Exloring Life Eternal

Satellite

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 20:11:30 GMT

With the increase in satelite television viewing in the Country we Love, more and more countrymen are watching the Christian programing, especially that dealing with prayer and healing. Seeing what Christ can do, they have now begun to seek out His followers in their own country, asking directly for prayer for illnesses and other issues. One woman recently told her family: The solution is not with us but with the Christians!

Believers are asking for wisdom as they face this new opportunity to be a witness to the power of Christ, and ask that not only will they be called upon to pray for their friends but that they will be able to lead them to experience eternal healing through faith in Christ.

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 22:22:12 GMT

We just recently received a wonderful report of activity during the latest holy month in the Country we Love. While friends shared fruit and drinks with those breaking fast, they also had many opportunities to share the Bread of Life and give out written copies of the Good News.

Thank the Lord for these seeds sown, and pray that the Lord of the Harvest will bring fruit for their labors. Ask also that believers will be encouraged by such opportunities and emboldened to share even more. Pray that as they are faithful, the Lord will bless them in their personal lives and provide for their needs.

AEIOU: New Project needs Personell.

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 20:24:02 GMT

Praise the Lord with us that paperwork has been completed and approved for a new project to begin. Now, all we need is people!! We covet your prayers on behalf of the needs of this project, which requires a director for each of the two major focuses.

Without personnel, the project cannot begin, so ask the Lord to raise up workers ready to serve and give of their time and life in order to reach many for Christ.

If you have any questions about this, please don't hesistate to write mertaka@yahoo.com, use this article's subject line as your email's subject line.

Winter Scene: Worship the King

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:57:29 GMT

An ice storm came through recently. Though some areas were affected by power outages, our apartment was free of harm. Sheila (my wife) and I were marveling at the beauty of the ice coated trees and bushes. As I walked home from the office yesterday, I went along a path lined with trees like that. It was very much like an entrance to a grand cathedral. At moments like that, I cannot help but be in awe ... and in reflection anticipate the day when along the street lined with the tree of life, bearing 12 crops of fruit, we will walk, marvelling for all eternity at the glory of our King.

ASM: Five year anniversary.

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 18:03:07 GMT

Arise Shine Morocco
Prayer Bulletin #75 (01/07)
asm@ariseshinemorocco.org www.ariseshinemorocco.org

NORTHCENTRAL REGION:
Please pray for a couple embarking on new ministries here. Pray they will build good relationships with their neighbors and with contacts in their town and the surrounding areas. Pray that God will open new doors for them in the coming months. Pray they will walk in obedience, wisdom, and boldness as they do what He is calling them to do.

NORTHWESTERN COASTAL REGION:
Praise the Lord for increased commitment observed in members of a local house church. Thank Him for a couple that recently joined the house church. Praise God for His mercy to a sister who prayed for her unsaved mother and who is now at peace believing that her mother was saved before she died. Thank the Lord for His divine provision and protection throughout the past year.

Pray for the recruiting of new team members. Pray the Lord wil send the right people with the right gifts. Pray for quick release of adoption papers for one couple.

WESTCENTRAL COASTAL REGION:
Please pray that all believers, both national and expatriate, will manifest a powerful, anointed, and incarnational gospel witness.

Praise the Lord for several large and joyous Christmas celebration gatherings of national believers that blessed and encouraged many.

Praise God that national believers are cooperating and are excited about working together for more organized Bible training.

SOUTHCENTRAL REGION:
Pray for trust between believers and a greater willingness to get together in Christian fellowship. Pray for steadfastness in the midst of persecution.

Pray seekers will experience the emptiness of Islam as they go through the motions of their religion. Pray Muslim seekers will question their own beliefs and practices. Pray for King Mohamed VI to rule justly and with wisdom.

Pray for workers' health, finances, family, and work relationships.

Lighthouse Church:
Praise the Lord for many answered prayers in 2006. Thank the Lord for the successful continuation of the Sunday school program and pray that it will continue to bless the children and build them up in the faith. Praise God for bringing a brother and a sister back into the local fellowship.

Pray for a spiritual awakening in this city and for plans by the church to plant a new church in a nearby city later this year. Pray for unity among the churches in Morocco, that they will work together and will see many new churches established this year.

Pray for a powerful and effective Sunday School program that will result in many of the children accepting Jesus into their lives this year.

Pray that the work situation will improve and stabilize for members of the church. Pray all will see the Lord providing for their needs.

Pray for many salvations this year, especially from among the family members of existing believers.

FAR SOUTH:
Praise God for a successful medical procedure. Thank Him for opening doors. Pray for growth of the church and for provision for various projects.

A recent article of interest:
An article entited "Morocco's Christian Converts Irk the World of Islam" includes comments by Moroccan Christians and may be found at:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20061213/lf_afp/moroccoreligion

S

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 18:02:15 GMT

AEIOU: Annual Review

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 20:10:54 GMT

As we see the end of yet another year, we want to take the time to thank the Lord for all His goodness and great works in the Country we Love. We have seen Him do amazing things in calling out believers to go both long and short-term into the country in order to reach Ls for Christ. We have seen a record number of nationals come to the Lord this year! PTL! We have witnessed a new openess in the country, both physically and spiritually, allowing inroads to be made for the Harvest. We have witnessed His protection over the Body as they seek to gather in His Name. For all these things and more, join us in giving thanks.

Yes, He has done great things, and yet, as we enter a new year, we also do so with the realization that time is passing quickly. We anticipate the return of Christ at any time, as world events seem to gain speed toward that end. Not knowing His time, we do not want to waste our own. Please join us in praying with renewed vigor for the increase of His Kingdom in the Country we Love for the year 2007. Pray as well that the Body of Christ will grow in number and maturity in the new year. So much is against them, and Satan wants to keep it that way. Pray for all barriers to be destroyed which hinders the believers from obeying the words of Hebrews 10:25.

Keep these thoughts and requests before you as 2007 approaches. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer.

Persecution in America: involuntary hospitalization

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 21:48:39 GMT

What involuntary hospitalization is & How it felt like persecution:

Simply put, it is when the law is concerned that you are disturbing the peace and so they hospitalize the person against their will.

Not that I went kicking and screaming, the police just provided an escort and try to keep neighborhoods and office buildings free of roaming strangers. If I don't shave for a few days and get dirty and kind of hunker over, I can make a good imitation of a homeless person, but I didn't do that. I was just trying my best to share the gospel. Some would say it was without the Spirit, some would say it was with the
Spirit. All I know, is that my intent was not to scare anyone or disturb anyone's peace or ruin any concentration, I was just seeking to testify to the grace of God ... then people got a little disturbed.

There have been times I intentionally acted out of ordinary and disturbed people in sharing the simple Gospel and they fled from me, but it seemed to have more to do with
them avoiding the responsibility to face Christ. Also, I have escorted Jehovah Witnesses out of the apartment complex. But even the JW's remarked that I was "tranquil" ... despite being on low medicine dosages.

Lessons I learned, despite the "suffering" of the insults and questionings and mockery:

1. Be wise in dealing with children ... keep parents informed if you teach them the Bible and let kids play with kids. It is culturally inappropriate to talk to them without the consent of their parents. (I am thankful that
I don't have to go to elementary school to become as a child repeatedly to enjoy the Kingdom of God.)

2. Be wise at church ... keep your amens and convictions to yourself and endure poor teaching and repetitive worship if you must. It is culturally inappropriate to communicate agreement or disagreement with the man behind the pulpit. (I am thankful that Jesus is still the Head of the Church.)

3. Be wise at office buildings ... scheduled appointments are much less intimidating to physicians than an impromptu witness. It is culturally inappropriate to visit a physician without first making an appointment. (I'm glad that the Great Physician does house calls still!)

Until the patient who is "involuntarily hospitalized" has a hearing in court or consents to "treatment" (basically, expresses a willingness to take medicine & work with the program), they are held involuntarily. Because I ended up in the hospital more than once in a short period of time & they didn't believe that I was taking my medication (which I was)
and they didn't want me to stay awake at home.

Ironically, my sleep is as disturbed now as it was before, though I sleep in after the morning medicines now as I am adjusting & feeling a little less motivated. But Sheila
likes the "new" mert (sedated with medication & very lazy, okay, she doesn't like the lazy part, but then again who does?). I personally believe that it was God's will that I
be hospitalized and be harrassed by some fellow residents and deal with the hospital system. My faith grew and I was encouraged that even with the inconvenience of not being
able to doing the Lord's work on the outsie, the Lord opened up numerous opportunities to share the message of Christ, even though the official policy is "no attempts to convert
anyone allowed."

Hope that helps.

By the way, the hospital entertainment: going on walks outside the building, making silly crafts, watching TV, going to 'groups,' pacing the halls is sort of like the jail that I was in when I visited those in jail, only more staff and carpet and better decor.

BTW: I received this week notice of court order declaring that I am legally incapacitated from obtaining a license. At first I thought it was talking about a license to drive since the state police issued it, I felt odd about that. As I read the odd print later, it was about a license to obtain a firearm or a license to carry a concealed firearm. HA-HA-HA! I didn't want to get a gun anyways! I will only be able to shoot pictures from now on, no guns in the house! Dad never was for guns anyways, I guess I have no choice but being the same way in that regard.

Another funny thing, the second time I went to the hospital, I received paperwork indicating "no possessions." I think I might frame that. It is like saying, Mert, you are poor, dirt poor, you have NOTHING! Ha-ha, Ho-ho! But the Lord is our inheritance, kinda like the Levites and the third order Franciscans. :-)

Peace in Christ,
Mert Hershberger

Christmas Alone in North Africa

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 19:33:24 GMT

While the signs of Christmas maybe overwhelmingly evident in your hometown or country, you will find no outward signs of it in the this land. However, this does not mean that Christmas has not come, for it has...it is in the hearts of the few who have chosen to follow Christ as Savior. Pray for national believers this week as you celebrate with family and friends and in large numbers, for many of them will be alone in remembering Christ's birth and will have no open opportunity to express their joy over the coming of Christ to this earth. Pray that they will be encouraged in reading the story of Christ's birth, remembering that He came to the poorest and lowliest of places, among the humblest of people. May they be reminded that when He comes again, it will be with power and glory, and on that day, they will be able to openly proclaim Him their King!

AEIOU - Sing Praise this Season

Thu, 07 Dec 2006 17:44:16 GMT

On Friday, December 8, there will be a carol service at one of the churches for foreigners in the country we love. This is a time when people from many nationalities gather together for a time of singing traditional songs from their home countries. For many it is the only time in the year when they will enter a church building.

Pray that they will hear the message of Christmas and consider its place in their lives.

AEIOU - Barriers and Bridges

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 02:00:21 GMT

Please be in prayer for a friend who has been unable to return to the Country we Love for over a year now. His inability to travel there has not stopped his work, but has lessened his opportunities to see first-hand what is happening on the ground as well as to use his trips for effective sharing. Please ask the Father to open the way for him to resume periodic trips into the country.

Thank the Lord for two new friends who will be joining our team for the next year. Ask the Lord to use this time to open their eyes to what He is doing in the Country we Love and to show them what their long-term future role might be, if this is His will for them.

WIN News - AEIOU & Other Muslim / Buddhist lands

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 22:05:42 GMT

Syria - Pray that political, economic, and human rights reforms promised in January would be implemented quickly and effectively.

Jordan – Pray that the government will continue to allow freedom of religion to remain despite rising Muslim extremism.

Tunisia - Pray that God will raise up wise Christian leadership to disciple the people, unite them, and encourage them to share their faith with others.

Mauritania - Pray for the leaders of fellowships and for spiritual wisdom for national Christian Believers in handling changes within the Church.

Sudan - Thwart the plans of the Ugandan Lord’s Resistance Army, which is deliberately disrupting the UN humanitarian work in the south of the country. Bring justice for all the victims of violence.

Received from:
WINDOW INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
PO Box 49127
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
www.win1040.com

Turkey - Pray that much-needed leaders will be trained and discipled as the Christian Church is growing in the midst of persecution

Somalia - Thank You, Father, that people remain faithful to You in Somalia despite horrific abuse and persecution. Bless their faithfulness with the bearing of much good fruit and provide the international community with the wisdom it needs to deal with a government that flouts international law and does not observe the basic human rights of its citizens.

Eritrea - Lord God, we pray for the thousands of people held as prisoners of conscience in Eritrean prisons, 2000 of whom are Christians. Enable them to stand fast in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, both in word and in deed.

Tibet – Pray for Tibetan Christians who may face persecution as extreme as poisoning and stoning from their friends and families.

Indonesia - Trafficking in Humans & Girls

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 20:31:39 GMT

I saw only one (1) citation of trafficking specifically in Aceh. However, _my_guess_ is that Aceh was not unaffected in previous years since North Sumatra borders Aceh province & people can & could travel. There are indications by Indonesians which would agree with this.

Since the Tsunami:
http://www.childtrafficking.org/cgi-bin/ct/main.sql?ID=1311&file=view_news.sql&TITLE=-1&TOPIC=-1&YEAR=-1&LISTA=No&GEOG=-1&FULL_DETAIL=Yes

This site is a conservative political site but was written not long
after the tsunami. It was referred to me by someone:
http://www.theconservativevoice.com/articles/article.html?storyid=1976

On the conference held in Medan (info about increased enforcement of
laws in Indonesia):
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_20246.html

Young women / girl children used for military purposes (an opion
piece):
http://203.2.218.61/asiapacific/specials/indon/opinion_child_informants.htm

http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2002/18245.htm
The years I looked at: 2002-2004 each had some issues with
women/children & trafficking in North Sumatra / Medan & Aceh/Banda
Aceh.

- During the year, some Acehnese women turned down marriage proposals
by security force members, only to have their parents threatened. Women
who did become engaged to security force members sometimes became
targets for GAM rebels.
- East Java, Jakarta, West Java, North Sumatra, and South Sulawesi
Provinces have the largest street children populations (see Section
6.f.).
See section 6.f.
Also under RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Section 1 Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom
From: item b. Disappearance.

This site on women includes a line on Aceh, but does not all pertain to
trafficking of children:
http://www.catwinternational.org/factbook/Indonesia.php

This document was written before the "peace" accord which was signed
between the Aceh separatists & the Indonesian national Government this
year.

http://lfip.org/laws822/docs/indhumantraffrpt%5B1%5D.pdf

A Citation on page 45:
Majalah Kalingga, February 2000 (characteristic of trafficking in
children in North Sumatra);

Pages 53-54
- Were offered and promised to work in restaurants, karaoke, houses and
hotels to children.
- The recruiter operated at malls/other recreational places, suburbs,
information were spread from mouth to mouth
- Were promised instant jobs (without having to apply)
- Were promised jobs with high salary and interesting facilities
All referenced to: Majalah Kalingga, February 2002 (character of
children trafficking for prostitution in North Sumatra)

Page 64:
Provincial office for Department Social North Sumatra discerned that to
combat children trafficking was a difficult effort especially when it
is done voluntarily. They stated to not having legal instrument to
combat children trafficking and the authority was laid in other
institution.

Page 68:
Saudi Arabia as a destination for domestic workers only began in the
1970's

From a table on page 46:
d) In 1999 1,712 cases were revealed and addressed and were brought
into trial for 1,390 cases. Data gathered based on the location where
women trafficking cases were revealed are as follows:

CITIES 1999 2000
Medan 286 282
- From Page 46

From tables on pages 59, 60:
Sumatra : Medan is source & region of transit.

Children trafficking in Medan showed as follows:
Region of origin Tembung, Helvetia, Tanjung Gusta, Semarang, and
Tangerang
Region of transit Padang Bulan
Target location Bandar Baru, Deli Serdang, Sicanang, Belawan, Warung
Bebek, Firdaus, Rampah, Dumai, Tanjung Balai
Karimun, Pekanbaru, Riau.

(This is near Aceh & statistically would imply similar things in Aceh.
... The report elsewhere terms trafficking of women & children as an
iceberg type problem where really only the tip of the problem can be
seen due to the massive shoreline in Indonesia! I have seen stats
indicating 200,000 domestic servants from Indonesia in Saudi Arabia,
often subject to mistreatment & usually with little recorse if they are
Indonesian. According to 2 witnesses closer to the fact, Indonesia no
longer knowingly permits domestic workers to go to the Arabian
Peninsula due to the serious problems that have resulted which the
Indo-govt cannot help with.)

===
Yemen:
http://www.childtrafficking.org/cgi-bin/ct/main.sql?ID=2117&file=view_news.sql&TITLE=-1&TOPIC=-1&YEAR=-1&LISTA=No&GEOG=-1&FULL_DETAIL=Yes

http://www.childtrafficking.org/cgi-bin/ct/main.sql?ID=1864&file=view_news.sql&TITLE=-1&TOPIC=-1&YEAR=-1&LISTA=No&GEOG=-1&FULL_DETAIL=Yes

http://www.childtrafficking.org/cgi-bin/ct/main.sql?ID=1335&file=view_news.sql&TITLE=-1&TOPIC=-1&YEAR=-1&LISTA=No&GEOG=-1&FULL_DETAIL=Yes

Bahrain:
http://www.childtrafficking.org/cgi-bin/ct/main.sql?ID=1349&file=view_news.sql&TITLE=-1&TOPIC=-1&YEAR=-1&LISTA=No&GEOG=-1&FULL_DETAIL=Yes

Western Women Drawn to Islam, Why?

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 20:16:10 GMT

Why Is it that American Women Like Islam?

Here are some reasons I've observed:

1. They are encouraged to be modest. (Many observations &
conversations).

2. The guy doesn't feel drunkenness improves sex. (Conversation
overheard).

3. Dude makes money and has the power, unlike my old homey. (Often observed by others & by certain famous marriages.)

Mert Hershberger

Woodworking Projects

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 20:08:03 GMT

Book on identifying wood.
http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/ezine/toolpreview.cfm

Clam Digger's Basket:
http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/ezine/plans/clambasket.pdf

Toy Wagon:
http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/ezine/plans/wagon.pdf

Lebanon

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 15:52:44 GMT

Pierre Gemayel was a Lebanese politician who sought to establish peace in Lebanon, but was assasinated for his attempts to unite the remaining Christian community in Lebanon through the bond of peace and reconciliation. Please join with Windows International Network in praying for ...

The family of Pierre Gemayel to sense God’s peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time.

God’s wisdom, leading and guidance for Prime Minister Fuad Saniora and his Cabinet as they respond to Gemayel’s assassination.

Justice for those responsible for Gemayel’s slaying.
Gemayel’s assassination not to lead to a full-blown Lebanese civil war. Pray protection from hatred, violence and chaos.

The Church to realize the importance of its role in intercession and stand in the gap in this very crucial time in the history of Lebanon.

The Lord to either change the hearts of corrupt rulers or remove them from their posts. Pray for righteousness in the government. Pray for rulers who will father the nation with love for the people and the nation.

The walls between Lebanese churches to continue to fall and Believers will come together in unity. Division is one of the biggest strongholds of the nation. Pray for the Lord to send a spirit of humility to the Church and the nation. Pride is another stronghold in the country.

The Lord’s perfect plan for Lebanon and the neighboring 10/40 Window nations to be fulfilled.

A spiritual revival, for thirst and hunger for the Lord all throughout the Middle East.

Sources: The Associated Press, Catholic News, Assyrian International News Agency, Jerusalem Post, Operation World and World Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission.

<><
Prayer requests received from http://www.win1040.com. Contact WIN for the full article.

AEIOU - WIN News

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 20:09:22 GMT

UAE - Pray against the spirit of fear that comes over Christian leaders working in Muslim lands. Pray instead that Christian Believers will move forward in an unprecedented boldness to spread of Gospel of Jesus Christ in this land.

Yemen – Pray for all elected to office in municipal, regional, and national elections held on September 20th, 2006.

Egypt – Pray that the growing prayer initiative within the Egyptian Christian community would strengthen further and that God would act in response to the prayer offered.

Iraq – Pray against the spiritual forces that want to use corrupt leaders for war and destruction, and that the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will penetrate the spiritual darkness over Iraq.

Morocco - Pray that Christians in Morocco would be empowered by the Holy Spirit and that they will know God’s strength in the face of any persecution.

Israel - Pray for effective Christian ministry to those bereaved, wounded, or traumatized by recent conflicts.

WINDOW INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
PO Box 49127
Colorado Springs, CO 80919

AEIOU - Laborers being prepared

Wed, 22 Nov 2006 21:40:48 GMT

When God calls a person into missions, the most encouraging thing he/she can hear is affirmation from fellow believers. We thank the Lord for those who are able to come out to serve with the blessing and backing of the local church, for it is from them and other prayer supporters like you that we gain our strength and encouragment for the work. Unfortunately, there are many being called by God to serve in the Country we Love who are feeling isolated and discouraged because their local Body is either not understanding their call or not committed to the support of missions. This is happening in both the Middle East and the West.

Therefore, please pray today in a special way for those who feel that "fire in their stomachs" to act quickly on His command and yet are struggling to get the prayer and financial support and blessings from their local Body. Serving in the Country we Love is not easy with the greatest of "home" support, so we ask you to remember the servants who are moving forward in obedience, yet hurting by the lack of support. Ask the Lord to wake up the local churches to the needs of those called to leave all behind in answer to the Call, and ask the Lord to provide "other family" to pick up the slack where their local church doesn't provide.

Eid: Fasting & Feasting

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:26:53 GMT

"Behold, I HAVE PREPARED my dinner: my oxen, my fattened livestock are butchered, and everything is ready, come ..." - Matthew 22:4

PRAISE:
There were literally thousands of Christians involved in Night of Power prayer meetings during the last days of Ramadan. These Christians spent many hours praying late into the night as their Muslim neighbors were seeking blessings as Ramadan came to a close.

PETITION:
Pray for a long-term single tentmaker who is looking for a more permanent housing situation in his country of service by ownership of a residence. Pray that the details would work according to God’s plan and provision.

Pray for the MBB young man who recently left the AP country that he lived in all of his life. He has been in a difficult situation for several months and was forced to leave. He is between 2 other countries going through bureaucratic circles to make his situation more stable. Pray for much grace and that other believers will be able to support him in all ways.

Please pray for N the wife of a local baptized believer who has big doubts about Islam, that God will continue to answer her questions and that N will trust in Jesus as her Lord and Master.

Please pray for those who have boldly taken hold of the window of opportunity that the Asian Games brings to this region. Pray that Christians will become bold in sharing the Love of Jesus with the many athletes and officials coming at the end of 2006.

Please pray for the many secret believers here to be renewed in the spirit of their minds, freed from all bondages physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and to become beacons of light to those in darkness all around them.

TESTIMONY:
It was a typical Iftar meal. The Muslim host had a wonderful meal catered for his Arab Muslim friends and some western businessmen at his ‘farm’ on the outskirts of a large city in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. The western businessmen happened to all be Christians, part of the same tentmaking team. The conversations between the Arab men and the western business men varied and were all over the map: family, sports, fireworks, sex, price of property, the changed Bible, jobs, good bosses and bad bosses, the prosperity of the nation, the issue of the Trinity, the weather being too hot still (it was 34 C at 9pm), getting married, raising children, hope of eternal life in paradise, and more. Some seeds were planted; some parts of the Good News went out. Many phone numbers were exchanged and the hopes of getting together during or soon after the Eid (celebration after the end of Ramadan).

Please pray with us for fruit!

* AP = Arabian Peninsula
+ MBB = Muslim Backround Believer
<>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Praying Thru the Arabian Peninsula
www.pray-ap.info
USA #: 800-376-5876 (Eastern Time)
Encouraging & equipping believers & churches everywhere to pray with a heart filled with the "Seed-of-Laughter" for heirs of the woman who met the "God-Sees-and-Hears-Me" so that biblical church planting movements will spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond for the Lord's glory.

====
To learn how you can support this & other work in the Middle East, visit:
http://www.srginc.org

Or write MertH.:
ptap@srginc.org

Or:
PTAP
c/o Strategic Resource Group
P.O. Box 1809
Easton, MD 21601
USA

ASM #72: After the Heat

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 21:18:16 GMT

Arise Shine Morocco
Prayer Bulletin #72 (10/06)
asm@ariseshinemorocco.org
<>< <> ><>
www.ariseshinemorocco.org

From an expatriate in Morocco:
(slightly edited and with names changed)

“Khadija, our house helper for eight years, surrendered her life to Jesus almost 6 months ago. She continues to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, thanks to the love and support of God's people. This is her first Ramadan as a Christian, and she is happy to no longer be bound by the “yoke” of that religious obligation.

Her husband, Mohammed, seems to have taken a sincere interest in her faith. He said that if she does not keep the fast, then neither will he. He attended a Moroccan house-church picnic with her and spent much time discussing spiritual things with the believers. He listened and asked many questions, then later told Khadija that he understood “nothing”. I have heard this testimony several times from converts, including Khadija. I believe it describes the blindness, the veil that covers the eyes of their hearts and minds because, as the Word says, “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving” (2 Cor. 4:3-4).

Please pray the Holy Spirit will draw Mohammed, he will turn to the Lord, and the veil will be removed (2 Cor. 3:16). Pray Mohammed will have the opportunity to meet regularly with believers he met before and will continue to seek to understand the gospel.”

NORTHEASTERN REGION:
Thank the Lord for jobs He has provided for some of the national believers here. Pray they will succeed in their jobs and will shine the light in their new workplaces.

Pray for a man injured by equipment when power came on unexpectedly. Pray for healing and for patience while he is unable to work for a while.

Pray for a dear older saint whose husband is in fragile health. Pray she can share with him more about Jesus and that he will receive Christ before going to meet his Maker.

Ask the Lord to heal those who come to the clinic, not only physically, but spiritually.

CENTRAL REGION:
Continue to pray for the various media projects in process. The first draft of a twenty-five story evangelism set in Moroccan Arabic is complete and is now under further review by believers. The next step is to record it and then translate it into Berber so workers and nationals can begin using it. Pray the Lord will give believers a desire to sing His praises in their own language and musical style. Pray the Berber Christians of this region will begin to write, record, and utilize their own worship music.

Continue to pray for a suitable building to house a ministry hoping to serve some of the most vulnerable people in Morocco. Pray for the team as they launch the project.

Pray for success in gathering the many isolated believers. Ask the Lord to give them a thirst to meet and worship with others, a thirst that overcomes fear and pride. Pray for wisdom as to how expatriates can help bring them together.

NORTHWESTERN COASTAL REGION:
Pray for new workers who arrived recently. Pray they will adjust to and become comfortable in their new surroundings and will soon meet locals who will become good friends. Pray for enthusiasm as they begin language study and pray they will find good Moroccan language helpers. Pray the new workers will receive strength and encouragement from the Lord as they experience culture shock in the coming months.

Pray specifically for certain new workers who will do a lot of traveling in North Africa. Pray for physical protection, good health, and divine appointments as they travel.

SOUTHCENTRAL REGION:
Pray for wisdom, strength, and a special joy in the Lord for a worker with an evolving work situation that each fall presents him with unique challenges and opportunities.

Please pray for a brother who is trying to set up a project that should enable more workers to come into the region and would employ local believers. Pray the right believing partners will come alongside to help launch and administer the project.

Lighthouse Church:
Pray the Lord will help two of the church families to find their places and roles within the church. Ask the Lord to give one brother the strength and wisdom he needs to disciple a young man. Pray that through the Sunday School, this year will be the year when the children receive Christ into their lives. Pray for a spiritual awakening in this city.

Pray that one of the brethren will soon see his work situation stabilize and enable him to earn a satisfactory income.

SOUTHWESTERN REGION:
Praise for two emerging families of new believers. Ask the Lord to grant workers wisdom and insight as how to help them grow. One of the daughters married a non-believer over the summer and has not been seen outside her home for three months. Pray the Father will shine his Light, Love, Peace, and protection over her and her faith.

The believing daughter of another family, after rejecting many local suitors, decided to marry a nominally Christian European as a compromise. Pray true salvation will come to her husband and spiritual renewal to her heart.

FAR SOUTH:
Pray for a quick and smooth readjustment for workers returning after months away.

From a worker: “Local news here has stated that the government in Morocco uncovered a serious plot to bomb government places and residences of prominent people early last month. This seems to be more of a power grab coming from older, deposed military men rather than extremists of al Qaida ilk. Continue to pray for strengthening of the democratic reforms that are going on behind the scenes here.”

A ministry is partnering with pastors in southern Spain and others to conduct a House of Prayer in Gibraltar in November. They plan to bring people together to seek the Lord in prayer for Spain, Morocco, and Gibraltar.
For more info, go to: www.campo247.com.

AEIOU - Business startup.

Thu, 28 Sep 2006 17:56:25 GMT

Starting a new business here is not an easy matter but one that requires much prayer and wisdom. We ask you to support a friend who will be setting up a new work. Ask the Lord to bless and walk with her through each stage of the process. Pray for Him to provide the funds, the location, the personnel to meet the needs of the project. Ask Him to use this open doors for many like-minded workers to come into the country. Most importantly, ask the Lord to use this project to provide the opportunity for many to come to know Christ as Savior.

AEIOU - North African prayer for healing.

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:36:17 GMT

Working in this part of the world is a spiritual battle ground and can take its toll on those who serve in such a dark environment. Please be in prayer for a friend who is currently resting in her home country, that she will receive both physical and spiritual healing before returning within the next few weeks. Persistant illness has weakened not only her body but her spirit, and she now just needs to relax in the hands of those who can meet her needs and build her up. Ask the Lord to bless her during this time, that she can return to her new town of service excited and ready for the challenges and opportunities the Lord has for her there.

As you remember this one specifically, remember all those, who like her, serve under difficult circumstances and need encouragement from the Body in order to stay strong in spirit for the task before them.

Desert Gardens: The Fruit of Your Labors

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 20:58:32 GMT

September 4, 2006

"Treated like wild donkeys in the desert, the poor wander in labor, foraging for food; wastelands provide food for their children as they gather fodder in the fields and glean in the vineyards of the wicked." Job 24:5-6

"The Kingdom belongs to you beggars:
Rejoice!!" - Jesus (in Luke 6:20ff)

PRAISE:
We are praising the Lord for the safe keeping of two MBB believers who have been in hiding these past few months. They made it through the summer months without any major incident.

PETITION:
Please pray for some members of a Muslim group which disciples new converts to Islam, who are currently dialoging with a missionary via email. Please pray that the so-far friendly "debate" will continue as an open channel for these men to hear the Bible's teachings, come to understand the Gospel, and be granted faith "by the hearing of the Word of God".

Please for a dynamic Christian missionary lady who has begun to suffer bouts of confusion, apathy, and other negative symptoms. Ask God to remove all work of the enemy against her, her family, & her vital ministries.

Pray for the young tentmaking couple that was given only a few weeks to vacate their accommodation. Pray that God would give them peace amidst all the turmoil of finding adequate housing in their restricted budget in a short time frame.

Pray for the MBB who had a car accident recently. He is discouraged by the recent events.

Pray for the outreaches in the remote villages in our mountainous country. Pray for the lone National believer in his small village of less than 100 people. He has been taunted for leaving Islam and blamed for every calamity in the village.

TESTIMONY: A Long Awaited Bible
One of the most rewarding ministries that I have ever been involved in was the home visitation ministry at the Christian hospital. Ninety-seven percent of the women who had a baby at Oasis Hospital were Muslims. The home visitation ministry put Christian nurses in the homes of as many new mothers as possible, usually within one week of the birth of the baby.

The Christian nurses would arrange the visit before the mother was discharged. On the day of the visit, two nurses would go on the home visit. They took medical equipment for assessing both mother and baby, a copy of the Bible for each mother, along with other gifts for both mother and baby.

On this morning, we visited the new mother. Also at the home were two of her sisters and her mother. Following the check of the mother and baby, the nurses told all of these ladies how Jesus loved little children, and admonished them to raise their baby in reverence of God.

Then, they started to take the Bible out of its gift bag. Upon seeing it, the new mother exclaimed, “Is that a Bible?” When told it was, she said that her family had been trying to find a Bible for 10 years, and did we have enough for each of them, and at least one more for her father. What a glorious day! Seven Bibles were given to one family, and for six months, until workers left and this girl’s family scattered, there was a Bible study in a Muslim home.

* AP = Arabian Peninsula
+ MBB = Muslim Backround Believer

<>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Praying Thru the Arabian Peninsula
www.pray-ap.info
USA #: 800-376-5876 (Eastern Time)
Encouraging & equipping believers & churches everywhere to pray with a heart filled with the "Seed-of-Laughter" for those at the heart who know "God-Hears" so that biblical church planting movements will spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond for the Lord's glory.

====
To learn how you can support this & other work in the Middle East, visit:
http://www.srginc.org

Or write MertH.:
ptap@srginc.org

Or:
PTAP
c/o Strategic Resource Group
P.O. Box 1809
Easton, MD 21601
USA

AEIOU - 30-Days of Prayer for Muslims

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 19:35:12 GMT

EVENT - 30 DAYS MUSLIM PRAYER FOCUS
from: WorldChristian.com (http://www.worldchristian.com)

From September 24 to October 23, 2006, join the largest ongoing international call to Christians to learn about and respectfully pray for the Muslim world. Millions of Christians worldwide participate annually in this strategic prayer focus.

Each year a new, informative prayer guide booklet is produced and translated into dozens of languages. These booklets are for use primarily (but not exclusively) during Islam's important annual month of fasting and religious observance. This year Ramadan will start on September 24.

Order your copy of the 52-page North American edition http://www.30daysprayer.com
by e-mail: <orders@worldchristian.com>
Or contact WorldChristian.com, P.O. Box 9208, Colorado Springs, CO 80932, USA, Tel.: 719.380.0936.

Other nations & language editions are listed here:
http://www.30daysprayer.com/muslim/add%5Fmusl.html

Abbreviated e-mail edition sent daily during Ramadan:
Subscribe by writing to Ron Kernahan <infos@30-days.net> or
http://www.30-days.net/aboutus/email.htm

AEIOU - Sacrifice

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 18:26:28 GMT

Has the Lord called you to sacrifice for the Vision He's given you?

Recently we were humbled by a group of young men and women who sacrificed a great deal in order to spread the Good News in one country. For the girls, it was not easy to gain permission from their families to travel to a foreign country, but they were determined and gained their approval. When finances were not complete for the trip, several of them sold personal items, even gold jewelry, to make sure they had enough to cover their expenses. Not only was the preparation sacrificial, but the trip itself, as they spent over 48 hours on a bus to arrive at their destination.

Once in their city of choice, they made further sacrifices--the girls bought head scarves the first day, in order to fit into the culture and become more acceptable to the women they longed to reach. The men took risks, sometimes talking to persons they found where wanting to attack them, but by His grace where able to disarm them with the Love of God.

Thank the Lord for the many seeds that were sown as a result of the sacrifice of this special group of people. Ask the Lord to grow the Word in the hearts of those who heard the Good News, that fruit will come in His time. Ask the Lord to bless these young people and multiply their joy as they sacrificially serve our Risen Savior.