30 Days of Prayer - Guyana

Guyana - Land of Many Waters

Ramadan 2007 / 1428 : Day 17 for September 29

Guyana is an American Indian word meaning “Land of Many Waters.” The country is characterised by its enormous rain forests and rivers. The table mountains found in the interior regions inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 1912 novel “The Lost World” which was a type of “Jurassic Park” adventure story from 100 years ago.

Ethnic Makeup

Most of Guyana’s 767,000 people live along the Atlantic coast. South Asians (Indians, Pakistanis and Afghans) make up the majority of Muslims in Guyana (more than 75,000 people). Like the Africans who came as slaves most of Guyana’s ethnic groups were labourers brought into the country to work on sugar and cotton plantations with the exception of the Amerindians. South Asians from largely Hindu and Muslim backgrounds make up 51% of the population. “Whites” and Chinese, make up less than 2% percent of the population. Over 500,000 Guyanese have emigrated to other countries including the United States, Canada, England, Suriname and Trinidad.

Mass suicide in Jonestown

In 1978 the mass suicide and murder of 900 American cult members attracted world attention to Guyana. Until then, relatively few people had heard of Guyana. Music in Guyana follows the lead of other Caribbean countries and India. Radio stations play the latest reggae, dance-hall, soca and chutney music, as well as Indian Bollywood influences of bhangra and other Hindi music. Local television stations air American, British and Indian broadcasts.

Muslim Origins

The first Muslims to Guyana were probably Fulanis from Africa. While Guyana’s Muslim community is made up primarily of South Asians there is a growing Afro-Guyanese minority. Most are Sunni Muslims attending over 125 mosques. Former president Hamilton Green was reportedly a Muslim convert. Guyana officially joined the Organisation of Islamic Conference (CIO) in 1998 (see its local Guyanese web site at: http://www.ciog.org.gy). The CIOG is involved alms (zakat) distribution and other social welfare programs including help for widows. Guyanese Muslims are split into traditionalist and reformist camps which have been in ideological conflict for decades.

Guyanese Muslims pay close attention to the issues affecting Muslims abroad such as the conflicts in Palestine, Kashmir, Iraq, Afghanistan and so on. Local organisations often host prominent Muslim scholars from South Asia and the Arab world as a means of encouraging solidarity and identification with the global “ummah” (the worldwide Muslim community).

Points for prayer:

* Pray God’s peace and His love can be proclaimed effectively to all the different ethnic groups. South Asians are often pitted against Guyanese of African origin.

* Pray that positive Christian music and TV broadcasts can be aired and that the Muslim youth will be influenced for good by it.

* There are a number of Bible colleges in Guyana. Pray for the training of godly people of faith who can also reach Muslims. Some Muslims have come to faith.

* Serious crime is a growing problem. Pray that God’s principles can be taught to young people and that the youth will be shielded from drugs and gangs.

Background on Guyana (World Factbook)

Originally a Dutch colony in the 17th century, by 1815 Guyana had become a British possession. The abolition of slavery led to black settlement of urban areas and the importation of indentured servants from India to work the sugar plantations. This ethnocultural divide has persisted and has led to turbulent politics. Guyana achieved independence from the UK in 1966, and since then it has been ruled mostly by socialist-oriented governments.

Push Away From the Table - cont

I've been sharing a bit lately about fasting and resulting breakthrough when we deny ourselves and seek God's face. Again, this is taken from Christian Life Center 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting Devotional Guide.

Breakthrough to Solve Complex Problems - see previous post

Breakthrough to Revival - see previous post

Breakthrough Crippling Fear & Negative Emotional Habits - previous post

Breakthrough to Compassion/Missions-Consciousness - previous post

The final two areas of breakthrough noted in the CLC guide are as follows:

Breakthrough to Clear Insight for Decision Making

We get so caught up in the day to day rush of our lives that we often fail to hear from God. Stress acts like static in the receiver; clouding our ability to hear from God. While Saul was in route to Damascus, a bright light knocked him right off his "high horse" and spoke to him. He was humbled enough that he needed someone to lead him by the hand to a place alone. It was in that place, during a time of fasting and prayer that God was able to turn his life completely around from a persecutor of Christians to the greatest of all the apostles (Acts 9).

The thing we sometimes forget is that while Saul was putting Christians in bonds to be imprisoned and, in some cases, killed; he thought he was working for Christ. It is so easy for us to get it wrong. I'm not saying that we go out killing people in the name of G od, but it is easy to make the wrong choices all by ourselves. Periodically we need to push away from the table AND the stresses of life to listen to the voice of God. but subjecting our will to God's, He makes His will know to us!

Breakthrough to Physical Healing or Better Health
While we may hate to admit it, not everything we eat is healthy. Periodic times of fasting are actually healthy. According to scripture and medical science, it acts like a preventative and prescriptive medicine (Exodus 15:26). While for some people, those on medication and with blood sugar problems, it may be impossible to go completely without food and/or water for a period of time; it is not impossible to fast. Daniel 1:2-20; 10:2-3 describes a partial fast which only includes eating healthy foods. This type of fast is recommended when fasting for longer periods of time. To be completely honest, it was more difficult for me than going without food altogether. The bottom line is that fasting promotes health in all of us. God would not ask something of us that was not ultimately good for us.

Day Four - What a GREAT Dream Looks Like~

He said to them, "Listen to this dream I had." Genesis 37:6

In 1989, a movie called Field of Dreams was released. Kevin Costner played Ray Kincells, a 37 year-old man who had never done a crazy thing in his life until he heard a voice one day that said, "build it and he will come." You see, Ray had a stormy relationship with his dad. He rebeled against his dad, an baseball lover, by refusing even to play catch with him. His father died before he could make things right. When Ray plowed his cornfield over and made a baseball field, everyone said he was crazy for following his dream. Though the magic of the movie he could be reunited with his father as a young man. The theology is certainly not correct and the plot is nowhere near reality, but that is what makes the movies...well, the movies.

One thing is for certain, people will come to a place where their dreams can be fulfilled. God's field of dreams is not in Iowa., but rather in the hearts of His people. How do we know what a dream looks like? This list below give us a good description of what a God-given dream looks like:

A God-given dream will stir your passions
A God-given dream will be humanly impossible to accomplish
A God-given dream will make an impression on you for a lifetime
A God-given dream will cause you to have strong faith
The enemy of your soul will attack a God-given dream

30 Days of Prayer - Kurds in Canada

Muslim Kurds in Canada

Ramadan 2007 / 1428 : Day 16 for September 28

Kurds have been coming to the United States and Canada from Turkey, Iraq and Iran for decades. Thousands of Kurds fled Iraq during and subsequent to Saddam Hussein’s mass killings of Kurds through chemical and conventional warfare. Those who have gone to North America as refugees are survivors. Some of them were Kurdish freedom fighters who were tortured under Saddam Hussein’s regime. Perhaps six thousand Kurds now live in Southern Ontario, Canada. Hamilton, Ontario, a city of half a million people, is home to about 2,000 Kurds. Most of the Kurds in Hamilton come from Northern Iraq and speak a Kurdish dialect called Sorani. All of them are weary of the violence, persecution and killing still continuing in Iraq today.

Identity Crisis

Over 90% of the Kurds in Hamilton are from a Muslim background (although some are communist or atheist and a few are Zoroastrian). Today, many of the Kurds in Canada have shed their identity as Muslims. A few have even become anti-Muslim. Although still believers in God, they tend to be suspicious of any religion.

Pizza Anyone?

In Hamilton, Kurds have specialised in the pizza business. They operate and work long hours in small pizza shops that are open seven days a week. The Kurdish refugees and immigrants love the freedom they have found in Canada to be Kurdish, to gather freely and to speak their language. However many are drying up spiritually and becoming materialistic. Kurdish children in Canada are growing up between two worlds. With English as their most familiar language, they’re more comfortable in Canada than back “home” in Kurdistan. In Hamilton the Kurdish community runs a Kurdish language school for their own children in order to maintain their cultural and language roots.

Reaching Out

In recent years some local Christians have made efforts to proclaim Christ among Ontario’s Kurds. These believers desire to establish a movement of Kurdish house churches. They really want to help Kurds discover Christ and to live their new found faith in a fully Kurdish manner. In 2006, two Kurdish brothers professed faith in Christ. The family of these brothers is open to the Gospel, but not ready to make a commitment. Unfortunately this seems to be a repeated pattern.

Prayer Requests:

* Pray that Canadian believers can show their Kurdish friends how to follow Christ. May the Lord Jesus Christ be glorified as Kurds, find the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).

* Pray that God will send dreams and visions in order that the Kurdish community will see their spiritual need and God’s provision through Jesus.

* Pray that Kurds will want to understand more of God’s story through the Bible and Christian films.

Background information, map and statistics about Muslims in Canada are on our site here …>>

30 Days of Prayer - Mirpur in Great Britain

The Mirpuris in Britain

Ramadan 2007 / 1428 : Day 15 for September 27

Mirpuris (people originating from the Mirpur district in Pakistani Kashmir), form about 70% of the British Pakistani population of about 747,000. The percentage is even higher in northern cities and towns. For example, in Bradford, an industrial town in Northwest England, it is estimated that roughly three quarters of the population are from Mirpur.

Cultural Dislocation

The reasons for the large proportion of Mirpuris in the UK is historical. In the late 1950’s & early 1960’s, the Pakistani Government planned the Mangla Dam, which was to be built in the Mirpur area. They asked several thousand locals to leave the land. At that time, the British needed man-power mainly for their textile factories. Many of the Mirpuris moved to Britain and started working in factories, mostly in the so called “black country” and the area of Bradford, England. In some villages, more than half the village population moved to the UK to settle in the industrial towns. This rural, impoverished district provided cheap, unskilled labour for Britain in the 60’s and 70’s.

Most immigrants were from subsistence farming communities and had had little or no schooling. They made a huge cultural and geographical leap to settle in the UK. The profound cultural dislocation experienced by the Mirpuris is hard to imagine. Most Mirpuris speak Pothowari, a language related to Punjabi. The prominent clans among them include Rajputs (Janjua), Sudhans, Khokhars, Gakkhars, Awans, Jats, etc.

Imported Marginalisation

One of the things they brought with them was the perception of a long history of dispossession and marginalisation. The partition of India brought terrible bloodshed along with the division of Kashmir between Pakistan and India. (This was the issue cited until very recently as the most pressing political priority in the UK by the majority of British Muslims). Three of the suicide bombers of the London underground bombings in the summer of 2005 were originally from this region of Pakistan.

The Mirpuris are still a very unreached people group. There are only a handful of known believers among them in Britain. Some of them have experienced much persecution and suffering. The home of one believing family was even set on fire fairly recently.

Please Pray:

* Pray that more British Christians would see the need to reach out to the Mirpuris, and that many more would get involved in praying for them. Pray also that Christian workers from around the world would be willing to come and minister among them.

* Pray for the few cross-cultural workers that are ministering among them, that they would have wisdom to know how to effectively reach them. And, that they would see a spiritual breakthrough among them soon.

* Pray for the few Mirpuri believers, that they would be protected, and that they would be able and willing to share the Gospel with their family and friends with cultural sensitivity and insight. Pray also for the establishment of fellowships of Mirpuri Muslim background believers.

Background information, maps and statistics on the United Kingdom of Great Britain are on our site here …>>

Push Away From the Table - cont.

Yesterday, I was sharing about fasting and resulting breakthrough when we deny ourselves and seek God's face. Again, this is taken from Christian Life Center 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting Devotional Guide.

Breakthrough to solve complex problems - see yesterday

Breakthrough to revival - see yesterday

Breakthrough Crippling Fear & Negative Emotional Habits
A habit is a behavior pattern acquired by frequent repetition. We have all acquired a rather good habit of brushing our teeth. At least I hope we all have. Brushing our teeth keeps them in good enough shape to help them last our entire lifetime and it also helps with making friends. The point is...habits are things we do frequently enough that the behavior becomes almost second nature to us. A habit can be good or bad, beneficial or destructive.

Some habits are not as good fur us a brushing our teeth. In fact, they can hinder our relationship with God and others. For example, if I repeatedly allow myself to get worked up or irritated over small things, I will soon become an irritated and angry person over more than just external circumstances or situations. But rather, irritation & anger set up camp internally as a result of my choices over time. A person can eventually come to realize the problem is not with everyone else but with him/herself. However, it is often so late in the process that counseling and sermons do little to help.

After one of the most spectacular victories in all of Bible history, Elijah found himself paranoid, depressed and filled with self-pity. An angel appeared to give him supernatural food, though this did nothing to rectify the negative emotions controlling him. However, after his fast at Horeb, he walked in fresh purpose and perspective. Denying his natural desire for food helped him to h ave victory over his very human but destructive emotions. 1 Kings 19

Breakthrough to Compassion/Missions-Consciousness
Abundance of food has insulated us from the realities of a world in need. When my husband and I were missionaries to the Philippines, one of our students in the Bible school asked me one day "Ma'am, are you rich?" I replied that according to American standards I was not rich. Rueben thought about it for a moment and replied, "Ma'am, poor means having nothing to eat."

"Is it a fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast our; when you see the naked, that you cover him and not hide yourself from your own flesh?" Isa 58:5-7 NKJV

One thing the American church often forgets is that fasting is not just doing without food. It is focusing on the needs of others rather than on our own. The widow of Zarephath was willing to give up her food to feed Elijah. Are you willing to divert some of your budget to meet the needs of others. Ask yourself: Should I give some money to help someone less fortunate? Who should I give it to? How much should I give?

Good food for thought~

Day Two - Chasing the Dream
"I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be." Philippians 3:12

Prayer Focus: Thank God for determination and passion to chase our dreams. Thank God for where He has brought you to today. Thank God for gifts, talents, goals and dreams He has placed inside of you. Ask Him to help you and help our church to see clearly how far He wants to bring us and then continue to have the courage to chase after it!

30 Days of Prayer - Republic of Georgia

Ramadan 2007 / 1428 : Day 14 for September 26

Questions and Answers About Islam in Modern Georgia

While being Mediterranean-like along the Black Sea coast, the Republic of Georgia is actually mostly mountainous terrain. Peaks rising more than 5,200 meters (17,000ft.) separate it from the Caucasus and from Russia. Turkey, Armenian, and Azerbaijan border Georgia to the south. Grapes, citrus fruits, and hazelnuts are plentiful and exported, but Georgia’s reliance on importing natural gas hampers further political and economic development. Absorbed into the Russian empire in the 19th century, Georgia proclaimed independence in 1991. Eduard Shevardnadze, who helped Russia draft new freedoms, presided Georgia for five years.

Q & A:

Q. The Republic of Georgia was one of the first countries to become Christian. How did it get to be 10% Muslim?

A. Georgia has been conquered by Muslim empires several times. Tbilisi (the capital) was conquered by Arabs in the 8th century and a Muslim community remained. From the 16th century, Ottoman Turks and Iranian Safavids (Persians) controlled much of Georgia. Migrants, later known as Tatars, also decided to make the region their home.

Q. What are the main Muslim ethnic groups in Republic Georgia?

A. There are three main Muslim populations: Ethnic Azeris (in rural areas and Tbilisi), ethnic Georgian Muslims of Ajara (in the southwest), and ethnic Chechen Kists in north-eastern Georgia. Each of these main peoples has quite a distinct history of their own.

Q. Didn’t the Soviet era abolish Islam?

A. No, For example, Islamic law (Shari’a) and administration were abolished in 1926 but by 1930 a compromise was reached allowing Muslims certain freedoms. During the Second World War the Soviets set up Muslim Religious Boards to manage Muslims throughout the region. Some Muslims were deported (depending on ethnicity) and the deportation actually continued into late in the 20th century. It is still a political issue.

Q. And what about Islam today in Georgia?

A. Islam is very much an influence in the region. Here is an example. There are several madrassahs (Muslim religious schools) in Georgia. Some are Shi’ite, financed by Iranian religious groups while others are Sunni financed by Turkish groups. Georgians are concerned Islamist ideology coupled with outside influences could cause internal violence. The Muslim Chechen Kists have also been a source of political tension between Georgia and Russia.

Q. How can we pray for the Republic of Georgia?

A. There are several things we Christians need to pray for today. These can include:

* Prayer for the Azeri: Ask the Lord to send native Azeri speaking Christian workers to them. The Bible and the Jesus film are available in the Azeri language but the Good News needs to be shared in culturally effective ways with an emphasis on discipleship.

*Prayer for the Kists and the Muslims of the Ajaria area : Pray for God to give wisdom, favour, and opportunities to Christians that are reaching out to them (1 Corithians 16:9).

* Prayer for Christians: Relations between the Georgian Orthodox Church and Protestant congregations have not always been positive. Love, mutual respect and greater comprehension are needed. May Christians be strengthened in their faith, work and witness (John 17:17-21).

Economy of Georgia

Georgia’s main economic activities include the cultivation of agricultural products such as grapes, citrus fruits, and hazelnuts; mining of manganese and copper; and output of a small industrial sector producing alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, metals, machinery, and chemicals. Georgia had suffered from a chronic failure to collect tax revenues and smuggling remains a drain on the economy. Georgia also suffers from energy shortages due to aging and badly maintained infrastructure, as well as poor management.The construction on the Baku-T’bilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Baku-T’bilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline have brought much-needed investment and job opportunities.

[Full Text]






Share the Gospel Message in Azeri Chechen Georgean

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Push Away From the Table

Those of you who've been following my blog recently know that I'm participating in the 30 days for prayer program-Loving Muslims Through Prayer during their month of fasting/Ramadan. My heart has been increasingly tender & inclined to intercede for the harvest among Muslim people. God's heart yearns for those not yet calling Him "Father". Pray the Lord would send laborers for the harvest...

CLC is also entering a season of prayer and fasting...beginning last week with an awesome prayer journey. With nearly two weeks under my belt already...I'm pumped. In efforts to help us on the journey...CLC put together an awesome devotional guide specifically to walk us through this 40 days of prayer and fasting. Thought I'd share a bit here...if for no one else, for me. I want to be effective in His kingdom~

Push Away From the Table - Fasting
Isaiah 58:6-9a
Don't you jut hate to fast? Be honest, wouldn't you rather feast and rejoice than push away from the table for any length of time or reason? You are not alone. The American church is more about prosperity and blessing than of self denial and sacrifice. We have thee mindset that we are the King's Kids and are therefore owed. Bless me, do this for me, do that for me. On top of that we have so many programs and so much talent that we sometimes forget the spiritual factors. We know how to do church, so we do it. But Jesus said hat some things ONLY are accomplished through prayer and fasting (Matt 17:21)

Fasting is hard. It is denying a basic need for nourishment, comfort, socialization and if we admit...we just plain enjoy eating. Food tastes good. Fasting may be hard but it is a very important part of our spiritual maturity. Fasting is not something for the spiritually elite. It should be part of every Christian's walk with God. But understand that fasting is NOT about...

• twisting God's arm to force Him to do what we want
• Starving yourself until you get what you want
• Earning some blessing I want from the Lord
• Just doing without food. It's not the "sure fire" way to lose weight or clean out the body. There are health benefits, but they are secondary!

It is saying no to self and yes to God. I don't fully understand how it all works, but I do know that fasting brings breakthrough.

Breakthrough to solve complex problems

When problems come at us from every side... many of us begin to question "Why me? Why now? Why this?' And even worse, sometimes we start to think: "something must be wrong with me. I'm not spiritual enough. I've failed in some way & that is why God has forsaken me"

Truth is that we can't run from our problems...we can't keep problems from happening in our lives. Problems are a part of life - Matt 5:45 tells us that God sends His sunlight to both the evil and the good...rain on the just & unjust. When we are saved, we are not give a "get out of jail free card" to protect us from problems. But through fasting God helps us to solve our problems by giving us...

• Eyes to see the positive...no longer be problem centered...see things in a perspective because you will see things through God with our focus on HIM...His power rather than the power of the difficulties facing us.
• Eyes to see the facts (FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL) The enemy magnifies himself to be something that he is not. He is the master of illusion. Fasting helps you to see through his lies to the truth.

Breakthrough To Revival

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive heir sin and heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14 NKJV

Did you catch that??? Breakthrough to revival...in me and you...in the harvest ripe for reaping in those around you~ In your family...your neighborhood...your nation & those you cannot name.

More later~

30 Days of Prayer - China Uyghur

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World                     Ramadan 2007 / 1428:  September 13 - October 12

Strategic Silk Road in China

For Sunday, 23 September, Ramadan 2007. "Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

A key staging post on the ancient Silk Road, the city of Kashgar sits on the westernmost end of the Taklamakan Desert and is arguably the cultural and religious centre of Uyghur culture.

Kashgar is known for being a hotbed for conservative Islam and Uyghur nationalist and separatist sentiment. There is considerable tension between the Chinese rulers and the Uyghur population.

With a population of around 1 million (70% Uyghurs, 30% Chinese and growing), the Kashgar district is a microcosm for the rest of Xinjiang with conservative Muslim and ‘modern’ atheist values clashing head-on.

Kashgar is a strategic city. It boasts one of the largest weekly bazaars in Central Asia with tens of thousands of people – almost entirely Muslims – coming to trade from the surrounding countryside, and neighbouring Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan & Tadjikistan.

[Full Text] (available on Saturday)

Prayer Points

* May God break down the demonic principalities and powers. Fear and death reign unchecked; Please ask God to breakdown these ancient strongholds and release the Uyghur people into the freedom only Christ can bring.

* Lift up the city of Kashgar before the Lord.

* Pray for the completion of the Uyghur Scriptures, and their accessibility; The New Testament translation has recently been completed, but much of the Old Testament is yet to be translated and published. The Uyghur Bible is illegal in Xinjiang.

* More intercessors are needed; The spiritual barriers to this people hearing and responding to the Good News of Jesus Christ are immense. Please pray that God would raise an army of intercessors to stand in the gap for the Uyghur people of Xinjiang.

+ Google Map Link: Xinjiang, China

--- Interesting Facts ---
* We featured material about the Uyghurs two years ago in "30 Days".
* Uyghur is a Turkic language with an Arabic script (Uyghurs in the Central Asian countries use a Cyrillic script).

Our Interactive Flash Site: 30daysfire.net

Gospel Recording: 5 Audio recordings available in Uyghur

Happy Birthday to me~

It's going to be a good day...I can feel it. :o) No clue what's up except that surprises are in store. Too many people that should not have remembered by birthday have said something & folks who should have remembered my birthday have said NOTHING. Hmmmm....We'll see. I have a sitter for the entire day & evening along with a request by the best friend to dress business casual with comfy shoes.

Flourish Bakery Cafe~

Maybe there's a Flourish cake waiting somewhere with my name on it...YUM! Regarding the traditional birthday call marathon...let's see who'll be first. Who will wake me up this morning? I should really go to bed so I can be ready for the 5:30-6:00 AM call.

Birthday kisses to everyone~

PS...it was a GREAT day at the beach yesterday with Gracie, Em & Stephanie. The weather was perfect as was the lake...barely any waves. No camera...no pics. Schade, schade...it was Em's first time at the beach. I'm putting in a special prayer reqest for an Indian summer. Who's in agreement with me on this one??

I can do all things through Christ! Yes, I can!

 

In Sunday school, Gracie is learning Phillipians 4:13...I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.  Reinforcing this at home, we've had several occasions to apply this verse.  I believe she's getting it...

While visiting my friends' house, Gracie picked up an umbrella and began to open it. "Grace, you can't open that umbrella in here. That's for outside when it's raining." Without hesitation she replied, "I can do all things through Christ who says I can." 

It's way to early to introduce the can I versus may I lesson, so we just laughed hard and used the "Mama said no" tactic. Hee, hee~ 

The forecast today is SUNNY at 89 degrees!  We're headed to the beach with Stephanie & Emily. Whoooo hoooo!

 

30 Days of Prayer - Dongxiang of China

Poorest, least literate and Muslim - the Dongxiang of China

Ramadan 2007 / 1428 : Day 08 for September 20 (We are posting these one day early to include all time zones.)

Population: estimate 514,000 (Year 2000 census)

Religion: Sunni Muslims

Fourth Largest

The Dongxiang people is the 4th largest of China’s 10 Muslim peoples. Literally, Dongxiang means “eastern villages” hinting that the Dongxiang came from further west. In fact it is thought that they originally came from the Sarta people of Central Asia. Between the 12th and 13th century, Genghis Khan invaded the Central Asia and captured the Muslim Sarta people - a term that once referred to Muslim traders in Central Asia. He brought them back to China and many intermarried with Mongol soldiers, some of the Sarta became slaves to the Mongols and some were sent to Gansu province as settlers. They fought for the Mongols in war and farmed their land in peace time. The largest concentrations of the Dongxiang still live in rugged and dry mountains of Gansu province, others are found in Qinghai, Ningxia and Xinjiang Provinces in north-western China south of Mongolia and north-east of Tibet.

The Struggles

Over the generations they also mixed with Han, Mongolian, Hui and Tibetan peoples. Due to their seclusion in the remote area of the Northwest China for several centuries, the Dongxiang people formed their own unwritten language which is related to the Mongol language. Even if they do not have a system of writing they do have rich oral traditions including legends, stories, folk songs, riddles and proverbs. Many of them also know spoken Mandarin. However, government statistics show that the Dongxiang are among the poorest and least literate of China’s 56 ethnic minorities. Many of them have only had slightly over one year of schooling. Most Dongxiang children find it difficult to learn Chinese. Some international aide agencies have been spurred to act in collaboration with the Chinese government to begin bringing a solution to this problem. A Dongxiang - Chinese dictionary was recently produced which is proving to be a great help.

Three Treasures

The Dongxiang mainly engage in agriculture. Livestock rearing, especially of sheep, plays an important role in their economic life. Their major products include potatoes, wheat, maize, hemp, rapeseed and other industrial crops. The Dongxiang’s “three treasures”, apricots, melons and other fruits, enjoy good reputation throughout China. There are possibly 200 Christians among the Dongxiang, however most of them are not organised in house groups or churches.

Prayer Requests:

* Ask God to send Chinese Christians to live and announce the Gospel among the Dongxiang people. May there be opportunities to help them with medical, educational, social and agricultural projects.

* May God open the hearts of the Dongxiang in order that they could enter His kingdom.

30 Days of Prayer - Tunisia

Miracles in Tunisia, North Africa

Ramadan 2007 / 1428 : Day 07 for September 19

Tunisia makes its mark by staying out of the international news. Nestled between Algeria and Libya on the southern Mediterranean coast, security and unity are the hallmarks of this country of 10 million. Having had only two presidents in the past 50 years, Tunisia is marked by political stability and prosperity. It is also a country of mixed cultural values. Islam and secularism both shape the minds and values of most Tunisians. Thanks to a strong and effective police force, peace and security reign, and millions of European tourists are welcomed each year. Islamists from neighbouring countries have made recent efforts to cause disruptions but have thankfully been thwarted.

It is relatively easy to talk with Tunisians about the Gospel, though many do not show interest in spiritual things. Some who have experienced healing and deliverance in the name of Christ acknowledge that Jesus has changed their lives, yet still do not commit their lives to him. Others profess faith and then do not commit themselves. There are shining examples of committed individual disciples, but few truly indigenous house churches.

There is a small national church, with a handful of recognised local leaders. The church is composed mostly of well educated people who are more westernised than the majority of the population. The vast majority of believers and Christian workers live in the capital of Tunis (population 2 million). There are few believers, few workers, and very few gatherings of believers outside the capital city. In recent times a few believers have established residency in least four new cities and provincial capitals which previously had little or no Christian presence. With so few believers in these regions, the role of media, and especially Arabic satellite TV programming is still important in reaching vast parts of the country.

Though direct persecution and arrests by the police are rare, many believers do live in fear of ostracism by their friends and families. The fear of persecution rather than the persecution itself is a major issue for most believers.

Prayer points:

* Pray for unity and trust among local believers.
* Pray for healthy marriages and strong families. Some young adult believers sometimes have difficulty finding mates.
* Pray for those who have experienced Christ in healings, dreams and deliverance to really commit their lives to him (Ephesians 5:11-20).
* Pray for effective discipleship of believers and ‘near’ believers (Mt. 28:20a). May the power of God and the truth of Christ to come to dominate and transform the lives of all believers (Colossians 1:28).
* Pray for more effective co-ordination and followup of media contacts (satellite, and radio broadcasts are done daily).
* Pray for wisdom for government leaders, especially in protecting the country from radical islamists (Romans 13:1-5).
* Pray for the undereducated and unemployed who are easily exploited and marginalised (Luke 6:20-21 and James 2:5).
* Pray for God to work in the new cities and towns that now have a resident witness for the first time in many years.

Two presentations, I know...but the music in the 1st one is soooo good!

Background on Tunisia (World Factbook)

Rivalry between French and Italian interests in Tunisia culminated in a French invasion in 1881 and the creation of a protectorate. Agitation for independence in the decades following World War I was finally successful in getting the French to recognize Tunisia as an independent state in 1956. The country’s first president, Habib BOURGUIBA, established a strict one-party state. He dominated the country for 31 years, repressing Islamic fundamentalism and establishing rights for women unmatched by any other Arab nation. Tunisia has long taken a moderate, non-aligned stance in its foreign relations. Domestically, it has sought to defuse rising pressure for a more open political society.

Economy of Tunisia

Tunisia has a diverse economy, with important agricultural, mining, energy, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Progressive social policies have helped raise living conditions in Tunisia relative to the region. Real growth slowed to a 15-year low of 1.9% in 2002 because of agricultural drought and lackluster tourism. Increased rain helped in 2003-05. However, a recession in agriculture, weak expansion in the tourism and textile sectors, and increasing import costs due to rising world energy prices cut growth to 4% in 2006. Tunisia is gradually removing barriers to trade with the EU.

Statistics for Tunisia

Population: 10,276,158 (July 2007 est.)

Ethnic Groups: Arab 98%, European 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Religions: Muslim 98%, Christian 1%, Jewish and other 1%

Languages: Arabic (official and one of the languages of commerce), French (commerce)

Literacy: 74.3% - male: 83.4%, female: 65.3%

30 Days of Prayer - Qatar

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World                     Ramadan 2007 / 1428:  September 13 - October 12

Shifting Sands in Qatar

For Tuesday, 18 September, Ramadan 2007. "Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

We can give thanks for much that has happened in Qatar since we last prayed for it through "30 Days" in 1998.  For example, in May 2005 representatives of several Christian churches signed an agreement with the Government of Qatar for a 50-year lease on a large piece of property in the capital of Doha. Also the new constitution explicitly provides for freedom of worship, association and public assembly, though there are some restrictions.

Qatar may be best known around the world today as the home of Al-Jazeera, the controversial Arabic-language satellite television news channel. Oil was discovered in Qatar in 1939. Today Qatar is highly influenced by the Wahhabi, who believe their role as a movement is to restore Islam from what they perceive to be innovations, superstitions, deviances, heresies and idolatries.  It is a Sunni movement very opposed to Shi'a tendencies.

[Full Text]

Prayer Requests:

* The Al-Thani family has ruled Qatar since the mid-1800’s. Pray that the leading members of the family would know how to wisely lead the nation. The Emir has 3 wives and 15 children.

* Pray for the church building project. There have been delays and some Muslim media have complained about the project.

* Pray that nominalism, immoral and unspiritual behaviour would be greatly reduced in the Christian community. It is the only way that believers may gain respect from the Muslims and bring real change to the nation.

* Some Qataris and foreign workers are discovering Christ through the media and contacts with local believers. Pray for those who are discovering the risen Messiah as they grow in their faith.

Qatar is 90+% Muslim
Population about 900,000 people
(possibly 200,000 are citizens)

+ Google Map Link: Doha, Qatar which used to be a pearling and fishing village

You are welcome and encouraged to forward these e-mails to others.
30-Days International write the materials and coordinate the translation into some 40 languages where booklets are distributed from around 30 offices around the world. Download the "Just for Kids" PDF booklet on our 30-days.net website.

30 Days of Prayer - Egypt

Coptic Christians and Muslims in Egypt

Ramadan 2007 / 1428 : Day 04 for September 16

- Focus Area: The Nile Delta Region

The Nile Delta is a fertile farming region that extends from the northern edge of Cairo to the Mediterranean Sea. The three major cities marking the limits of the Nile Delta region, but not included in it, are Cairo, Alexandria, and Port Said. Referred to simply as the Delta, the region consists of the area surrounding the branches of the Nile River, which splits into the Rosetta and Damietta branches at a point just north of Cairo.

As one of the Middle East’s and Egypt’s most densely populated areas the Delta is home to approximately 32 million people living in several large towns and thousands of villages. The region includes twenty cities each with populations of between 90,000 and 500,000 people. The local population increases by about 500,000 people each year. Covering the same land area as the state of Vermont in the USA (22,000 square kilometers) this small area is home to 12% or 1 out of every 8.5 native Arabic speakers in the world (The total population of the 22 countries of the Arab world is 323 million but only 272 million have Arabic as their mother tongue).

The people of the Delta range from the poor, rural and uneducated to the wealthy and urban who have advanced degrees from universities in Western nations. There are even several universities in the Delta, but the overall literacy rate is low. Despite urbanisation the vast majority of Egyptians in the Delta are farmers. Egypt is one of the world’s top rice producers, almost all of which is grown in the Delta.

The US ambassador to Egypt enjoys attending an annual celebration in the Delta city of Tanta. Sayid al Badawi founded a Sufi order and the mosque in Tanta housing his tomb is one of the largest in the Middle East.

The overwhelming majority of the people in the Delta are Muslims. However there is a significant minority, roughly three percent, who identify with the Coptic Church, which traces its origins to Mark the Evangelist, the writer of the Gospel. A tiny minority of Christians in the Delta are Evangelicals.

Prayer Requests:
* Pray for boldness for all believers (current and new believers) resulting in the Gospel being shared thousands of times daily.
* The Delta is filled with a spiritual atmosphere of fear, confusion, fanaticism, and magic. Pray for fear to be driven out by perfect love, for clouds of confusion to be burned away by the light of truth, for fanaticism to be overcome by humility, and for demonic bondage resulting from practising magic to be broken in the name of Jesus. Pray that people will get to know the real Jesus, despite any errors they may have been taught.
* A family for Jesus can make God’s most powerful unit for building his kingdom. Pray for entire families to come to Christ so that they will devote their homes, as well as their hearts, to the Lord.
* Pray for people to listen to and watch the Christian radio and satellite broadcasts which can be heard in the Delta.

Background information, map and statistics about Egypt are here >>

Savoring the last days of summer

The last days of summer
School is in full swing for both Gracie & me, but we are looking forward to a few more days of summer sun forecasted this week. They are calling for temps in the 80's....plenty of sunshine heading my way! We have a beach day planned on Friday...counting down the days!

I'm the last to put my away my sandals and sunscreen. Here are a few pics & memories from the last few days of summer~

Park play after the German Fest - We love the park!

Plush Horse Ice Cream Shoppe! YUM! A gorgeous place to enjoy your ice cream is an added bonus...ecept for the bees!

We love waterpark play. It's twice as nice when shared with a friend!

30 Days of Prayer - Saudi Arabia

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World Ramadan 2007 / 1428: September 13 - October 12

Results of Prayer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

For Saturday, 15 September, Ramadan 2007. "Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Christians have been praying for Saudi Arabia for years and as a result, some openness has resulted. For example, in October 2005, King and Prime Minister Abdullah, in his first TV appearance, publicly stated “people are free to practice their faith in the privacy of their homes”.

Saudi Arabia does define itself as the “upholder of Islam”. As such, the foreign policy of Saudi Arabia is very much based on Islamic mission (Da’wa). This is partly because of the Islamic concept of non-separation between religion and state, and partly due to the kingdoms own desire to spread Islam around the world.

On the one hand we have some cracks in the armor of Saudi Arabia itself, but on the other hand there is a huge work continuing outside Saudi’s borders to not just promote Islam, but to “see the West converted to Islam and integrated into the global Umma (all Muslims in the world viewed as one community)”.

[Full Text]

Prayer requests:

• Pray for the capital city of Riyadh. Although not all of Riyadh's 4.5 million inhabitants actually pray five times per day, a high percentage are regular in their prayers. May they all have an increased hunger to know the living God and to be in real communication with Him (Jeremiah 31:34 and John 17:3).
  
• A significant number of foreign Christians also live in Riyadh. Many of them are servants and workers, often from Asian backgrounds. Pray that they will be able to be witnesses for Christ like Joseph and Daniel who served in countries far from their homes (Genesis 39-41 and Daniel 1-2).
  
• Many Muslims are particularly sensitive to dreams. Pray for revelations of the risen Messiah.

+ Google Map Link: Riyahd, Saudi Arabia


--- of interest ---
"Libya and Nigeria announced Tuesday, 11 Sept. that the moon had been sighted and the fast would start Wednesday. Clerics of most other Arab nations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, said that the new moon had not been sighted Tuesday night and so Thursday 13. Sept. was the first day of Ramadan."

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You are welcome and encouraged to forward these e-mails to others.
30-Days International write the materials and coordinate the translation into some 40 languages where booklets are distributed from around 30 offices around the world. Download PDF booklets in English, Spanish, Chinese, Malaysian or Arabic from our 30-days.net website.
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30 Days of Prayer - Lebanon

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World                     Ramadan 2007 / 1428:  September 13 - October 12

How Young Men Prepare for Prayer

    in Beirut, Lebanon

For Friday, 14 September, Ramadan 2007. "Loving Muslims Through Prayer"

Outside, the muezzin finishes his call to prayer over the loud speaker. Instead of going to the mosque, a young man decides to pray at home. But first he does the ritual cleansing. In his cramped bathroom he begins by declaring his intention to cleanse himself and pray by saying "Bismillah" (In the name of God). He then washes his hands up to the wrists, three times. He rinses out his mouth with water three times and cleans his nostrils by sniffing water into them, three times. He proceeds to wash his whole face three times with both hands from the top of his forehead to the bottom of his chin and from ear to ear. Finally he washes his arms three times up to the elbow and ends by washing his ears and both feet.

Then the young man remembers the previous night. He was near the bars of Gemmayzeh, an eastern Beirut "Christian" neighbourhood. So many pretty young women were there. The young Muslim had really desired to enter a bar himself, however he had no money. His anger rose a he thought of the conflict with Israel and conflicts with Christians. No job, little money. No peace.

Then he unrolled his prayer rug.

[Full Text]

Prayer requests:

• Beirut's Muslims cleanse themselves outwardly for prayer but many find that injustices, hurts, and temptations fill their minds. Finding real peace with God could liberate them to forgive and love others. May they discover the God who truly forgives and cleanses (Mt 18:23-35, Romans 5:1-5).
  
  
  
• Pray that the Church in Lebanon will be "salt and light" in the city, and that God would be glorified in all that is said and done. There are high numbers of non-practising "cultural" Christians among the Lebanese (Mt. 5:14-16; Romans 12:1-2).
  
  
  
• God has his own purposes and plans for Israel, yet for Lebanon's Muslims (and often Christians) it is very hard to understand how to love or appreciate Israel. May the God who loves both Arabs and Jews through the cross be fully revealed (Ephesians 3:6).

Beirut has 1.5 million people (perhaps 50% Muslim)

+ Google Map Link: Beirut, Lebanon

+ YouTube Link: 3:35, beautiful city Beirut

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You are welcome and encouraged to forward these e-mails to others.
30-Days International write the materials and coordinate the translation into some 40 languages where booklets are distributed from around 30 offices around the world. Download PDF booklets in English, Spanish, Chinese, Malaysian or Arabic from our 30-days.net website.

30 Days of Prayer - Preparation

Understanding Islam ...

Preparation for "Loving Muslims Through Prayer".

During his life, Mohammed met many people who called themselves Christians, though it is debatable how many of them were really in the faith. Mohammed also learned many aspects of Jewish religious customs from the various Jewish clans which were living in the region. Eventually he became the political and religious leader of Medina, a city north of Mecca which had a significant Jewish population. Mohammed’s prophethood was not accepted by the Jews of Medina leading to serious conflict. Jewish and Christian ideas, concepts and history are very present in the Qur’an though they are often distorted.

We have put concise overviews of the world of Islam on our website. Some of the following may be helpful to you:

• About Ramadan
  
• The Basics Of Islam
  
• The History of Islam and the Life of Mohammed
  
• What Muslims Believe
  
• Mindsets in Islam
  
• Social Issues in Islam
  
• The Culture of Islam
  
• How to Witness to Muslims
  
• Testimonies from former Muslims

Islamic beliefs :
- One God, the Creator of all things
- Angels and evil spirits
- Prophets  (Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus, Mohammed)
- Mohammed was the last and greatest of the prophets.
- Holy books (Injil, Zabur, Qur’an)
- The Day of Judgement
- The Bible has been corrupted and modified.

- Jesus was conceived miraculously  in the womb of Mary.
- Jesus is only a prophet.
- Jesus was actually a good Muslim.
- Jesus taught an earlier form of Islam.
- Jesus did not die on the cross.
- Jesus went to heaven.
- Jesus will come again, marry, have children and die.
- Jesus will be judged like all men at the  Last Judgement.

Muslims do not believe :

- That  it is possible to know God as in John 17:3. (They only think that they can know about Him).
- God is a Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Jesus is the Son of God.
- That Jesus is the world’s true Lord.

30 Days of Prayer - Why Pray?

Today is the frst day of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.  I am particpating in the annual 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World.  This year's theme is Loving Muslims Through Prayer". I'll be posting daily prayer topics along with information about Islam.  God's heart beats for the Muslim as much as it does for one who calls Him father. For the sake of the harvest...but also, I really want to draw closer to God myself in this time of prayer and consecration.

30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World                     Ramadan 2007 / 1428:  September 13 - October 12
Why Pray for Muslims?

Why "Love Muslims Through Prayer"?
Why Pray for Muslims ?

The “30 Days” movement is based on the idea that God desires to bring multitudes of Muslims into his kingdom. We believe that He has asked us to pray in order that this could take place.

The “30 Days” project is simply part of fulfilling Jesus’ command to make disciples of all the nations (Mt 28:18-20). He also told us to ask for labourers to be sent into the harvest (Mt. 9:37-38). Our Lord’s desire is that all men would come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

We, as Christians, have often come to think that the Gospel is uniquely about our personal needs, wants and desires. Personal peace and fulfilment seem like the goal of the Christian life for many. While God is concerned about these things His Gospel is actually much more profound. God has actually started a new creation through Christ Jesus. He is rescuing and recreating our world. God is calling all people to participate in His new world which began with Christ’s resurection. The Gospel calls us to enter into the life of the world to come. There shall be a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (Isaiah 65:17 and 2 Peter 3:13). The zeal of the Lord will accomplish it (Isaiah 9:7).

Let us pray in faith for God’s will and desire to be accomplished through us.

Amen
 

Blessings, Ron and the Editorial Staff

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30-Days International write the materials and coordinate the translation into some 40 languages where booklets are distributed from around 30 offices around the world. To find out more about our ministry, visit the About Us section of our 30-days.net website.

What is Ramadan? (according to About.com)

During the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during the daylight hours. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.

Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. We are to make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits -- essentially to clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings. The Arabic word for "fasting" (sawm)literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but from evil actions, thoughts, and words.

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast. Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.

More good news

AND I later retreived my acceptance letter from GSU! Ok...here we go! The summer was nice but there's hard work on my horizon!

1st day of Preschool

Great day for Grace as she started preschool today. She wasted no time making herself at home greeting the classroom pets, finding her cubby, playing with playdough and helping the teacher. She's growing up...no way to stop it, huh? I'm so proud of her~ Thanks for sharing this journey with me. Experiences shared are twice as nice!

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

Ok...which one do you like the best? I'm printing one of them off for the actual scrapbook...hold in your lap book. Please vote~ The 2nd one has more photos. Thanks~

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox