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)

In The Name Of Jesus - Truth

In The Name Of Jesus - Truth Once a role model for peace in Africa, Tanzania is no longer considered “safe” after an increase in inter-faith violence. The push toward Islam is less violent on the mainland, but on the predominantly Muslim Zanzibar archipelago, Islamic militants, bent on wiping out all Christians from the islands, have burned and looted churches and threatened Christians with death. However, even on the mainland, persecution has intensified. In 2012, four young men responded to the gospel during a door-to-door evangelism campaign in an area that is almost 100 percent Muslim. While still new in their faith, these young men began receiving threats against their lives. Led by a local Sheikh, their former friends pressured them to recant their new faith, but through the power of Christ in them they remained steadfast. Disowned by their families, they turned to pastors in nearby villages to take them in, but were refused. The pastors fearing if they helped the men more strife would develop between the Christian community and the area Muslims. The men were forced to flee until things cooled off. One With Them Stand One With Them today, for Christians in Tanzania, praying for the struggling Christian community on both on Zanzibar Island and the mainland. Pray for church leaders as they seek ways to disciple new Muslim Background Believers. During these last days of Ramadan, pray especially for Muslims as they seek God, that they might to turn from the darkness of Islam to Christ, the Truth. One With Them CHALLENGE Muslim converts often need an urgent refuge in which to hide after being disowned, threatened and harmed by relatives. They need continuous protection and special care and discipleship. Consider helping provide believers who are most in danger with safe house protection, discipleship and basic necessities.  2013.08.06

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

In The Name of Jesus - Rock

 

In The Name of Jesus - Rock  Imagine being called a traitor… simply because you are Christian. Imagine enduring police raids, or your house searched because you met with friends for prayer. Imagine losing your job… because of your faith in Jesus. These are just a few of the difficulties that Christians in Azerbaijan face. Due to its strategic location, at the crossroads between the East and West, with Russia, Iran, Georgia and Turkey in its proximity, many political and ideological powers would like to expand their influence in Azerbaijan. In addition, neighboring Iran is trying to expand its spiritual influence, where an estimated 18 million Iranians speak Azeri as their first language. Official statistics say that the population of Azerbaijan is 90% Muslim... and is growing. Trying to maintain a secular state, the government’s is deeply concerned about the potential rise of Islamic fundamentalism. This means that all religious groups are strictly monitored; including Christians. But, as the nation continues to harbor lingering resentment towards its arch enemy Armenia, the Christian community often falls under even greater scrutiny by government and society due to the fact that Christianity is associated with Armenia.  The pressure is constant and increasing for Christians. In an effort to control its citizens the government required all churches and religious groups to renew their registration by January 1, 2010. But, since that date, no new churches have been able to register, and fewer and fewer churches can function legally. Almost all Protestant denominations are still without legal status, and private homes cannot be used for holding religious services. One With Them Stand One With Them, as you pray for our brothers and sisters living in Azerbaijan to find solace in Jesus, their spiritual rock, “and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18). Father God, we pray first and foremost for unity among the different nominations of churches in Azerbaijan; we are all one Body in Christ Jesus and we ask that You knit thier heart and minds together, completely, with Your Spirit. Father, many churches have submitted application for registration and have been waiting for years; we pray today for a breakthrough with the government, and that registration will be granted. Also Father, our hearts are concerned for the children. Please send workers to be involved in children’s ministry so that children in Azerbaijan will grow up strong in faith, and will not succumb to pressures from society. And lastly Father, with a high level of unemployment in the country, it is even harder for Christians to find a job. Many young people are leaving the country to find work elsewhere, and in some churches only the elderly people are left. We stand united in prayer for an increase in job opportunities. Father we give you thanks in advance for the wonderful things that You are doing, and will do, in this pivotal nation. Praying in the name of Jesus, our rock. Amen    2013.08.03

… for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4)

In The Name Of Jesus - True Vine

In The Name Of Jesus - True Vine The Comoros, known as the Perfume Isles, export around 80% of the world's supply of ylang ylang essence, an essential oil that is the main ingredient of most expensive perfumes. Even while still growing on the tree, the yellow flower used to make ylang ylang has a strong, sweet fragrance. Walking through the fields where these yellow flowers grow, some say, is like "walking in heaven." These islands, haphazardly scattered across the Indian Ocean are mysterious and enchanting. Far removed from the rest of the world, according to Operation World, were almost completely unevangelized before 1973. Rich in Swahili culture, and devoutly Muslim, the inhabitants of Comoros come from a legendary stock of Arab traders, Persian sultans, African slaves and Portuguese pirates. The islands, rimmed with white-sand beaches and turquoise water, to most would truly feel like heaven on earth. But as “heavenly” as it may seem, Islam is the state religion and Islamic fundamentalism is on the rise. Muslim Background Believers (MBB) are forced to worship in underground fellowships because police, mosque leaders and extremists are determined to convert them back to Islam. On a bright note, their relatives in many cases have accepted their new faith, and MBB’s are slowly gaining some acceptance in some parts of society. One With Them Sweet aromas have been a prized possession through-out history. In scripture when the Magi presented Jesus with gifts, two of the three, frankincense and myrrh, were precious oils. Today, as you are One With Them, give thanks that many MBB’s have been accepted by their families. And pray during Ramadan, that the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, will draw their family and friends to embrace the true “sweet fragrance”  that comes with a life surrendered completely to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  One With Them CHALLENGE "There are many challenges, but the Lord is working through us," says one former Muslim who is now following Jesus. "Your training helps us to be effective in our ministry to the Muslim community." Consider a gift that will enable a Muslim convert to a attend a special seminar to learn how to reach his Muslim friends and family with the gospel. 2013.08.05

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” (John 15:1)

In The Name of Jesus Savior

In The Name of Jesus  Savior Allah, the Arabic term for God, which has been used in religious and cultural contexts before the dawn of Islam, and has been used in Bibles in the Malay language and litany for more than 400 years, has recently become under scrutiny. At the root of the Allah tug-of-war is the official view that Malaysian Muslims might be confused if Christians also use the word to describe God. The controversy first surfaced in 2009 when the Herald, a Malaysian Catholic weekly newspaper, mounted a legal challenge against the government after it had been ordered to stop using the word Allah. After much discussion, the High Court ruled that Allah was not restricted to Muslims, and the Catholic Church had the right to publish the word in the Malay language section of its weekly newspaper. On January 22, 2013, a note sent to a Christian priest announced that a Bible-burning “pesta” or festival would take place in the town’s public park. The note, written in Malay, ended with a sinister warning in English: “Let’s teach ‘em a lesson.” Although the pesta did not occur, it has had the desired effect of adding to the fear and despair of Christians in Malaysia. Though a secular state and culturally diverse; life in Malaysia is strongly influenced by Islam. During Ramadan 2012, the Prime Minister announced that Islam will always supersede politics. This year, during the May 2013 election season, minority Christians began taking a bold political stand as they were asked by their churches to pray for political leaders who were honest, and to elect a government that values liberty and religious freedom. In response, explosive devices were planted near opposition rally sites, and there were more than 2000 cases of arson. Motorcycle gangs of Malay Muslims roamed towns and venues to intimidate people from attending opposition rallies. One With Them Malaysia is trying to preserve what it perceives as its national and cultural heritage. As being Malay is seen as being a Muslim, citizens with other ethnic origins such as Chinese or Indian can be Buddhist, Hindu or Christian, but Malays have to be Muslim. Stand One With Them, with Christians in Malaysia, especially those of Malay descent who do not have a government they can turn to for help. As Ramadan nears the end for this year, pray for them as they turn their eyes to their Savior who hears their cries and strengthens them as they walk with Him on this difficult journey.      2013.08.04

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

In The Name of Jesus - Prince Of Peace

In The Name of Jesus - Prince Of Peace Sudan, known worldwide for its inhumane treatment of the people of Darfur, was divided in 2011 forming two states—Sudan and South Sudan. The Sudanese government (in the north) quickly announced its intention to implement Islamic law and began persecuting the Christian minority. Salwa Fahmmi Suleiman Gireis, a 64-year-old Sudanese Christian woman, an accountant by profession, was arrested on February 12, 2013 when four men, who identified themselves as members of Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services, entered her house and arrested her without providing a reason. Later that same day, the men returned and confiscated her passport and all of the house’s electronic equipment, including laptops, a desktop computer, tablets and a router. The next day, plain-clothed men proceeded to cause havoc at her family’s farm by killing pigs, stealing a motorcycle and sealing up cupboards containing the family’s Bibles.  During seven weeks of detention Salwa was denied access to a lawyer and her family was only allowed to visit her once. And then, on April 2, she was released following Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir’s order to release all political detainees. A family member said that “It was a joy to reunite with her brothers and sisters from church for worship, as many have been praying and fasting for her.” One With Them Can you imagine being arrested simply because you are a Christian? Many believers, like Salwa, have been arrested and detained since the division of the country. And yet, with the majority of Sudan’s population Muslim, the number of believers is rising! Stand One With Them, with Christians in Sudan, in awe of our Almighty God, who even in the midst of struggle and conflict, He can fill us with peace. Pray during Ramadan, for Muslims in Sudan who are seeking favor with God, to find the true source of peace in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace! One With Them CHALLENGE War, drought and discrimination have left South Sundanese Christian pastors untrained and isolated. Consider being a lifeline to a pastor by providing an intensive week of leadership training, as well as theological books. Your gift will also cover the travel costs for a pastor to attend this vital training in this remote and dangerous area. 2013.08.01

“For to us a child is born… and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called… Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

In The Name Of Jesus - Redeemer

In The Name Of Jesus - Redeemer Mauritania is one of the world’s poorest countries. With only 4% of the land being arable, one third of the children are malnourished. Isolated from the rest of the world because of its desert landscape and rule by an oppressive regime, Mauritania appears to have been forgotten by the international community. Islam has been entrenched in Mauritania for 1000 years with little challenge. There are many barriers for the gospel reaching its citizens including, low literacy rates, no Scriptures completed in Hassaniya Arabic, only a few local radio broadcasts from Senegal, and laws that forbid Mauritanians from hearing the gospel or believing in Jesus. Mauritania is proud to be “officially” a pure Muslim country. For followers of Christ life is difficult. Pressure on Muslim Background Believers from family, tribe members and leaders of local mosques, is very high. It is impossible for Mauritanian Christians to register their churches, so they must meet in secret. Fortunately, in past years only a few violent incidents against Christians have been recorded. This is not a sign of the absence of persecution. In fact, in Mauritania, the pressure on Christians is so high they can hardly openly express their faith, and are unable to witness. In early July 2011, prominent Imams requested that the Mauritanian parliament protect the Mauritanian people from hearing the gospel and reject every Christian organization from working in the country. On a bright side, there is limited freedom for expat churches, but even for expats residing in the country, being Christian is complicated. One With Them Mauritania is a desperate nation looking for both relief and hope. It is extremely difficult for Christian mission organizations to operate relief aid with-in the country due to the harsh climate(sandstorms 200 days a year and oppressive heat), and governmental restrictions and hostility towards anything Christian. Be One With Them today, as you pray specifically for Jesus, the Redeemer, to save Mauritania from the grip of spiritual darkness, and bring them to a place of hope.  One With Them CHALLENGE Learn more about Mauritania ranked #23 on the Open Doors World Watch List of countries in the world where persecution of Christians is most severe.    2013.08.02

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. (Job 19:25)