~Super Duper News~

Words cannot describe the joy and excitement we feel when we see unmistakeable evidence of God working in hearts around our house... it never ceases to amaze us that God allows us input in the formation of such neat little people, tweens and teens! What a privilege! What awesome responsibility!

Last month, Jonathan began asking lots of questions about what it meant to be a follower of Jesus, why Jesus had to die to be our Savior and what was the best way to get to heaven. After one such conversation, I asked him, "What's a sinner?" He responded that sinner was "...someone who did things to make God sad 'cause they don't obey God." When I asked him why Jesus had to die on the cross, he knew it was because men had sinned and that he himself was a sinner. However, when I asked him if he was ready to pray and ask Jesus to be His Savior, he replied: "Not now, Mama. I'm not ready to go to heaven and be with Jesus just yet."

And that was where we left the converation for about a month. Then just last week, Jonathan and I were working together, picking up around the house and I'd asked him to put something in a particular place. He didn't want to walk that far, so he hid it elsewhere... fortunately, he got caught! That is one of those things that I always pray for my children (and myself)... that when they (I) sin, they (I) get caught. I don't want them (or myself) to start getting the idea or practice that they (I) can sin without consequence. When I asked him about it, he just grinned at first and said, "Sorry I disobey Mama. You forgive me please?"

I asked him if he realized that he didn't just disobey me because he didn't do what I'd asked him to do, he'd also disobeyed God because he had tried to be deceitful and God tells us not to lie. At that point he came running into my arms, crawled into my lap and said, "Mama, I do want to go to heaven and be with you someday. I need to pray..." which we promptly did. We are ALL so excited that Jonathan made the decision to follow Jesus... and now our prayer for him is that his knowledge, experience and belief in God grows just as he grows and understands more and more .

He couldn't wait for his daddy and his big brother to get home so he could tell both of them about his important decision!

Somebody Else's Kids

I recently came across that expression for the second time. The first time was in the story of a special education teacher, her classroom and the children she wanted to see learning and growing, children that the rest of the educational system had forgotten and for whom they had little concern even when they rememered their existence.

This summer, I was again confronted with the expression in something I was reading. A few years ago our mission asked us to begin participating in activities that would encourage our personal growth and development and part of that has been an assigned reading book each year. We’ve read at least 3 now, and each one has confronted, challenged and encouraged me – but none so much as the book we were given to read this past summer entitled “The Hole in Our Gospel” by Richard Sterns. The following is one of “those” sections that brought me to my knees as I realized my own sin and guilt in this very area… my own struggles with this very mindset…

“Whenever a major jetliner crashes anywhere in the world, it inevitably sets off a worldwide media frenzy covering every aspect of the tragedy. I want you to imagine for a moment that you woke up this morning to the following headline: “One Hundred Jetliners Crash, Killing 26,500.” Think of the pandemonium this would create across the world as heads of state, parliaments, and congresses convened to grapple with the nature and causes of this tragedy. Think about the avalanche of media coverage that it would ignite around the globe as reporters shared the shocking news and tried to communicate its implications for the world. Air travel would no doubt grind to a halt as governments shut down airlines and panicked air travelers canceled their trips. The National Transportation Safety Board and perhaps the FBI, CIA, and local law enforcement agencies and their international equivalents would mobilize investigations and dedicate whatever manpower was required to understand what happened and to prevent it from happening again.

Now imagine that the very next day, one hundred more planes crashed – and one hundred more the next, and the next, and the next. It is unimaginable that something this terrible could ever happen.

But it did – and it does.

It happened today, and it happened yesterday. It will happen again tomorrow. But there was no media coverage. No heads of state, parliaments, or congresses stopped what they were doing to address the crisis, and no investigations were launched. Yet more than 26,500 children died yesterday of preventable causes related to their poverty, and it will happen again today and tomorrow and the day after that. Almost 10 million children will be dead in the course of a year. So why does the crash of a single plane dominate the front pages of newspapers across the world while the equivalent of one hundred planes filled with children crashing daily never reaches our ears? And even though we now have the awareness, the access, and the ability to stop it, why have we chosen not to? Perhaps one reason is that these kids who are dying are not our kids; they’re somebody else’s.”

I know about the reality of these "preventable causes [of death] related to poverty" firsthand... in my own family as I've watched my own children struggle through malaria, dysentery, typhoid... as I've sat with families who've lost a child or other family member from one of theses diseases... as I've wept because a neighbor's child is no longer there to wave and greet us... as we've handed out kilos of rice and any fresh veggies left in the fridge to someone begging for the next meal for their malnourished and hungry family... as we've paid for and given away treatment or transported children to the clinic for bloodwork and a doctor's diagnosis... It is even a small part of the children's presentation that I do in churches: "The most dangerous wild animal in all of Africa is... (and I let the kids try and guess, but no one has successfully... yet) the mosquito." Yet have I recently spent time praying, seeking what God might have me to do about this? Certainly not like I did when it was my child who was sick. It is easy to forget, to get caught up in the busyness of school programs, soccer and volleyball games, homework, H1N1 and whooping cough and forget... or just choose not to consider because it is so far away and it is easier that way.

Yet, God's Word is clear:

"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'

Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'

Then He will also say to those on the left hand,'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.'

Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

-Matt 25:31-46

One version uses the phrase "those who are overlooked and ignored" instead of "the least of these." Just the other day, I read a friend's blog that has broken my heart anew... I've finished reading this book, I'm working through a bible study about "respectable sins" - including the sins of ungodliness and selfishness - I don't believe in coincidence, so that begs the following questions: What will I prayerfully do? & What do you think? What will you prayerfully do?

Two Roads Overcame the Hyena

"A very hungry hyena went out on the plains to hunt for food. He came to a branch in the bush road where the two paths veered off in different directions. He saw two goats caught in the thickets at the far end of the two different paths. With his mouth watering in anticipation, he decided that his left leg would follow the left path and his right leg the right path. As the two paths continued to veer in different directions he tried to follow them both at once. Finally he split in two." (...found in many African languages)

Do you know a proverb from our language or culture that says essentially the same thing? I'm thinking of one...

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Story found at afriprov.org

Drawing found at dragoart.com

Some of the Finer Points

One of the questions we are frequently asked is "What's it like, living in Niger." While that is a huge question that I could never answer in a single blog post, I wanted to share the following information with you about our "other" home.

GEOGRAPHY

Area 1,186,408 sq.km. Sahara desert in centre and north. Only the southwest and a narrow strip along the Nigerian border in the south are savannah grasslands.

POPULATION

2000 10,730,102 (+3.24%, 9 people per sq. km.)

2010 14,485,881 (+3.00%, 12 people per sq. km.)

2025 21,495,434 (+2.44%, 18 people per sq. km.)

Capital Niamey 1,000,000. Urbanites 17%.

PEOPLES

36 different people groups, including Hausa (43.6%), Nilo-Saharan (27%), Tuareg (12.2%), Fula (10%), Arab (2.3%), Gur (1.3%), Other (.9%)

Literacy 17%.

Official language French. Language of wider communication Hausa.

All languages 21.

Languages with Scriptures

3 Bibles, 5 NT, 4 portions, 8 work in progress

ECONOMY

Mining of uranium and other minerals has brought some economic development to this impoverished land, but in the 1980s the Sahel famine, collapse of the uranium market and Nigeria's closure of the common border devastated the economy. Ninety per cent of the population live at bare subsistence level at the best of times. Human Development Index 0.298; 173rd/174. Public debt 68% of GNP. Income/person $200 (0.9% of USA).

POLITICS

For centuries the Tuareg dominated much of the Sahel. French colonial rule 1921-1960. Military regimes with a number of coups. A brief period of democratic rule 1993-96 presaged the democratic government formed in 1999. There has been Tuareg insurgency in the north for some years.

RELIGION

A non-confessional state with considerable freedom of religion and few restrictions on mission work. Islamic fundamentalists are pushing for change and imposition of shari'a law. Persecution index 68th in the world.

Religion (Population % ~ Ann.Gr.)

Muslim (97.59 % ~ +3.9%)

Traditional ethnic (2.00 % ~ -14.0%)

Christian (0.40 % ~ +5.4%)

Baha'i (0.01 % ~ n.a.)

Christians Denom. (Ann.Gr.)

Protestant (+11.9%)

Independent (+2.2%)

Catholic (+4.1%)

Marginal (+4.8%)

Groupings (Ann.Gr.)

Evangelical (+10.0%)

Charismatic (+5.0%)

Pentecostal (+13.5%)

Missionaries from Niger

45 in 8 agencies, nearly all in Niger.

Missionaries to Niger

343 in 35 agencies from 29 countries: USA 128, Brazil 36, UK 32, Nigeria 21.

Challenges for Prayer

1. This Muslim land is open for the gospel, and Muslims are more receptive than ever before, yet response has been small and church growth slow. Islam is strong and well-organized. There is an Islamic university 54km from Niamey. Pray that the land may remain open, and that every social, religious and spiritual barrier to the knowledge of the Lord may be removed. The spiritual effects of folk Islam and demonic oppression are a major hindrance to people coming to Christ.
2. Pray that there might be a significant increase in those openly confessing Christ and in churches planted.
3. Significant prayer challenges:
   a) Many believers are isolated, often illiterate and rarely have systematic Bible teaching available.
   b) There are not enough mature leaders – there have been a number of denominational splits.
   c) Leadership training – the EERN (SIM-related) runs two middle-level Bible schools and two basic Bible schools. There are also many small Bible training schools in the country, run by six different denominations. Pray for effective ways to train more leaders and give further training to those in pastoral work.
4. This pioneer land still needs missionaries for all parts of the country. The loving ministry of Christian aid missionaries has won credibility for the gospel and increased interest and response from both Muslims and animists. Pray for more labourers. ... Pray for sensitivity in helping the small, young churches and their leaders to maturity.
5. The least reached of Niger. Pray for:
   a) The Tuareg, once rich, but now impoverished and resentful due to drought, famine, changing trade patterns and political changes. The selfless ministry of a partnership of missionaries ... has opened the hearts of some, and there are some groups of believers. ... Tuareg customs and their unique alphabet hint at a possible once-Christian heritage.
   b) The Zarma, who are Muslim but strongly influenced by traditional practices. Only a few hundred believers are known. ... missionaries have laboured long but no significant breakthrough has yet come among this resistant people.
   c) The five Kanuri peoples have a long history of 1,000 years of Islam. Missionaries ... have recently seen a change. Manga Christians, though still few, are seeing their numbers grow from near zero. Scripture portions are available and more of God's Word is in preparation.
   d) The Fulbe (Fulani), both the settled Sokoto and nomadic Wodaabe Fulbe of the west, and the less Islamized nomadic Fulbe across the whole country. ... There have recently been an increasing number of conversions among the Wodaabe; there were over 60 believers in 1991 and 350 in 2000.
   e) The Songhai ... Two couples are now working among them. A few have been won to Christ and a congregation has been formed.
   f) The Tubu peoples in the east.

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All info taken from Operation World's book. It is an awesome tool to use in praying for God's work of missions and for those serving Him as missionaries in a foreign land.

Life in Niger - Are You Ready for some "Futbol!"

Folks in W. Africa are passionate about soccer.

An interesting, culturally, read...

...all about a local soccer championship match.

"Language Learning Level 2..."

"The Rematch" (a 2nd installment)

Hopefully, she'll write about the 3rd attempt to determine a champion

S.O.O.N!

Now I'm just dying to know who wins the championship!"

I don't think any soccer games at the high school right behind our house ever got this "exciting;" but there was no doubt (from all the cheering, booing, mass groaning and squeals as well as mass groups of people mosey-ing along in the direction of the school) of the nights they were playing games, especially important ones!

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Photos and blog by Rebecca Evans (An "all grown up" Niger MK now working in Benin, her parents have been tremendous encouragements to our family while we've been in Niger.)

September/October, 2009

"I love the recklessness of faith."

"First you leap,

and then you grow wings."

~William Sloane Coffin

"Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee….

As Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, 'Follow me.' And he arose, and followed him.

…behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, 'My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.'

…for she said within herself, 'If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.' But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, 'Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.'

….two blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, 'Believe ye that I am able to do this?' They said unto him, 'Yea, Lord.' Then touched he their eyes, saying, 'According to your faith be it unto you.'

…And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, 'The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.'"

Matt 9:2, 9, 18, 21-22, 28-29, 35-38

It is always good to go back and reread familiar passages of Scripture – sometimes the Holy Spirit causes truth to leap right off the page and it is like reading the passage for the very first time. As missionaries, many church services we attend while in the States are focused on the theme of missions and we've heard many fabulous and challenging sermons based on this passage, Matthew 9. So what was so striking in recently rereading this chapter? It was how Jesus responded to every demonstration of even the tiniest seed of faith evidenced by people who, humanly speaking, had to be terribly disheartened by their circumstances… a friend debilitated by the palsy… a hated tax collector… a dead daughter… a chronically ill woman… two blind men… a group of disciples willing to risk much to follow the Shepherd. These words persuade us to continue confidently, clinging tightly to faith that comes from trusting in a God who "will send forth labourers into his harvest."

What's been happening around our house lately? School… homework… field trips… soccer… volleyball… bug collection… leaf collection… learning to read – in English instead of French… building a garage… raking leaves… Our leaves are most definitely changing color now and starting to fall in quantity. This is one of those “home experiences” that we enjoy very much during our time here. We are not sure how vivid the colors will be as we have had a fair amount of rain in the last few weeks. Nonetheless we are thoroughly enjoying our autumn in Michigan, beginning with a fun afternoon at Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes (we stopped by after visiting a supporting church in that area of the state. Hope you enjoy these few glimpses of our afternoon/evening there, enjoying the handiwork of our God.

We've been keeping busy! In the last 4 weeks, have had the opportunity to visit with 4 of our supporting churches – three missions conferences included! We've also been able to share in the Elementary Chapel at Calvary Baptist Academy. Tim spends a fair bit of time trying to contact churches and pastors… although he did squeeze in some bow hunting last week and we've now got a shelf full of venison in the freezer! We are trying to catch up with individual prayer and financial supporters, as well as our churches – so if you are passing through the Tri-City area… or we are in your area, let us know. We want to visit with you!

Back in Niger, the thermometer is climbing as the October hot season has arrived, the French School is back in session (we've recently heard that the 2009-1010 academic school year has begun exceptionally well), our colleagues working at Sahel Academy are preparing for the annual softball tournament and the end of the first marking period, the studio is being used for several different post-dubbing projects and God's Word continues to go out over the radio airwaves. Please continue to remember Niger in your prayers as elections approach, and there have been many questions and political concerns in recent months. Just this week, we also saw an interesting headline in the news: "Norway is the best place in the world to live while Niger is the least desirable, according to an annual report by the United Nations.…" The thoughts that cross our minds when we read that are numerous and conflicting. While life in Niger is certainly very different from what we experience here in the US, our family feels so privileged to call Niger our earthly home and place of ministry and we long to return. We are fervently praying for a miracle as we seek to raise the additional funds we need to do so.

In our last prayer letter we shared that we are now at about 68% support. This translates to roughly $2,300 per month that will need to be raised before we can return to Niger. We thought it may be helpful to those who may be considering joining our financial team and meeting a portion of this need to know how these funds are used. Our total Niger ministry budget is $7,060. This includes:

• housing/salary,
• income tax (yes, we have to pay it),
• medical (~ $1,000 per month),
• airline tickets (for travel to and from the field for furloughs),
• education funds (Public school is not an option for us in Niger, leaving us with the options of local private schools or home schooling and shipping all of the necessary educational materials overseas with us.),
• ministry funds (monies that we can actually invest into the ministry in Niger, including the funds to run an audio-visual production studio),communications (prayer letter, email, etc.),
• and a mission administrative fee of 6.7% (which, by the way, we whole-heartedly believe is a very reasonable amount for all they do for our family).

If you would like to consider a portion of our monthly support and would like to know the exact percentage breakdowns, we would be happy to mail or email you a detailed copy of our complete 2009 Niger Field support need requirements. We sincerely appreciate all of our present support team and the investment they have made in the mission to Niger. $2,300/month seems a huge amount, but we have already seen some encouraging news on achieving this amount. Please pray with us, that we would see God’s provide rapidly for this need. Please pray that we would have wisdom as we present this need to churches and people with whom we come into contact. If you would be interested in joining with us and supporting the ministry of the Niger Radio Project, please don't hesitate to contact us.

One final thought:

"If you think you are too small

to make a difference,

try spending the night

in a closed room

with a mosquito."

~African saying

Thankful to be serving the Savior together with you,

Tim, Richelle, Brendan,

Rebekah Joy, Nadia, Anna, Victoria,

Jonathan, Elsie Mae and Mary Michelle Wright

So Thankful for our Church

What's Goin' on OVER THERE?

Earlier this week, we received a prayer letter from Steve and Julie Nunemaker - who served as missionaries in Niger for many, many years (Steve, in fact, grew up there) before the Lord moved them on to EBM's Tri-M Ministry. They still return to Niger a couple of times each year, and are, in fact, helping out the Niger field with furlough coverage while we and our regional directors are on home assignment. With their permission, we are sharing some excerpts from their recent letter...

Don't forget to keep praying for the ongoing ministries in Niger!

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My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-5 NKJV

This was today's text, Sunday, September 27, as we gathered to worship the Lord at the little Evangelical Baptist Church of Kirkossey II, one of the suburbs of Niamey (Niger). After bouncing along over a poorly maintained, pot-holed dirt road, we sat in the little cement block building with a tin roof, with outside temperatures approaching 100 degrees (typical for late September). A small but happy congregation sang praises to God, thanking Him for every blessing. Interesting, because these folks are definitely in the minority, the church being surrounded by hundreds of residential compounds, most of them occupied by Muslims. While most of these neighbors are friendly to your face, they reject the Gospel of Jesus-Christ. Many of those who do follow Christ are viewed with contempt and ostracized. It has only been a few days since Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, a major observance in a religion whose every tenet seeks by self-righteous merit to satisfy God--at least enough to access paradise. Last Sunday, during the Ramadan holiday, we couldn't even get across the bridge to the church due to traffic being rerouted because of the many, including the country's leaders, headed to the grand mosque for the public ceremonial prayers.

Today's service was simple; there was no piano or organ, only voices making a "joyful noise"... no stage, no stage-lights, no worship team with guitars or wind instruments, no PowerPoint, no sound booth, no cushioned seats, no air conditioning, no carpeted foyer, no carefully appointed men's and women's restrooms. Just believers--and maybe a few curious visitors--gathered to worship the Lord and hear what He had to say through His unchanging Word.

The preacher pointed out that the same original New Testament word is used for both "trial" and "temptation", in James 1 as elswhere. How can we tell the difference? What determines whether what we are experiencing in life is a TRIAL, permitted by God to strengthen us, or a TEMPTATION, a sollicitation to do evil intended to weaken us? James makes clear in 1:13 that God never tempts any man to do evil, neither can He be tempted in this way. The preacher explained that what really determines the difference is not the word itself, not even necessarily the context in which it is used, but how we respond to the event that determines whether or not it is a trial or a temptation! Trials and temptations both have the potential to produce in us victory or defeat--at least that is how James sees it.

And yet, although believers everywhere experience trials of various kinds (and certainly all kinds of temptation), somehow James' words (above) seem to stand out more vividly in these surroundings. In fact, it is sometimes embarassingly difficult for a western missionary to preach or teach about trials or suffering, in the face of the constant daily struggles and trials of those we seek to minister to and encourage. They can teach us so much about perseverance!

What have we been doing in the past few weeks?

French Elementary School: Julie's been working everyday in the school office with Hassane, our school director, registering students, collecting tuition, updating class attendance lists, typing teachers' supplies lists, etc. In addition to helping Hassane and interviewing new teachers, Steve has been working morning & afternoon on repairs and a couple of new improvements, getting ready for the opening of the school. Here is a sampling:

• Resurfacing two classroom floors with a 3.5 cm layer of fine concrete
• Repairing electrical fixtures (all classrooms)
• Repairing student desks
• Patching & painting blackboards
• Repairing erosion damage from rainy season runoff
• Resetting drainage canal grates
• Repairing doors to boys' & girls' latrines and teachers' latrines
• Replacing / repairing locks on classroom doors
• Casting over 1,200 cement paving blocks to install a student access walkway perennially eroded by runoff
  

We both come home exhausted from the heat, Steve's shirts drenched in sweat. Then we shower up, eat supper, and get ready for the evening I.B.B.S. classes...

I.B.B.S. - First Module (September 21 - October 2)

Due to our prolonged stay in Niger this time we have scheduled two Bible Institute modules--one in late September, the other in November. We have a great group of serious students for the first module, for which we are exceedingly grateful. All of them are returning students, some of them in the third level (there are four levels in the curriculum)...

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Thanks, Steve and Julie, for all your hard work! We appreciate your faithful ministry in, to and for the Niger field.

Please continue to pray for the Nunemakers, the Phillips and for Rich Melvin as they serve in Niamey these next several months.

Understanding Islam in the United States

Follow this link to the 30 Days website for an intereting article on the prevelance of Islam in the United States, as well as several good ideas for how to continue "Loving Muslims through Prayer," even though the month of Ramadan, 2009 is officially over.

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Photo from 30 Days website.

Ramadan, 2009 - Another One About the Potential of Radio!

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

The Afar Nomads in the Horn of Africa

Sunday, 20 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

For centuries the Afar have had little chance to hear the Gospel. Recital of Qur’anic verses and fear of the spirits of the desert goes back generations for the Afar. But decades ago God already sent people from the Horn of Africa. Together with the few Afar believers, a radio work of high quality has been developed. The Gospel is now heard! During the last three years many in the Ethiopian church have begun praying fervently for the Afar. Some Afar have come to faith and are being trained and baptized. They often experience harsh persecution, but they are ready to suffer. In 2008 believing Afar sisters compiled an expanded radio series for women. Thanks to the devotion and love from these sisters nomadic women have the possibility of new life in Christ.

The Afar: 1.5 million trekking Africa's Danakil Desert from south Eritrea, north Djibouti and parts of east Ethiopia. Most are illiterate.

Prayer Starters:

• Pray for the radio production team and their many listeners of this area.
• Pray that men and women will hear the new radio programme and open their hearts to the message of freedom.
• Pray that whole families will come to faith in the Messiah and establish new communities of believers.

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Christ Makes it Possible

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Forgiving and Loving. Christ Makes It Possible

Saturday, 19 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

“As a young Palestinian refugee I fled to Nazareth with my family during a time of war. Later we found that our home in Haifa was occupied by Jews during my family’s absence. As a child I found it difficult to understand how God could love some people and put others in the street. As the years passed I became an enemy of the Jewish people. Later after having acknowledged Jesus as my Messiah, I met an old Jewish man who asked for forgiveness for the things he had done personally. His step of seeking forgiveness touched me and since that time my love for the Jewish people has not ceased to grow.”

He continued: “I have also visited Iraq. When I was there God filled my heart with love for the Iraqi Muslims. My heart was really grieved when I saw how the Iraqis and the Iranians had killed each other during the war from 1980-1988.” He has found it possible to love Muslims and Jews.

Prayer Starters:

• There are several initiatives by Messianic Jews and Arab believers for prayer and reconciliation. The transformation which God brings is the greatest hope for lasting change in the Middle East. Pray for further breakthroughs in reconciliation and deepening love and respect among Jews and Arabs (1 John 4:12 and 19).
• Pray that the hope of true reconciliation through Christ would be better known in Israel and Palestine becoming an example for both Jews and Muslims. Jesus is rightly presented as someone who brings personal peace. He is also very interested in bringing peace between peoples (Matthew 5:9, Ephesians 2:14 and 2 Peter 3:13).

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Islam's new TV representatives

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Islam's new TV representatives

Friday, 18 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Outside the Middle East most people may not have heard of Amr Khaled, Mustafa Hosni, Moez Masoud, or Ahmad al-Shugairi. However these men have a significant following in the Arab world through Middle Eastern Television and the web. Amr Khaled’s influence for moderate and practical Islam has been compared to the North American evangelical preacher Rick Warren.

Moez Masoud has often spoken out for sincerity and really trying to understand people from other faiths. He has written: “I’m pretty much dedicating my life to a deeper and more profound understanding between human beings, the children of Adam. I actually named my son Adam just so that I could never be distracted from the goal.”

Prayer Starters:

• Pray that God will continue to use everything which is good and positive from these men to change Middle Eastern society for the better. May they and their listeners discover the Lord in a profound way, He is the giver life (John 10:10).
• Believers in the Messiah in the Middle East have often been oppressed under Islam. Pray for an explosion of new spiritual life among believers across the entire Middle East which will enable them to be a channel of life for Muslims desiring sincerity, depth and real life with God.

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Malaysia

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Muslims in Malaysia

Thursday, 17 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Malaysia remains a key part of the Muslim world in Southeast Asia. With a burgeoning population of 24 million, 60% of whom are Malay Muslims, the nation’s influence is significant in the region. Dramatic political changes have impacted Malaysia, but of special significance is the growing focus on reaching the Malay with the love of Jesus. The Malays have been much neglected throughout the history of Christian outreach. But praise God, now there are more believers focused on reaching the Malay than ever before. Increasing numbers of national believers (Chinese, Indians, and tribal people) are seeking to proclaim their faith with respect to their Muslim neighbours and colleagues. Several pioneer communities of faith have been established among Malay Muslim-background-believers.

Prayer Starters:

• Pray for the emergence of spiritual leaders among the Malay to proclaim the Gospel, teach, and pastor their own people.
• Pray for God’s working through the recently completed contextualized Malay language Scriptures, as Malays have opportunity to read them.Pray for the believers across Malaysia, to be salt and light and an instrument in God’s hands for the unreached Malay.
• Pray for God’s stirring (perhaps through dreams and visions) in the hearts of Malays.
• Pray that many other Malay-related unreached peoples across Southeast Asia will hunger to know God.

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Night of Power

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

The Night of Power

Wednesday, 16 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Depending on their location on the earth, some Muslims will spend much of tonight or tomorrow night in prayer. This event commemorates Mohammed’s first revelation of the Qur’an in a cave near Mecca in 610 AD. Muslims call it the Night of Power. Many Muslims are more open to supernatural events at this moment during Ramadan. Many Muslims believe that many of their prayer requests are granted at this time. Some believe in angelic activity, others in miracles and visions. Knowing this, it is a good moment for Christians to pray believing that God will act in the lives of seeking Muslims. Only God knows how important this could be for the salvation of many.

Prayer Starters:

• Lord, may Your compassion flow in our hearts for Muslims during this night. Lord, You are a father to the fatherless. You are near to those who are lowly and contrite in heart (Isaiah 51:17, 57:17 and 66:2).
• Lord, may You break down all thoughts of self-righteousness through religious activity among Muslims who participate in the Night of Power. May You move them toward true humility before You (Daniel 4:37).
• May all glory be Yours because of Your loving character and for all You have done. Lord, may You be acting during the Night of Power so that people may have a revelation of Jesus, the Messiah.
• Lord, remember those who are genuinely seeking Your help this night. May You give them the help they need in such a way that they will understand that it comes to them through the Messiah, Jesus (Psalm 34:18, Zechariah 9:9).

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Turning

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

They Are Turning To Jesus

Tuesday, 15 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Seeking answers, Khalid asked people who were well informed about the Qur’an to get more understanding. But as a good Muslim, his heart did not find any rest. One night he had a dream in which he saw the words “I am the God that you are looking for, I am the truth”. The following night he had the same dream. The next day Khalid’s heart was very troubled so he went to see his friend and told him about the dreams. Then his friend explained that it was probably the God of the Bible who had revealed himself to him and he invited him to pray to that God.

Khalid was then secretly welcomed into an assembly of believers. This is not always the case. New believers from a Muslim background often have difficulties being accepted by local assemblies. Some groups of believers fear that they will suffer persecution if they help a Muslim background believer.

Prayer Starters:

• Pray for the secret believers who ask for help from local churches and do not find it, that they will continue to hope in Christ.
• Pray for the leaders of believing communities in Muslim countries. They are subject to varied and serious pressures.
• Pray for local assemblies - that they would be willing to take the risk of helping new believers and that their communities could become real sources of refuge for those who are discovering new life in Christ.

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Muslims in Malegaon, India

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Muslims in Malegaon, India

Monday, 14 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Malegaon is a city of about a million people located in the hot, north eastern part of Maharashtra, India (220 kilometres northeast of Mumbai). Known for its textile industry, the city is divided both physically and socially by a river. In the Muslim district, several large Qur’anic schools educate boys aged of 6-25 in Islamic faith and practice. Mufti Ismail, one of Malegaon’s Muslim leaders, is part of the influential council that governs Qur’anic schools throughout the country.

Most local Muslims belong to the “Ansari” people group. Many Ansaris are employed in the city’s textile factories – dark, hot warehouses where raw cotton and polyester is processed, spun into thread, dyed and woven into cloth. The only known Christian presence in the city consists of a very small struggling Christian community. May God encourage and transform these believers to truly live out their faith and be a light across the whole city.

Prayer Starters:

• Muslims in Malegaon hold firmly to the traditions, the teachings and counsel of their leaders. Even when tactfully presented with the Gospel in 2008, many Muslims would not even consider the claims of Jesus Christ nor would they read the New Testament (Injil). Pray for the salvation of their community leaders like Mufti Ismail.
• The average Muslim on the street in Malegaon remains in ignorance concerning some of the basic questions of belief in God. May God give them enlightenment.
• Some are seeking for more understanding. One Ansari truck driver was asked what to do about his shame and guilt, knowing he has sinned against God. He paused, bowed his head and then looked up saying in a sincere tone, “I do not know.”
• In 2008 some Muslims did ask for tracts and Bibles. Pray that this openness could be directed toward personal contact with God.

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - God's Message via Radio (We LOVE this article!)

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

God's Message via Radio in the Middle East

Sunday, 13 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Testimony:

I am involved in Christian radio broadcasting to many Muslim countries. Sometimes the audience has the possibility to SMS, phone or write to ask for literature. However, mail packages containing Bibles are often stopped by the religious security authorities in various countries.

I met a listener who came under the protection of darkness after a four hour bike ride. He spoke enthusiastically about the radio broadcasts. He said that he wanted to study the Christian faith deeply (and honestly it seemed to me), so I gave him not only a Bible and study materials, but also the Jesus Film and other Gospel films. A few months later we met again. He asked for more books written by believers and videos. I was able to give him these things plus testimonies of Muslims who had encountered the Messiah. Unfortunately we had no time for a personal conversation. Is he a believer or still a seeker? I was unable to find out … this time.

Prayer Starters:

• May the Holy Spirit guide during telephone conversations and meetings with interested radio listeners. Pray for divine rendezvous (Acts 8:26-39):

"And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing."

• Pray that interested listeners, despite the watchful eyes of authorities, can receive Bibles, DVDs and other helpful material.
• Pray with your family for the family members of seekers who could be opposed to listening to Gospel radio and receiving Bible materials.
  

To read complete testimony

Ramadan, 2009 - Jesus, the Word of God and the Messiah

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Jesus, the Word of God and the Messiah

Saturday, 12 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

In the Quran Jesus Christ is clearly referred to as the Word of God and as a Word from God (in Arabic: Kalilmat Allah). While some Muslims know that Jesus is referred to as the Word of God in the Qur’an, the vast majority do not know what it means and even fewer realize that the same title is given to Jesus in the Bible. Some believers have used the “Word of God” texts in the Qur’an as a starting point for proclaiming the Good News of the Messiah to Muslims.

The Qur’an speaks of Jesus as the Messiah (see 3:45 and 4:169 on site as well as 4.157 and 4.171). Here again the vast majority of Muslims have no idea what it means for Jesus to be the Messiah, because, in the words of one author, “the meaning of the title is almost completely glossed over in Islam.” The word “Messiah” is the same as the word Christ in Greek. It refers to the one who is anointed as king.

Prayer Starters:

• Pray that Muslims all over the world would be inclined to ask questions and try to understand Jesus’ titles: "the Word of God and the Messiah."Meditate on the following texts and use them in prayer:

1. John 1:1-4,14 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men....And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
2. Matthew 16:13-17 "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."

• Ask the children to gather all the Bibles together, pile them up and then pray that Muslims would get to know the Living Word.
  

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - In the Pamir Mountains

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Badakhshan and the Ismaili sect in the Pamir Mountains

Friday, 11 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Badakshan is the one part of the world where the Muslim Ismaili sect makes up the majority of the population. The Agha Khan, their spiritual leader, has become like a god to them. To quote a Badakshani: “The Agha Khan is like a living Koran for us. He shows us the way and how to live. Our religion is not stuck in history. We have a modern Imam to show us how to live in the 21st Century. We see the light of Mohammed on him.” Most other Muslims consider the Ismailis to be heretics.

There are few believers in Badakshan and no known believing communities. However, many Badakshanis are coming to faith elsewhere. There are believers in Dushanbe - the capital of Tajikistan - and in Moscow, where many Tajik Badakshanis become migrant labourers. Pray for believers living in other places, that they might wisely proclaim Jesus in their communities.

Prayer Starters:

• Meditate on Jeremiah 16:19-21 and use it in prayer.
• Pray for those who worship the Agha Khan as a god, and that they may come to a realisation that he is just a man.
• Spiritual blindness and the spirit of deception seem to be two major strongholds in Badakshan. Pray for these barriers to the Gospel to be removed.

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Persecution on the Rise

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Central Asia Update - Persecution on the rise

Thursday, 10 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

The vast area called Central Asia is home for more than 100 million people. In the 1990s hundreds of believers made their way to Central Asia in order to live there and proclaim the Gospel in the region. However, in recent years most governments in the region have started to persecute believers. The majority of foreign believers who sought to proclaim Christ have been expelled from one country after another.

In 2008 Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan voted laws which significantly restrain religious liberty. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan had already become very oppressive for individuals and whole communities of believers. Proclaiming the Good News, changing religion, spiritual education for children, holding meetings and creating new communities have been made illegal or have been severely restricted. One believer who knows the region well says that “the young assemblies of believers which have developed in the last 20 years will suffer but they have deep roots. They will survive!” We still need to pray. Probably 90%+ of people in the region have never heard the Good News of the Kingdom.

Prayer Starters:

• Lord, you have said, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14) Lord, may you be proclaimed to all in the region (Matthew 24:14).
• Lord, strengthen your people (2 Corinthians 12:9). Many are in prison or will be in prison for their faith in the coming years (Hebrews 13:3; Acts 16:23-25).

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - The Split

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

"How Islam Split - Ali, Hassan and Hussein?

Wednesday, 9 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Ali: Born in about AD 600 – died January AD 661

Ali was the cousin, adopted son and son-in-law of Mohammed. Disagreement over succession eventually split Islam into the Sunni and Shi’a branches. Ali encountered opposition and civil war during his reign. At about age 60 Ali suffered an assassination attempt while praying in the mosque of Kufa in Iraq - he died soon afterwards.

Hassan: Born in March AD 625 died March AD 670

Hassan (Hasan) was the grandson of Mohammed and the son of Ali and Mohammed’s daughter Fatima. Hassan’s succession to the Caliphate was contested. He retired to a quiet life in Medina till he died, poisoned by his wife, many years later. He is regarded by all Muslims as a martyr.

Hussein: Born January AD 626 at Medina in Saudi Arabia, died October AD 680 at Karbala in Iraq

Hussein, son of Ali, is revered as a martyr, having died in a struggle for the Caliphate. Hussein’s death was significant because it launched the Shi’a movement which is so prominent today in Iraq and Iran; they believe that Hussein should have been Caliph.

Prayer Starters:

• There are literally millions of Muslim men around the world who are named Ali, Hassan and Hussein. Pray for them to encounter the living Messiah (Acts 7:56 and 9:1-5).
• Millions of Iranians and Iraqis commemorate the memory of Hussein’s death each year. Sometimes as many as 7-8 million pilgrims visit Karbala during that time. Many Shi’a men will cut and flail themselves, shedding blood in the memory of Hussein. A popular Shi’a saying tells us, “a single tear shed for Hussein washes away a hundred sins.”
• Pray that Shi’as of Iraq and Iran could see the value of the blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19).

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Belief in the Spirit World

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

"Beliefs in the Spirit World, Deliver them from Evil"

Tuesday, 8 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Muslims worldwide are often afraid of evil coming from the spirit world. This fear is a source of profound unspoken anxiety for many. Islam has a complex and multifaceted set of beliefs about the invisible forces at work around us. Theses beliefs also vary greatly from one region and one people to another. Muslims not only believe in the existence of angels but also in Jinn (Djinn), who populate this world. Jinn, Muslims believe, are very similar to humans: they have their own social organisation and activities, yet they can also change their appearance and become visible or invisible at will. Most Muslim theologians believe that Shaitan (Satan, also called Iblis) belongs to the Jinn. These beings were supposedly created just before the creation of mankind. They do both good and evil. The term “Jinn” is related to the English word “genie” known through Arabian folk stories.

Prayer Starters:

• Jesus is the true Lord of the world. All authority has been given to Him. Pray that Muslims would experience Jesus’ saving ability to deliver them from the powers of darkness.
• May believers be more able to help Muslims in this realm.
• Pray for Muslims you know and others using the following texts:

  1. Matthew 8:16 ~ "When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick"
  2. Matthew 10:1 ~ "And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease."
  3. Acts 5:16 ~ "There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one."
  4. Acts 8:17 ~ "Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Mohammed's Daughter

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Fatimah, Mohammed's Daughter

Monday, 7 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Born in Mecca in AD 605, died in Medina in AD 632. Fatimah (Fatima) was the name of the favourite daughter of Mohammed. Her name means “she who weans.” She was considered one of four perfect women by Mohammed. The others were Mohammed’s own first wife, Khadijah, the mother of Fatimah; Mary, the mother of Jesus; and Asiya the wife of an ancient Pharaoh.

Fatimah was apparently a good influence, but her name is also associated with an occult object that has fairly negative infleunce in the Muslim world. This so-called “Hand of Fatimah” is used by Muslims in amulets, charms and jewelry to ward off evil spiritual influences.

Prayer Starters:

• Pray according to Acts 19:18-20 concerning occult influences: "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."
• Pray for the millions of Muslim women named Fatimah to find new life in Jesus.

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Northwest Africa

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Sunday, 6 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Out of the 78 million people in the three nations of Northwest Africa (Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco), possibly only 50,000 are native believers in the Messiah.

Prayer Starters:

• Algeria: population: 33.8 million: Algerian believers are under increased supervision and have experienced the beginnings of significant governmental persecution. They have been courageous and generally continue to affirm their faith. Trying to convert a Muslim either through education, health, social, culture or financial means can bring sentencing up to five years in jail with a maximum fine of $7,000. Pray along the lines of Acts 4:29-31 ~ "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."
• Tunisia: population 10.5 million: Tunisia has the appearance of being a Muslim country, however the number of committed Muslims is limited. The vast majority of Tunisians are pursuing their dreams of having a better lifestyle. Tunisians need to reflect more on the meaning and the brevity of life. Tunisian believers number less than 1,000. Pray using Mt. 6:24-34 ~ "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
• Morocco: population 33.8 million: A very small number of Moroccan believers exist (possibly only a few thousand). Their numbers are slowly increasing, but knowledge of the Gospel in Morocco is very limited. Believers have suffered significant threats and mistreatment. Pray along the lines of Isaiah 40:9-11 ~ "O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." and Isaiah 52:7 ~ "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" Pray for King Mohammed VI and the royal family. Hassan, the Crown Prince, is six years old.

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - "What Muslims Believe About the Cross"

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

"What Muslims Believe About the Cross"

Saturday, 5 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Most Muslims believe that death by crucifixion was not a worthy death for a good prophet like Jesus. Based on the Qur’anic passages, the majority of Muslims in our day say that Jesus never went to the cross. It is commonly thought that He was taken up into heaven without dying and that someone else died on the cross in His place. There are several variations on this theory, but many Muslims say that Judas, the disciple, was actually crucified instead of Jesus. Supposedly he was made to look like Jesus and was crucified as a punishment from God because of his betrayal. Other Muslims believe that Jesus was crucified but He survived and died later or that He survived, then was elevated to heaven and did not die at all.

Prayer Starters:

• Believers in Jesus need to explain Christ’s death and resurrection simply and with much care. Muslims need to understand why the Messiah needed to die and how His resurrection brings us new life.
• Pray especially that Jesus would be increasingly revealed to Muslims as the victorious one who has overcome our sin and guilt, bondage to evil spirits and the horrors of death to bring us salvation.
• Pray for Muslims in your region, country and elsewhere according to:
1. (Luke 24:19-26) "And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?"
2. (Acts 3:13-16) "The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all."
• Perhaps you can cut a cross out of material with your kids and encourage them to remember to pray for Muslims today.

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Dreams of Peace

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Dreams of Peace

Friday, 4 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Almost all Somalis in America are refugees from their own civil war. All face complex issues regarding their future and their commitment to Islam. They tend to settle in cities where they have been welcomed. Often they live in tight knit communities that emphasize adherence to Islam and are not generally open to other beliefs. However, they are still known for warm hospitality and deep friendship. Many first generation immigrant Somalis (age 35 and older) dream of returning to a restored, peaceful Somalia. Second and third generation immigrant Somalis (age 34 and younger) face a tremendous identity struggle.

Minnesota is home to between 30,000 and 70,000 Somalis. The vast majority work hard at learning English and adapting while trying to earn enough money to support themselves, as well as their families back in Somalia. Since December 2007, six Somali young men have been murdered by other Somalis as a result of tensions in the community.

Prayer Starters:

• Pray that God would give true “shalom” peace to Somalia and its people around the world.
• Pray that God would open the eyes of Somalis in the States to see the surpassing value of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 13:44-46: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." ) .
• Pray for the Christians, churches and ministries in the USA who are becoming friends with the Somalis.

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Iraqi Tribes

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Pray for the Iraqi Tribes

Thursday, 3 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

A large percentage of Iraqi Arabs trace their ancestry back to one of several tribal confederations. Each of these groups is divided into tribes, clans, houses and extended families. There are possibly 20-30 confederations with over 100,000 people and possibly over 1,000 tribal organisations in the country.

Tribalism is central to Iraqi cultural identity. “Iraqi culture builds to a very large extent on tribal traditions. From a cultural point of view, you cannot understand Iraq without understanding the importance of tribalism.”* Tribes are grouped into federations (qabila), the clan (fukhdh), the house (beit) and the extended family (khams). A khams consists of all male-born children who share the same great-great grandfather (five generations of men in a single family). The Bible tells us that people from every tribe and tongue will one day be before the throne of God (Rev. 5:9).

Prayer Starters:

• The pain and suffering of the Iraqi people is very great. Pray for healing from the pain and a positive rebirth of Iraqi society after years of bloodshed, privations and hopelessness. See the database of the following site.
• Pray for the heads of tribes, clans, houses and enlarged families. God wants whole confederations, tribes and clans to turn to His salvation.
• Pray that many would discover new life in Christ. True lasting change and hope will only be found in the Messiah. The tribal leaders should take their notions of service, leadership and humility from Jesus. Use the list on the web-site in your prayers.
• A very high percentage of Iraqi believers have had to flee the country. Iraq has become a very dangerous country for believers.
• Show your children some of the genealogies in the Bible so they can see how important tribes are to God. (Genesis 10, Matthew 1 for example)

To read complete article

Ramadan, 2009 - Christ is Honoured

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

How Christ is Honoured by His Followers in Other Cultures

Wednesday, 2 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Friday night. Jasmine has just arrived from her workplace in the city. Gracious, sincere village neighbours greet Jasmine warmly at the home of her daughter and son-in-law. They take their places in a circle on the tikar, a floor mat of woven reeds. Someone reaches to the top shelf of a closet and takes down a stack of photocopied, large-font Scripture portions. Jasmine readies her reading glasses and settles herself in a cross-legged position on the tikar. Afterwards everyone in the circle prays for the others and for their nation. These prayers are different from ritual prayers in Arabic -- Jasmine says emphatically -- for they are offered in the name of THE MESSIAH, THEIR SAVIOUR...

This regular gathering is an example of communities of faith in Jesus the Messiah that are springing up throughout Indonesia. These gatherings may look different from what we see in our own cultural settings, but Jesus is being made known; He is being honoured!

Prayer Starters:

• Around the world Muslims who have encountered the Messiah have to find culturally appropriate ways to worship. Some have adopted worship styles and attitudes from other cultures while adapting it to their needs. Others have developed unique cultural expressions of their faith.
• Pray for former Muslims to find ways to come together culturally yet still on a biblical bases.
• Pray for former Muslims in your city, region, and country, that the beauty of local cultural expressions may be manifest in worship (songs, preaching and teaching styles and new ways of living which bring worship into the heart of daily life).

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Ramadan, 2009 - Divisions in Culture and Religion

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Christian vs Islam: Divisions in Culture and Religion

Tuesday, 1 September

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

While the religious differences between Christians and Muslims are significant, sometimes cultural differences can be even greater sources of misunderstanding and mistrust. Different perspectives can also be opportunities to learn from each other. Cultural differences may inhibit or enhance our ability to proclaim Christ, as well as a Muslim’s ability to receive our message.

In recent years many Muslims have cited the book “The Gospel of Barnabas” (available on the web) in order to show that Jesus was a good Muslim. Jesus is portrayed in the book as a prophet who prays, speaks and acts exactly like traditional Muslims.

An interesting distortion is that Satan is portrayed as the one to claim Jesus as God. The author of the “Gospel of Barnabas” has rewritten the Biblical Gospel to make it agree with the Qur’an. The aim of the book is to try to convince people that Jesus was a Muslim and predict the coming of Muhammad. It is a direct distortion of the Bible.

Prayer Starters:

• Pray for those witnessing to Muslims to understand the cultural differences as well as the religious differences.
• The Gospel is cross-cultural - pray that this truth be believed and acted upon by Christian workers.
• May God give Muslims insights into the errors of the Gospel of Barnabas.
• Meditate on these texts in prayer:

1. (Matthew 5:43-48) "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
2. (Hebrews 1:5-8) For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom."

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Ramadan, 2009 - The Khorasani Turks in Iran

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

Ramadan 2009 / 1430: August 22 - September 20

Monday, 31 August

"Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

More than 830,000 Khorasani Turks live in the northern part of the Khorasan province (northwest of Mashhad). Khorasan is an important agricultural area and most Khorasani Turks are farmers. They are skillful craftsmen of jewellery, dolls, and glassware. Khorasan is Persian and means "Land of the Rising Sun."

The Khorasani Turks are 100 per cent Muslim, and their society is organized around traditional Muslim rules. At the present time, there are no known Khorasani Turk believers. Living in a very remote corner of the world, they are currently without Gospel resources in their own language, and there is no specific effort to implant believing congregations among them.

Prayer Starters:

• Pray that God will open doors for Christian businessmen and others to share Christ with the Khorasani Turks.
• Ask God to raise up qualified linguists to translate the Bible into the Khorasani language.
  

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