been displayed and for sale everywhere.
Many of the women have also already been fasting, making up for days they missed during last year’s fast before the new one begins. As women gathered for the past two weeks, all the talk was about Ramadan, “Are you ready? Are you fasting? Oh how difficult it is . . . but we must.”
In these last couple days men & women have visited the local public bathhouses to physically clean themselves thoroughly before Ramadan begins.
Last night the moon was full. This morning, with the first rays of the sun, came the first day of Ramadan. From sun-up to sun-down there should be no eating, no drinking. For women it even means no make-up or perfume - nothing that brings pleasure to the senses.
Please, join us in praying this month for Muslims in North Africa . They don’t know it’s Jesus they should be seeking, but Jesus is wanting to reveal Himself to them. Pray for God to soften & prepare their hearts to meet Him. |
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Misplaced Zeal
“Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.” Romans 10:1-2
Islam is a religion of works. There are five duties all Muslims must observe as they strive to earn their way to paradise- one of them is to observe the fast of Ramadan.
Ramadan is meant to be a time of spiritual emphasis and purification. Some people observe the fast out of a genuine desire to obey God. Some will even fast a few days off and on before Ramadan so their bodies can adjust before the fast really begins- so they’ll be less distracted by physical discomfort and more able to focus on Allah.
Ramadan is so important that parents begin encouraging their children from around 8 years old and up to fast for portions of a day, then the next year for a full day, then maybe for two days, building up until they can fast the full 30 days. Some families will throw a party the first year their child fasts.
Some Muslims only observe Ramadan because of the great family and social pressure. They are not that devoted in their regular, everyday lives.
Today, let’s change Romans 10:1, to read “North Africans,” instead of “Israelites.” Pray that God will show them the emptiness of their works, that their misplaced zeal will leave them longing for something more. Pray that God will show them they don’t have to earn their way to heaven- the way was already paid through Jesus’ atoning death. Pray that those who are truly seeking God will find Jesus. |
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A Holy Fast
“Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.” Joel 1:14
It’s common for foreigners living in this country to be asked, “Are you fasting?” Often there are opportunities to give witness to the truth that believers fast as well, but in different ways and for different reasons than Ramadan. But, as workers live here, they realize they are not the only ones not observing Ramadan’s fast . . .
There are less than 1000 national believers in this country. Many of them have come out of Muslim backgrounds. As believers, they face persecution in many forms- from re-jection to physical abuse by their families, opposition from fundamentalists, difficulties in obtaining or keeping jobs, few chances for marriage to another believer. Sometimes, for some of these reasons, they keep their faith a secret.
Ramadan is a particularly difficult time for national believers. Please pray for them through this month for wisdom, for the peace of God’s presence, for their safety, and for boldness to share their true faith with family and friends. The national church will be praying and fasting each Friday of Ramadan- on behalf of their countrymen.
As you pray for these believers, ask God to add more North Africans to their numbers- for more of their names to be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Please pray for the salvation of all the people in our land bearing the name:
Mohammed- the most common name for first-born sons in every family, named in honor of the Muslim Prophet. |
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Light in the Darkness
“In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” John 1:4-5
Just before the time to break each day’s fast, people are in a great hurry to get home. In the big cities, everyone knows traffic intersections are particularly dangerous- because of the multitudes of people who will run the red lights. A local man once joked that during Ramadan, when people see the red traffic signal light, they see a bowl of harira soup (harira soup being a red tomato based soup). So, it only serves to hurry them on in their anticipation.
For workers, the month can drag by so slowly- with so many inconveniences. Most of the restaurants are closed. Cafes are only open in the evenings. Work and school hours are adjusted to accommodate the different schedule. Work just slows down by the end of the month as people become physically and emotional weary and worn down.
At the same time, Ramadan is a month with many ready opportunities to share a witness of Christ’s free gift of grace, of what type of fast God truly desires, to model an intimate relationship with God rather than a distant one.
Pray that workers will be invited to break the fast with Muslim friends. Pray that there will be many opportunities to lovingly share and show Jesus. Pray that workers will keep their focus on Him. Pray they will not be discouraged or overwhelmed by the emptiness of Ramadan. Pray that they will all shine His light into the darkness.
Fatima , woman’s name in honor of the prophet’s daughter;
May she live instead to honor Jesus. |
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A New Song
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’" Psalm 126:2
This is a musically rich culture. Over the past few years some local believers have been writing new worship songs which are touching believers and non-believers alike. Give thanks for these believers who desire to use the talents with which they have been blessed, for the glory of the Father. Give thanks for their leadership, which is vital to the growth of the local church. They each have amazing stories to tell of how they came to faith. We cannot fully fathom or understand the suffering with which many of them have become acquainted. Most of us do not know what it is like to come from a background such as theirs, with so many barriers to confront. It is truly awesome to know we will join together one day in heaven singing a new song of praise to the One who shed His blood for us, so that we might be called children of God.
This past year cassette tapes incorporating some of these worship songs with interspersed commentary were distributed among those visiting Europe . Pray that those hearing these tapes will be drawn to the Lord. Pray that they’ll continue to be distributed and circulated within our own country. Pray that believers will continue to develop new worship songs utilizing all of the rich musical styles present in the peoples of this region.
Amrani, man’s name meaning “singer”;
May they learn to sings songs of praise to the Lord. |
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He Knows Arabic Well
“Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth.” Is 42:10a
A worker was hosting a henna party in honor of an American friend that had come to visit. There were ten local ladies present. After consulting with another woman worker, present at the party, the hostess decided to play a CD of local worship music.
At first, the women did not notice the words to the songs. However, after a few songs had played one turned to the worker hosting the party and asked: "Do you know what is being sung in this song?" The worker explained that she could understand some of it and that the man singing was a believer. "Ah!" Another lady exclaimed, "He knows Arabic very well." The worker told the women that this man was from their own country. There was silence and exclamations of disbelief. Some of the women acted shocked, others offended. One woman asked to see the CD at a later time with the worker.
This is often one of the first barriers North Africans face before coming to Christ- realizing and accepting that their own people can and have turned to Christ from Islam. Christianity is not just a “westerners’ religion.” This is an unfathomable concept to them. Pray that the words of those songs would ring in the hearts of those ten ladies. Pray that they will go back to hear more!
Amina, woman’s name meaning “trustworthy”
May they know the God who will never fail them. |
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Something Good from Hollywood
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” I Corinthians 1:18
It has been amazing to see North African friends’ responses to “The Passion” movie. Shortly after it was released in theaters in the States, pirated DVD copies showed up for sale in our country- and people were buying them. One woman went to a large outdoor market to get a copy but they were all sold out, so they offered her another with the same theme but a slightly higher price – it was the Jesus film!
One worker’s language helper has heard the Good News many times, but has always responded with typical Islamic arguments- including one belief that it was not really Jesus who died on the cross. This language helper got the movie and he watched it twice. He watched the movie a third time with his worker friend, this time they paused it along the way to explain prophecies and give other information. The language helper understands the story better now. And he was moved by the pain and suffering Jesus endured leading up to and during His crucifixion. Pray for this man, that this encounter with the “Suffering Servant” will produce a radical change in his life. Pray for the millions of others in North Africa who have or will see this movie to be able to understand and accept that Jesus did truly die on the cross and rise again.
Bouchaib, man’s name meaning a “prophet”;
May they know the One who fulfills all the prophecies. |
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Mint Tea and Augusti
“But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” John 12:32
While sitting and visiting with some local villagers outside a makeshift coffee shop in a small Northern village that a week earlier had been hit by a devastating earthquake, a worker was struck by how hospitable and friendly everyone was. Between sips of tea, he was doing his best to encourage and share with a number of the village leaders. It was not long until the spokesman for the group began to share with him his thinking about live, death, and faith. After listening for a few minutes it became evident that this young man was sharing many things that the worker found he had to agree with, so the worker asked him, “Where did you get these ideas?” In a matter of fact voice without hesitation he answered the question with, “Augustine and his book, Confessions.”
The worker found himself humbled as he realized that in that small village with no electricity or running water, where there are only a handful of people can read, he had happened upon a man who had read and studied not only Augustine but also other early church writers. Pray for this local man to come to a full knowledge of salvation through what he’s read and heard.
Through the tragedy of an earthquake, God has opened the doors to this and many other remote villages. Pray for the different Christian groups who are reaching out to comfort those who lost family members and homes, and to help rebuild. Pray that through this, the local people will feel God’s love and provision for them.
Fouzia, woman’s name meaning “victor”;
May they know the One who was victorious over death. |
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More Precious than Almonds
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world . . . In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ” Ephesians. 1:4a, 5a
The bulldozer had just started to clear the rubble of a house so that the family could rebuild. It had been destroyed in the earthquake. As one part of the house was pushed away, the owner ran forward and began to dig and remove rocks with his hands. A friend of his, a worker, saw the man had found a bag of almonds that had been buried. Together they gathered the almonds as the bulldozer worked around them. The worker continued until he thought they had rescued enough. As he walked away the owner of the house kept digging. He was trying to save every last almond before the bulldozer made another sweep over that part of his house.
As they sat a few minutes later and drank tea together, the worker told the owner that he, the owner, was sort of like God. A funny look was given him, so went on to explain. ‘You planted and cared for the almond trees. You harvested and did all the work to get the almonds ready for sale. You were not about to let any get away. That is how God is. He created you. He has taken care of you all of your life. He is not about to leave you now, even in these hard times. When you get discouraged and wonder, “where is God?” Think of how you saved the almonds and know that in God’s eyes you are more special than almonds.’
Pray for the people who lost so much in the earthquake. Pray that their homes will be rebuilt before the rains come. Pray that as workers reach out to help, they will show God’s love for the people in word and deed.
Rachid, man’s name meaning “the wise”;
May they gain wisdom from God. |
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A Man of his Word
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” I Peter 313-15
After many visits and conversations at the local hardware store (while in the process of fixing up a new home in a new city), a worker was asked point blank to bring a Bible. The worker delayed, questioning whether or not he really should. What if he showed up the very next day at the hardware store with the book - what would this man think? But after a few more visits and coffees with this local man - he was asked again. This time the local man asked the worker whether or not he was a man of his word. The worker was confused. The local man proceeded to tell him, “I asked you for a Book already, and you said you had one, but you never brought it.” The worker humbly learned a lesson through this experience. He had delayed out of fear. He committed that from that point on, if anyone asked him for a Bible, he would give it without fear. He would trust God with all the possible consequences.
Pray for this hardware store man and his family to read God’s Word. Pray that as they do, His Spirit will speak to their hearts. Ask God for many more conversations between this worker and his friend.
Nezha, woman’s name meaning “Desire”,
May God cause them to desire Him above all others. |
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A New Look for a Holy Book
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
If someone told you to rip up your Bible, would you? If you would be beaten for disobeying, would you do it then? Or burn it? ... If you did, how would you feel? These are not hypothetical questions but real decisions for some in this land that have Bibles. While the book itself is not the most important thing, it does give access to God's message- to His words.
Several books of the Bible have been translated into local dialects while several more are nearly finished. Pray for biblical and linguistic accuracy in these translations. Pray for wisdom and understanding as local and foreign believers partner in these efforts.
Even though most people in our country speak two or three languages, there is still roughly a 70% illiteracy rate. Pray for the success of on-going efforts to put the message of the Bible into oral forms and onto cassettes and CDs for those who cannot or prefer not to read.
Pray for further development and translation of discipleship material that can be effectively with new local believers.
Pray for broad distribution of God’s Word in this land. Pray for local believers to be able to have His Word.
Abdellatif, man’s name meaning “servant of the Most Kind”; May their hearts long to serve the Most High God. |
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A Mountain Trek
“Streams of tears flow from my eyes because my people are destroyed. My eyes will flow unceasingly, without relief,” Lamentations 3:48-49
A trekking team came from the States, traveling to the northern regions of our country to partner with workers. As they trekked, they prayed. They rode donkeys. They visited with people in mountain villages. Poverty is extreme in the rural areas. The trekkers found themselves walking through acres and acres of hashish (marijuana). Unfortunately, a common mountain solution to poverty is this illegal activity- growing, harvesting, and selling of marijuana.
As they trekked, they heard the calls to prayer and their hearts were broken as they sensed the people were crying to a god they cannot find. Because of where they were they all went four days without baths or showers! But they gave thanks to God for what He did in and through them as they prayed- they even gave thanks for the donkeys.
Pray for the doors to be open in this area for medical and dental teams. Pray for God to supply the physical and financial needs of the mountain people. Ask that God will continue to burden believer’s hearts for the people of this land, so that we will lift them up to His throne regularly.
Miriam, Arabic for Mary;
May they find favor with God. |
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A Man of Peace
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.” Luke 10:5-6
Before a worker, and his family, came to Morocco , he prayed for a person of peace, a person that was a God-fearer like Cornelius (Acts 10). God led him to a local man. This local man is a spiritually-minded person, someone who is upright in his deeds and conduct, who wants to serve God. Yet he is blinded to the truth by the lies he has been taught since infancy. He and his family are all devout Muslims, they pray. They fast. They keep all the rituals of Islam. Yet, through their discussions, this local man has begun to recognize truths that his friend and others have shared with him. Just recently, this local man said, "We all have a hole in our hearts and Satan tries to take sin and fill that hole, to keep us from God." Pray that he will realize that only Jesus can fill that hole- that he has to give his life to the One who died for him. Ask that God would, "open his eyes so that he may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that he may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Christ." (Acts 26:17b-18)
Pray for another “man of peace” in another city, that he also will understand the message, that he will have peace with God, and then become a messenger of peace to many others around him.
Abderrahman, man’s name meaning “servant of the Beneficent”; May they experience God’s great goodness. |
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Business by the Book
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” Colossians 3:23
The business capital of our land is a still-growing city of four million people. There are small father & son shops everywhere, some of which have been around for a long time. There are new businesses opening up all the time. Last spring many of us were excited to see a large office supply store open up. This same city now has three nice toy stores- something our children are very thankful for! One side of town is full of small expensive specialty shops that often leave a person wondering just who exactly could afford to shop there!
Just as there is a full-range of types of businesses, there is also a full spectrum of business practices: personal or impersonal, lazy or hard-working, cash only to credit cards, outdated or modern, honest or dishonest . . . At the risk of losing his job, one local business professional took a stand for integrity in the workplace and was respected for it. There is a need and the opportunity for secular business training that includes good moral values. Pray for the needed material for this training to be finalized.
It’s common for workers here to have secular jobs. These jobs allow them to contribute meaningfully to this society – whether through community development, creating job opportunities, services they perform, etc. It also gives them the opportunity to model Biblical work ethics, and how a believer should live out their faith on the job. Pray for wisdom and success in operating these jobs/businesses.
Souad, woman’s name meaning “comfort”;
May the great Comforter bring peace in their lives. |
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Helping Each Other
“My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.” Ps. 71:15-16
In efforts to learn the local languages, many workers study one-on-one with local language helpers. As one worker studied with her language helper, she also shared with her about the Bible and God’s plan in it to send Jesus. The local woman had expressed that she could recognize that Jesus was a good man and that she could learn much from him, but she could never accept that He was the son of God. The worker could see that her tutor could not understand why Christians believe that Jesus had to come and die for our sins, and said she hoped they’d have another opportunity to talk about it more.
Sometime later, as they studied, the conversation turned again to spiritual matters. The language helper asked the worker why she could not share more with her right then about Jesus. So, the worker opened the Bible with her and beginning with the first Adam, shared God's plan to redeem mankind. She shared about Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and into the New Testament and how God had prepared the way for His Son. Her tutor has not brought up the issue again.
Join this worker in asking God to open this woman’s eyes spiritually and allow her to see the truth. Pray for the many local men and women who help us learn their languages and become dear friends. Pray for the salvation of each of them.
Mounir, man’s name meaning “hope”;
May they have the hope of Christ in them. |
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Dreams and Visions
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” Acts 2:17
A worker had been sharing with a local friend of his. Though they had talked many times of Christ as they worked together, this friend just couldn’t accept the truth of it. Finally, the worker said to him, “I am going to pray for you, that Jesus will reveal Himself to you in a dream.” He told his friend to let him know when the dream happened. A week went by and the worker asked, “Have you had that dream yet?” The friend answered, “I told you I would tell you if I did.” One week later the worker was driving the man home after work. The local man said, looking a little shocked, “I had a dream. All of my family was there, and you had given one of them something. And then I woke up.” The worker thought for a moment and said, “My friend, I don’t know for sure what your dream means, but I do know this. Your family has experienced many problems recently, and I’ve been praying on your behalf. I’ve also asked other Christians to pray for you. I know I have given my prayers to your family.” His friend was quiet for the rest of the ride. Upon reaching his house, before getting out, he looked at the worker and said, simply, “Thank you.”
We can’t always know that God will send a dream to someone, but in this part of the world, He often does. Many have been radically changed after a dream of Christ. Pray that God will reveal Himself to more people in this land through dreams and visions, including this local friend.
Khadeja, woman’s name in honor of the Prophet’s wife;
Pray God will turn their hearts from Mohammed to Jesus. |
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For the Long Haul
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Gal. 6:9
The worker and the friend from yesterday’s story- they’ve been friends for a few years now. They’ve had coffee together. They’ve been in each other’s homes. They’ve worked together. They’ve talked and talked about work, personal lives, and religion. This local friend has yet to receive Christ. It often is a very slow process for Muslims to come to Christ, with repeated exposure to the Gospel from multiple sources- often it takes contact with a foreign believer, exposure to Scripture, contact with a local believer and even a dream or vision.
This past year was a particularly difficult one for the worker and his family. They spent a summer in the States “re-grouping.” While away they prayed that God would make it very clear to them whether or not He truly wanted them to continue to work and live in this land. Six weeks into the summer, God spoke to the husband during a worship service. He reaffirmed their call. One part of what God said was, “I want you to commit to this for the long haul.”
The worker and his family are back, picking up where they left off with that local friend and others -determined with God’s help to stay and be a part of what He wants to do here. Only God knows how long and all of what it is going to take for the people of this land to Christ. Pray that the workers here will persevere and not “grow weary in doing good.” Pray for the harvest.
Mustapha, man’s name meaning “the chosen one”;
Pray they will see themselves as chosen & loved by God |
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Let Freedom Ring
“May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth. May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.” Psalm 138:4-5
It’s Election Day in the U.S. Pray today for discernment & wisdom for U.S. citizens as the cast their votes to determine who will be president, and for many other government positions. Much of the world will be closely watching the outcome. The U.S. is a powerful nation, with great influence, especially in representing “freedom,” with both its privileges and responsibilities.
Workers are often approached by people- both friends and strangers- who ask them for help securing visas to live and work in the States, or in some other country. Sometimes they mistakenly think that just living somewhere else will solve all their problems. Political freedom, religious freedom, freedom of speech . . . these are all wonderful things. So is a good education, good health care, a sufficient income. But, man will never completely find the answers his soul is longing for in these things- having our citizenship in heaven is the only lasting answer. Only in heaven will everything truly be perfect!
Pray for those in this land who are seeking both truth and freedom. May they be set free by Jesus who is the Truth. Pray for them to embrace Christ and live in His freedom.
Pray for this nation’s king, and others in powerful positions within the government. Pray that they will rule humbly, justly, wisely, and for the good of all the people in this land.
Samira, woman’s name meaning “companion”; May they know the One who will never leave or forsake them. |
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A Witness
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
The light turned green and as the worker and the car ahead of him started to cross the intersection a car came “out of nowhere” and hit the car in front of him. He pulled over to the side to offer help, and was able to assist a number of the passengers in each of the cars. As he began to talk with the driver of the car ahead of him, the driver asked if the worker would hang around and be a witness. Without hesitation and without knowing what being a witness involved he said, “yes, for you had the green light.” Over the next few days he spent a number of hours giving his report to the police.
A week or so later he was sitting in a coffee shop with his new friends. He heard that the driver of the car who ran the red light had tried to give a false story as to what happened. He had also tried to bribe the police, but was told, “No your story is not true for we have a witness that told us the truth.” “We can’t go against a truthful witness.” In subsequent visits with his new friends he’s had opportunities to share the truth of the Gospel in a deep and meaningful way.
In this land “truth” is often not a value that one sees. Yet it is one that is the key to set this land free. Pray that the people of this land will take an honest look at their lives and see the void that is there - a void that can be filled with the truth of the Gospel. Pray also that the lives of the workers here will be ones that reflect truth in all we do.
Aziz, man’s name meaning “dear one”;
May they see how dear they are in God’s eyes. |
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The “Fix-It Man”
“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.” Psalm 9:1
One evening a worker had a long visit in a coffee shop with a dear friend, known as the “fix-it man,” who had decided last year to “follow the way of Jesus.” It was late, but the friend had more he wanted to say, so they stood outside his house and continued to visit. The fix-it man was telling what he had learned about God’s grace, love and provision. “I am not a rich man,” he said, “I work from day to day and earn what I can, but it always seems to be enough. I am able to pay my bills and feed my family.” He went on in great detail about how God had blessed him. His voice was getting a bit loud so the worker told him, “You are sounding like some preachers of the Gospel that I know.” The friend smiled and said, “You have not seen anything yet, in time you will really see what God is going to do in my life.”
Days later, as these two friends visited at a local coffee shop with the shop’s owner and another man, the conversations were skillfully turned towards eternal issues by the fix-it man. Afterwards they talked about the joy there is in sharing the Good News with others. This fix-it man said, “I am not afraid, I will tell anyone and even today shared with three people. When we are together, I will help open the door and you can take it the rest of the way.”
Give praise for this local believer as he moves forward in his walk with the Lord. Pray that the he will have wisdom in his boldness and that God will indeed use him for His glory in this land. Pray for the salvation of his family.
Aicha, woman’s name meaning “living one”;
May they receive the gift of everlasting life. |
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Locusts
“May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.” Psalm 67:5-7
The desert locust has been called the single most destructive insect. It can eat its own weight in food everyday. Swarms of locusts can destroy vast amounts of field crops and fruit orchards in a short period of time. A full scale locust plague threatens the harvest in North Africa . A near-by country had all the grass at its major soccer field devoured in just minutes. Key people in our land and surrounding ones are uniting to fight “war” against the locusts. Pray that the Father will give them wisdom and strength as they work towards a solution to overcome this serious threat to the nation’s agriculture.
This year’s wheat harvest was the greatest it has ever been, largely due to the much needed rain God sent. But, despite this great harvest, there was still not enough grain to feed the people of our land. The rain has also contributed to the locust problem. Ask the Lord to protect and increase the harvest, and rid this land of the locusts. Pray for God's love and eternal provision to be revealed in the process.
Pray that the people of this land will not only continue to enjoy their daily bread and weekly couscous, but there will be a hunger in them to taste the Bread of Life. May the people praise God, and the land yield its harvest.
Saaid, man’s name meaning “happy”;
May they know the joy of the Lord. |
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“Our Father Who Art in Heaven…”
“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15
While standing on the flat roof top of an apartment building, a worker had the opportunity to share the Lord’s Prayer from the Arabic scriptures with a young local woman who had asked how her Islamic prayer and Christian prayer were different. The young woman was receptive and especially noted that Christians call God, “Father.”
Please pray for more opportunities and boldness for this worker and the right words (in Arabic!) to continue sharing about our Father in Heaven. Pray for this young woman to know God as her heavenly Father.
Women here have been taught through words and actions that they have very little value. Thankfully, the county’s leadership has been trying to legislate much needed changes to improve women’s lives.
Pray especially today for the believing national and foreign women in this land- that they can be a part of bringing more good into women’s lives. Ask God to show them ways to bless the women around them. Pray for women's self-esteem to improve as they see themselves as God intended--created for fellowship with Him, loved by Him. Pray that they’ll someday cry, “Abba, Father,” to our Lord.
Rkia, woman’s name meaning “civilized”;
Pray they will become citizens of heaven. |
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Conversations in a Bathhouse
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” Psalm 51:1-2
It was the second time for a worker to go to the local bathhouse with her national friend. The worker dreaded the extreme heat she would feel, the smell and dirtiness of this particular bathhouse in her neighborhood. But, she knew that this would be a good place to spend quality time together and chat about life! An hour into the experience and the conversation, the national woman said that she believed that all people were equal and that even though we each have different religions, they all lead to the truth.
She said that she believed that Islam and Christianity were just alike. The worker said she disagreed and this shocked her friend. Her friend asked her to explain. The worker shared with her that in her experience and her studies she has found that there are many significant differences between the two religions. She offered to meet and discuss some of these things if her friend would like. Her friend quickly responded and said that her sister, the worker's first language helper, had a Bible and they had been reading it together. She said that since her sister took it with her when she left to work in another country, she has not been able to read one anymore. She went on to remind the worker that she had given her sister the Bible. The worker asked her if she would like one and her friend said, "yes, why not?" Pray for these sisters, that they’ll continue to read. Ask that this worker and her friend will be able to meet and talk more, and for these women to understand and believe.
Driss, man’s name meaning “a prophet”;
May they accept Jesus as more than a prophet. |
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A New Generation
“The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!” Prov. 23:24-25
More than half the population of our country is university age or younger. As is true in many places, this younger generation faces a much different world than the one their parents’ faced at the same age. Clothing styles and an increasing availability of material “things” can cause conflict, but it goes much deeper to changes in lifestyles- from “dating” instead of arranged marriages, to young married couples desiring to live independent of the families, to a much larger outside world awareness, due to the increase of satellites, televisions, telephones and internet.
Many young people are encouraged to study English, to increase their chances of better jobs in the future, or to perhaps be able to study abroad. This opens the doors for other opportunities as well, such as serving as translators for coaching teams who travel from the States to conduct basketball camps. A local university student and a similar-aged coach work side-by-side for a few days. They get to know each other, they exchange names and e-mail addresses. They may become life-long friends. In the process they spend a couple days getting to know a believer. In a country that is 99% Muslim, that’s a very big deal. It helps break down some barriers and build some bridges.
Pray for a spiritual openness among the young people. May they find their answers for who they are and their purpose for life in Christ. May they be a new, believing generation.
Zahra, woman’s name meaning “orange blossom”;
May their lives reflect the true beauty of the Lord. |
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The Least of These
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:37-40
In our country’s largest city there are more than 10,000 street children. They’ve come from all regions of the country, including the city itself. They do not attend school and turn to drugs to take their minds off their problems. Most of them sniff glue and rags soaked in gas and paint thinner. It’s common to see them hanging out on the streets, dirty, in poorly-fitting clothes, often with no shoes, begging for coins or for food. Many turn to stealing or to prostitution as a means of getting money.
There are a few private charities in the city that work with these children and their families when possible. They provide access to showers, clothes, food, doctors, medicine, and education. Pray for encouragement, perseverance, and resources for those who work with these children and their families. Pray for these children, who are precious in His sight. Pray that they can come to see themselves as of great value to the One who created them.
Hamid, man’s name meaning “praiseworthy”;
May they offer up praise to Jesus. |
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The Battle Belongs to the Lord
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.” Psalm 24:8
Tonight is known as the “Night of Power.” It commem-orates the night that their great prophet received the Koran in its entirety. Although, in truth, no one knows for certain that today is really the day this happened - in traditions they’ve chosen this day as the one. Why does that matter? Because the belief is that on that most holy night, for a brief time heaven will be opened up and God will hear and grant answers to the requests prayed while heaven is open.
Everywhere throughout the country the night will be lit up by the mosques, and men in white will be pouring out their petitions as they pass the night there in prayer. It is sad to know that on top of all the efforts they’ve put into fasting in order to earn God’s favor, now they will spend an entire night praying, hoping God will hear them, and it may not even be the right night.
Pray for the men of this land, that they will be set free from spiritual bondage. Pray for an outpouring of His Spirit on this land even tonight as they are gathered, seeking God without the true knowledge of Him. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:10-12, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” May the King of glory be victorious tonight.
Aziza, woman’s name meaning “dear one”;
May Jesus become the dearest One in their lives. |
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God Give Us Christian Homes
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery-- but I am talking about Christ and the church.” Ephesians 5:31-32
In general, in the Arab world, the husband/wife relationship is at the bottom of the list in importance. Women may go to leaders in occult practices or witchcraft to cast spells on their husbands. Men tend to be unfaithful without feeling guilt--unless they get caught. Many men beat their wives into submission. Trust is terribly low in these marriages.
When two believers are married, there's greater hope for the marriage to succeed. However, without proper discipleship, they go back to what they know--what they observed in their own parents. They need to learn something different from God’s Word, and they need to see it modeled. Living and working in this land puts a lot of stress on workers’ marriages. Pray for their marriages to be strengthened, that couples will grow closer together as each challenge comes- so that they are good models of Christ’s love for the church. Pray for the local believers with unbelieving spouses, pray for an extra measure of grace and love and pray for their spouse’s salvation.
There is an old Christian hymn that is really a prayer. “God, give us Christian homes! Homes where the Bible is loved and taught, Homes where the Master’s will is sought, Homes crowned with beauty Your love has wrought; God give us Christian homes; God give us Christian homes!” Let this be our prayer today for homes in our land.
Ibrahim, Arabic for Abraham;
May they lead their families to faith in Jesus. |
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Do Not Fear
“Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” Eph. 6:19-20
Few, if any, would call the Apostle Paul timid. Yet, Paul and the other apostles frequently prayed for boldness and for open doors for the good news. When God sent Ananias to Saul, after Saul’s encounter with God on the Damascus road, Ananias was frightened, saying he’d heard reports of the Saul’s actions against the believers. God answered him, saying, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel ." (Acts 9:15)
Please lift up both the foreign and national believers to be bold in declaring the Good News of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Pray that God would open up doors for us. Pray God will enable and empower foreign believers to communicate the most glorious message in a different language and culture. Pray that these workers can effectively equip and encourage national believers in sharing their faith. Pray that national believers will catch a vision of seeing their country won by their own testimony and their sharing of the Good News- that they will see themselves as chosen instruments to carry His name to their own people.
Naima, woman’s name meaning “the beautiful one”;
May they be truly beautiful the love of Jesus in their hearts. |
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From the Rising of the Sun
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3
God wants His name to be praised. As one thinks of Ramadan, a fast from sunrise to sunset, how appropriate this verse seems! A call to praise Him. Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, even in lands that observe Ramadan.
There have been times through this month that believers here have felt like Ramadan would never end. It’s possible that some of you, who’ve been faithfully reading and praying, have felt something of the same J
This brings to mind a bigger question, how many more Ramadans will we be praying together before God does a mighty work in this land? First of all, let all of us say here THANK YOU for praying with us. Second, let us say that He is working – we just can’t see all of what He is doing, or understand His perfect timing. But every now and then He gives us a glimpse. And always He gives us the loving admonition to not give up and to keep on praying.
Let’s pray the words of Psalm 138:8 together, changing the word me to North Africa . “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me ( North Africa ); your love, O LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.”
Abdelsalaam, man’s name meaning “slave of peace”
May they truly know God’s peace, and be men of peace. |
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Until Next Year
“I have come that you might have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
At sunset tonight another Ramadan ends. Tomorrow is a holiday, people will be celebrating for two or three days- feasting again with family and friends.
Some will now be planning and preparing for another religious duty- the pilgrimage to Mecca , required once in a life-time of everyone physically and financially able to make the trip.
Others will already be thinking of how many days they have to make up from this year’s fast before next year’s starts.
Some, especially the old, will continue to faithfully and diligently recount the names of Allah with their prayer beads and regularly go to the Mosque to pray.
Legalistic religions are like that, always another duty or requirement. In Islam, no one ever knows for sure when they’ve done enough good things to outweigh any bad they’ve done, to insure their way into Paradise, so they have to just keep on working. That isn’t the abundant life Jesus promises to give. Pray that this lack will drive people to keep on seeking, and that as they truly seek God, they will find Him (Deut. 4:29).
God knows the name of every person in our land,
lift up as a group all those we didn’t have space to name-
praying that they would open their hearts up to Him. |
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