In The Name Of Jesus - Word

In The Name Of Jesus - Word Artificial islands, gravity-defying architecture, a grand mosque featuring an impressive light show, the world’s largest indoor theme park where you can snow ski or ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster … in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), everything seems possible. The UAE consist of seven emirates which have their own rulers and were united in a federal state in the early 70s. While the UAE had depended on the fish and pearl industries, this all changed after oil was discovered. Once a desert community, it is now a playground for the rich. Far removed from the glitter and spotlight, unknown to most citizens and tourists, lays the remains of a 1,400-year-old monastery. The Christian site at Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi dates back to around 600AD. Built by a community of 30 to 40 monks, it is understood to have been established by pilgrims travelling from India. Once populated by Christians; this discovery is the only pre-Islamic Christian site remaining in the region. Today, all UAE citizens are defined as Muslims. But, with less than 15 per cent of the population citizens, the majority of the UAE’s inhabitants are of other faiths. This is great news! Because most who live in the UAE are immigrant workers, and because the constitution allows relative freedom of religion, there lies the possibility for the gospel to come into the country... and grow. Non-Muslim groups are allowed to worship in dedicated buildings or private homes. Even the ruling families of the local Emirates have granted land and allowed compounds to be built for different Christian denominations. Today, there are more than 40 churches buildings in the UAE. On most Fridays, the recognized day of worship in the Middle East, several churches in the UAE are filled to the capacity. And, on special occasions due to overflow, churches are even allowed to hold services in open court yards.  As unrestricted as this may seem, permits allowing construction of additional facilities are hard to obtain, and evangelizing Muslims is prohibited. Because of this most churches apply self-censorship by only accepting converts from religions other than Islam. But even this has not stopped new converts from coming to Christ. One With Them As you pray on this final day of Ramadan, pray for a break-through in the UAE; praying against the quest for materialism. Ask the Lord to place a desire on the hearts of UAE citizens to seek true riches found in a relationship with Christ. Today, as you stand one with Christians in the UAE, pray for opportunities to share the Word, and through the Word, may they be drawn to Christ. 2013.08.07

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)