In The Name Of Jesus - The Life

In The Name Of Jesus - The Life Shedding tears of joy, twenty-members of the Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia (GPDI) Church were unable to contain their emotions as they waited to greet their 59-year-old pastor, Bernard Maukar, as he was released from prison. Saying that he “grew stronger in his faith” while in prison, Pastor Bernard is praising God for our prayers. Incarcerated for operating the church without a permit, Pastor Bernard shares, “At first I felt sad, because [I knew] I wouldn’t see my family for three months. But when I prayed, God continually reminded me that He loved me…I had more time to pray and read the Bible while I was in prison, and I grew stronger in my faith in the Lord [as a result].”  Being in jail didn’t stop Pastor Bernard from sharing his faith with others. On one occasion, two Muslim prisoners asked him to pray for their healing. A few hours later the men were healed – they have since promised to come to Pastor Bernard’s church once they are released. During his time in prison, an Open Doors worker was able to visit Pastor Bernard and give him a One With Them wristband. It was a reminder to him that he was not alone and that Christians around the world were praying for him. “I was strengthened when I learned that many people, whom I never knew, were praying for me. I really like the wristband. It was unique and many people in prison asked me where I got it,” smiling, Pastor Bernard adds. “Thank you for being with me!”  One With Them Indonesia, one of the most populated countries in the world, with around 240 million citizens, is 86% Muslim. This 17,000-island nation has more than 360 ethnicities, and 700 dialects; some estimate that the majority of the world’s “unreached people groups” are located here. But, as tiny as the Christian community is, it is strong! Embracing the “Great Commission,” Indonesian Christians boldly share the gospel message. Be One With Them as you pray during Ramadan for all Indonesians, just like these two Muslims that Pastor Bernard met while in prison, to come to know true Life in Christ. 2013.07.28

“‘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 - Light Of The World

 

In The Name Of Jesus - Light Of The World  Sherif, an Egyptian businessman running a bookshop in Benghazi, Libya, was arrested on February 1, 2013. It has been made know that during his detainment he has been physically abused. While there is no official charge against him, nor has he appeared before court, he remains in custody. Recently, some Egyptians and three non-Arab workers have also been detained. Libyan police officials have explained that they have been arrested on suspicion of proselytizing, although no formal charges have been submitted against them. These are among several reported injustices that Christians have endured since the revolution that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. Under the rule of Gaddafi the situation for Christians was already extremely harsh, and foreign workers often faced intolerances. But today, the new central government still does not have control over the numerous armed groups, and the social unrest and intolerance remains at a very high level. One With Them Christianity has existed in Libya since New Testament times. With the emergence of Islam, the church was almost obliterated by the 12th century. With 97% of the population Sunni Muslim, the Christian community is facing uncertain times. Today, Be One With Them as you pray for the release of these men and others who have been unjustly accused. But also pray that while in prison, the Holy Spirit will comfort and sustain them… and pray, for the Light of Christ dwelling within them, to pierce Libya’s spiritual darkness.     2013.07.29

“’I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12)

In The Name Of Jesus - King Of Kings

In The Name Of Jesus - King Of Kings Oman, an Islamic country since the seventh century, is the oldest independent state in the Arab World. It is a wealthy, well-educated nation, ruled by a Sultan. While experiencing a degree of religious freedom, Islam is the state religion. So, in order for missionaries to get the gospel message into the country, they have to devise clever methods. A few years ago a missionary, frustrated with the limited success he was having in spreading the gospel, decided to go where no else dared go. The road was long and tiresome, and he had plenty of time to chat with God. Not knowing the area or the people, he was concerned about how they would react, and asked God to guide him. As he drove into the village, he saw men sitting, chatting and drinking coffee. He walked toward the group, and before he could even take a seat, an elderly man invited him for a cup of coffee. John accepted the offer and silently thanked God for the swift response to prayer. The man introduced himself as Ali and asked that he come with him. Walking at a quick pace they took a narrow road that led them into a valley. Eventually they stopped beneath a tree where Ali took out a small pot, filled it with water, and then buried it in the warm sand saying that it would take “just a few minutes” for the water to boil. While the men were chatting a scrap of a book lodged in a tree branch caught the missionaries’ eye. Ali told him that it was a book of stories saying that he loved reading them, and regularly told them to his visitors; adding that many returned to hear more stories. Astonished, he saw that it was a portion of a Gospel; well-worn with many pages missing. Explaining to Ali that it was only a part of the Book, he asked Ali if he would like the whole Book. Ali eagerly smiled in agreement. With a quick step, John hurried back to his car to fetch a Bible. Returning to Ali’s “coffee shop,” with the Book clenched under his arm, he proudly presented Ali with his new Bible.   One With Them He is the King of Kings! Even when this missionary showed concern over traveling to a remote place, He was already there! Today, take a moment to marvel at His omnipresent presence, that He is everywhere! Be One With Them today in prayer that the true stories of Jesus would come to life in Ali and everyone who hears them. And especially during Ramadan, pray that Omanis, and their Sultan, will recognize, and turn to, the King of kings.  2013.07.26

“… God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords…” (1 Timothy 6:15)

July's Praise Report

July's Praise Report

For those living in Egypt, Ramadan, the holy Islamic month, has been marred by political upheaval and turmoil. President Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, when forced from power on July 3, spun the nation into protests, division and chaos. The uncertain future was cause for concern... but also came hope... and answers to years of prayer! In response, Christians have been given a powerful opportunity to share the love of Jesus to a divided nation.

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Community Behind Bars

Community Behind Bars

Sometimes, when we think of our neighborhood or community, we think of where we shop, work, attend school, and worship at church. This is our home, our refuge, places that are familiar to us. But for most, we would never think of our community behind prison walls! This is exactly what Isaac and Daniel thought when they were arrested. At first stunned that a mere snooker game would turn deadly... and then being arrested, these men, along with 16 others, were unjustly sentenced to prison for crimes they did not commit.

Isaac shares, "Once we accepted that jail was an opening for us to live out our testimonies, the Lord granted us the grace to use our time in prison for His glory." Flogged, beaten and tortured, the men, never succumbed to despair, instead they used every opportunity to bring others to Christ! Isaac adds, "After spending two years behind bars, my heart is at peace."

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In The Name Of Jesus - King

In The Name Of Jesus - King  It has been three years since Laleh accepted the Lord Jesus as her Savior. “I came to know the Lord through several crucial events in my life. It all started when my sister-in-law gave me a Bible. Shortly after, I became interested in what I was reading and started watching the weekly teachings on satellite TV.  I was so captivated by what I heard through these teachings, that I began to participate in a small house church.” Joyfully, Laleh added, “I finally experienced the Lord’s peace. It was what I had been searching for all along! I know now that I found the real God.” Laleh comes from a large Muslim family. While her conversion to Christianity would have caused controversy and strife within most Muslim households, Laleh has had a very different experience. “They are not hostile towards me,” she assures. “My family is accustomed to praying together; and also fasts together during Ramadan.” However, though Laleh is blessed to live in relative peace, her conversion has made life difficult. As a result, Laleh continually seeks to find ways to share the Gospel with her family. “I am committed to pray for my family members,” she states, “and I daily ask God to reveal to me an acceptable way to witness to them about Jesus.” One day, during her regular time of intercession, Laleh was struck with a creative solution. The Lord had answered her prayer! Inviting her family for a tea party, they spent the afternoon chatting, eating cookies and fruit, while drinking tea. “Just before the end of the party I thanked my family for visiting my home as this is a normal custom in Iraq according to the rules of hospitality," Laleh shares. "Then I proposed that we pray for the relatives and friends we had been talking about during the party. At first everyone was quiet. After answering their questions, I again proposed that we sit down and pray. Surprisingly, they agreed! As they prayed, they struggled to find the right words. However, despite their hesitancy, I was excited to notice that everyone had experienced a new kind of joy through this time in prayer. This experience has encouraged me to invite my family members regularly. It is my deepest desire to share with them about Jesus, so that they too can know the real God.” One With Them Thank God that the tea party was such a success! Be One With Them, one with believers like Laleh, whose boldness to share about Jesus during Ramadan impacted her family for the Kingdom of Christ. As little as one decade ago, Iraq was home to one of the largest Christian communities in the Middle East. But today, due to war and oppression, a mass exodus is taking place. Christianity is on the verge of extinction. Join in prayer with our brothers and sisters in Iraq for a revival to take place. Pray that many Muslims will once again worship the true King! 2013.07.25

"See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

IN THE NAME OF JESUS - IMMANUEL

In The Name Of Jesus - Immanuel  As the plane neared Male, the capital city of the Maldives, the team gazed out its windows. The water was even more beautiful than imagined, the white sand almost blinding. “Is this really a mission trip?” was the question that was etched across all of their faces. Passports in hand each team member nervously waited alone in the customs line. Thinking if one was caught, the rest might still be able to escape exposure; they separated and silently prayed. Tom was the first to approach the counter. The customs official asked him to unbutton the top buttons of his shirt and pull his collar aside. A small cross on a chain lay flat across his chest. The official requested that he remove it, assuring him that he could claim it when he exited the country.  As the team assembled outside the airport they were grateful that each person had safely entered the country, although every outwardly reminder of Christianity had been taken from them. “No problem,” the leader said, “our prayer trip begins now! The first thing we can do is to pray for the items that were taken from us – that they will fall into a person’s hand, who is seeking Jesus.” They all smiled. Their materials did get in! No way were they going to claim them upon departure. “Thank you Jesus!”   One With Them These remote islands, surrounded by turquoise blue water and glistening white sand beaches, is a dream vacation destination. This is the picture that Maldivian authorities want to give to the outside world. The harsh attitude the government takes towards Christianity is less known. Every citizen has to be Muslim. Churches are forbidden, evangelism is banned and the import of Christian literature is prohibited. “Immanuel,” Hebrew for “God with us,” seemingly does not apply to the Maldives as no visible evidence of Him exists. But as you pray during Ramadan, pray for a divine knowledge of salvation, through Jesus to be known to its citizens – for this country to be claimed by Immanuel! 2013.07.23 The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)