Exloring Life Eternal

INDONESIAN EARTHQUAKE & CHURCH CLOSURES
The 6.3 magnitude quake of 26 May that hit the city of Yogyakarta in Java, Indonesia, killed over 5,700 people, injured 10,000 and damaged or destroyed over a half million homes and 269 schools. Many residents have also lost their livelihoods. Christian agencies like World Vision are among those that have diverted staff and supplies from tsunami-hit areas to bring relief. Meanwhile, Jubilee Campaign, a UK-based group that monitors children's rights and religious persecution, reports the government has closed more than 150 churches in Indonesia's capital city of Jakarta and the island of Java over past months. Recent legislation has been enacted that could shut down hundreds more across the country. [MISC. sources/HCJB, 9 June'06]

IRANIAN PRESSURE FAILS TO STOP CHURCH GROWTH
Christians around the world remain concerned about Iran's threats against Christianity that has caused many believers to leave the country. However, Sargon Daniali, who lived in Iran for a time, says despite the persecution church growth continues through radio, television and internet evangelism as well as 'political protest.' "Because [Iranians] are upset with Islam, they go on purpose and chose other religions, one of them [is] Christianity." Daniali believes the government oppression continues under Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. "They hate Christianity and they are committed to destroying Christianity; to stop Christianity in the country because Christianity is growing." Many Christian Iranians like Daniali who have fled their homeland are now actively involved in evangelism and church planting in other areas. A 40 days of prayer for Iran focus is now on. More information can be found at www.prayforiran.com. [MNN, 8 June '06]

ERITREA: PETITION LAUNCHED
A multi-agency petition has been launched to protest against widespread religious repression in Eritrea and the hundreds of evangelical believers now in prison. The petition is supported by Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Open Doors, Release International and Release Eritrea and will be handed to the Eritrean Ambassador to the UK, Negasse Sengal. Supporters are encouraged to download the petition from the CSW website www.csw.org.uk

BAPTISTS RESIST REGISTRATION IN KAZAKHSTAN
Following a fine on one of their pastors of more than three times the average monthly salary for leading unregistered religious activities, the Baptist Council of Churches explained their objections to registering their churches in the Central Asian country of Kazakhstan. The Baptists regard such registration as "sinful" because it would require them to divulge extensive information about leaders and congregations. Information such as ethnicity, education, family status, political affiliation and "the most acute problems worrying parishioners" create a "web almost impossible to break free of," according to the Baptists. Many council members still recall the trial and imprisonment of many Baptists under Soviet rule for refusing to register. "Many were sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment and some even ended their days in prison." [FORUM 18 NEWS SERVICE, 9 June '06]

BRING THE FACES OF THE 10/40 INTO YOUR CHURCH FOR PRAYER!
Volume 3 of "The Waiting World" unreached people group prayer series can help your church or small group pray more effectively for the lost of the 10/40 Window. Thirteen five-minute prayer videos are featured on this volume and discuss various Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim peoples. Special features on this volume are the Iraqi's, as well as a general Arab video. Produced by YWAM Strategic Frontiers, the suggested donation for a DVD of Volume 3 is $29.95 (USD), plus shipping. Order all three volumes on DVD for a suggested donation of $69.95, plus shipping.

Mike
klausmeierm(at)ywamsf(dot)org

MIDDLE EAST: GROWING INTEREST IN GOSPEL
from: Mission Network News (http://www.mnnonline.org) - January
30, 2006

Throughout the Middle East, Christians are quietly and faithfully
living for Christ despite opposition and persecution.

In countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, there is a growing phenomenon
of interest in the gospel of Jesus, and Lee DeYoung with Words
of Hope (http://www.woh.org/about.php) says the interest is in
response to efforts to promote hostility toward Christians.

"Efforts to suppress and to vilify Christians, for some people,
actually produce a reaction that increases their curiosity and
their interest. And thankfully, we've heard accounts of people
who quietly share, Christians sharing with Muslim neighbors who
ask them about their faith and why they believe what they believe."

Many Muslims really are seeking after God. They have a hunger
to know him, and as they have opportunities to talk with Christians,
they find a common quest to discover God. Many are finding Jesus.

DeYoung says that as attempts are made to spark antagonism, there's
a growing curiosity, and people are saying, "'Well, what is it
about you that causes people to be so opposed in my country,
or among others who share my religion?' And that leads to opportunities
for dialogue, or it leads to interest in hearing radio programs."

Source here (http://www.mnnonline.org/article/8253).

Contrary to teaching of some who have heard about the confidence & assurance Christians can have: our salvation is not a license to sin, but it means we are sent ... "Go & sin no more." In other words, salvation is salvation from sin. To be "once saved & always saved" is essentially a freedom from the curse of the Law, which is death, damnation, and destruction. We are saved from sin. We are not saved to sin.

To be blessed, is to be turned from sin. Any other secondary material blessings actually derive from that primary one.

There is actually a great judgment facing those who go on in sin after coming to a knowledge of the Truth: Hebrews 10 talks about this in the New Testament.

So, if you claim to know the truth, why are you continuing in Islam if you have not thoroughly studied the Word of God, which can be found in the canonized & Holy Bible if you look for Jesus & seek eternal life?

If you do know the Good News & realize the fact that the path to wisdom begins by living in light of the Reality & Rule & Reconciling nature of the Lord, then Why are you not following Jesus?


Having read some stories of "christians" who "converted to Islam," I found NO real evidence of any such conversion. As Muslims suggest, they were at best, already muslim: under the law.

The only reasons or motives I found on websites had to do with the sins of some who bore the name of Christ ... & NOTHING to do with the Bible. Essentially, some people who did not want to seek the Lord with their whole heart&mind fell for some cultural miscellany that certain forms of Islam offer (obedience to a certain cultural pattern & traditions, that is Law.) ... & that they believe that there is one (1) God.

The demons also know that there is one God. (James 2:19) So, what does faith that only 1 God exists prove? One has intelligence comparable to that of demons/jinn. Note that when James says it is "good" that his audience is aware of the existence of God, it is a sarcastic comment and does not indicate the moral perfection of his readers. In other words, it is "good" compared the "folly" of denying the existence & efficacy of God [& His Word].

Christ died on the cross, as prophesied through the willingness of Abraham to offer up his son. The tomb is now empty. ... Now that is an obedience that is both powerful & proving, convincing & conquering!!
(Reflecting Christ in our lives results in real knowledge of God & wisdom from God, not merely knowledge about God based on human wisdom.)

Let me encourage you, fear God & understand the Word of God!!

Get a Bible
Read Genesis-Exodus 34.
Read Deuteronomy-2 Kings, Ezra-Esther.
Read the Psalms, Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.
Read Isaiah - Malachi.
Read the whole new Testament, with particular to Luke-1 Corinthians.
Study Galatians-Colossians.
Read the letters to Timothy & Titus,
Don't neglect to read James, 1 Peter, 1 John & certainly Revelation.

While you would do well to read the whole canon of Scripture, these are books that particularly outline the main purpose of God in human history.

Don't be afraid of what your peers, family, & leaders will think. Read the Bible & follow Jesus who died for you out of love for you. You will be glad you did.

If you care to write: "Mertaka at everybody dot org."
Mert Hershberger

ZWEMER -- What is currently taking place around the world as a
result of cartoons about Muhammad suggests we in the West need to focus
more on Muslims! This is the 10th Summer Institute in Islam, July 3-28,
2006 on the campus of Columbia International University in South
Carolina. In the four, one-week courses, the focus in on understanding
Islam, building healthy relationships with Muslims and training workers
to effectively present the gospel. With over 35 hours of class
instruction for each course, Zwemer's distinctive over other similar
programs is that it provides in-depth training for the Church's
greatest challenge in the 21st century. Material can be taken for
credit or as a seminar (non-credit).

Please follow the link to Zwemer:
http://www.ciu.edu/summerstudies

You can register on line or e-mail
muslimstudies(at)ciu (dot) edu
You may also call 1-800-777-2227, Ext. 3325.

Matthew 9:36 "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd."

When I see the news reports of angry mobs storming mosques and multitudes, angry over drawings of Mohamed I think of Jesus having compassion on the multitudes, having compassion on them - won't someone take the better way to them? Tell them of Jesus.

Pray for laborers to Muslim lands ... when will the church of the living God start praying for Muslim people?

i love you,
M.O.
Psalm 91:1

PAKISTAN: MESSIANIC MUSLIM CONTINUES LONELY MARCH
From: ASSIST News Service - February 3, 2006

By Mark Ellis

His houses along the Pakistan and Afghanistan border have been sprayed with bullets. Yet his unconventional approach to reach Muslims is winning converts. “It’s been an uphill battle,” says Brother John, a full-blooded Pashtun, and founder of a ministry devoted to presenting biblical Christianity within an Islamic context. His houses near the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan are lined with prayer rugs and have the feel of an Eastern worship center.

... “The moment I say he’s the one and only, God Almighty in human
flesh, the trouble begins,” John says. “You have to take things
one step at a time.” Many Christians will not understand John’s strategy because it sounds like compromise. “To some degree it is,” he admits. At
the same time, he emphasizes his main thrust is to prove that
Jesus Christ is God in human flesh. “We worship him as the Creator
and the Savior.”

Full story here (http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s06020013.htm).

----------------------------------------------------

ERITREA: MILITARY JAILS 75 PROTESTANT CONSCRIPTS
from: Compass Direct - February 2, 2006

Eritrean military authorities jailed 75 Protestant Christians
yesterday (February 1, 2006) at the Sawa Military Training Camp
for “reading Bibles and praying during their free time,” local
sources in the small East Africa nation confirmed. Most of the
newly arrested evangelicals, 37 of them women, are students doing
their compulsory national military service at Sawa, a remote
center near Eritrea’s mountainous western border with Sudan.

... The jailed Protestants are routinely subjected to physical beatings
and severe psychological pressure to deny their religious beliefs.
Police and military authorities continue to demand that the prisoners
return to one of the three “official” Christian denominations
recognized by the government.

Full story here
http://www.compassdirect.org/en/newslongen.php?idelement=4184

===
Excerpts from

Missions Catalyst News Briefs: WORLD NEWS BRIEFS --
Wed Feb 15, 2006 -- Edited by Pat Noble <mcnews@cproject.com>
Published by Caleb Project --
Equipping the Church to Reach the Nations -- http://www.calebproject.org

WEB SITE: RESOURCES FOR REACHING ARABIC SPEAKERS
from: Arab World Ministries (http://www.awm.org) - AWM Update - Fall 2005

Maarifa.org (http://www.maarifa.org) Arabic-only Christian website.
On-line: 5 years.
Last 2 years: the # of visitors to the site has more than doubled. Avg./mo: 9,000 visitors; 44,000 files; 32,000 pages downloaded.

Visitors to the site are able to find:
* A daily devotional.
* A weekly audio sermon.
* The current issue of our Arabic magazine.
* Bible courses which can be completed on-line.
* The largest Arabic Christian collection of music on the Internet.
* Stories and testimonies, which they can listen to and/or download.
* Offers to receive books, videos, and tapes.

E-mail correspondents respond to many e-mails each day in Arabic, French, and English to answer the questions of those truly seeking spiritual insight and information.

editted for clarity:
<+><

I was wondering if any research has been done by your group with any link of muslims to masons? I just finished a Cleansing Stream seminar and they have a lot of information on masons that many Christians need to know about, but I also wonder the link that masons may have with muslims.
- BJ in Ohio

<+>< + ><+>

You ask a good question. If you are interested, I could send you some info I have on that eventually, though I have not avidly pursued research on this topic.

Apparently, the masons (Freemasons / Masonic Lodge) emerged from the same area as a sect of Islam in Yemen. The roots of this go back (I believe) to the days of Solomon, when the pagan worship of an immoral female warrior idol spread from Phoenecia to Sheba / Yemen via trade routes. When Islam entered the area, the result was that a brand of
Islam came from it, an attempt at universalism which really ended up corrupting both Islam (in the eyes of some followers of Mohammed) & Christianity (according to Biblical standards).

The masonic emphasis on building civil buildings which are very "templesque" in shape & size is a key feature of this pseudo-religion can be seen in Yemen. Today, there are some archaeologists who are studying the architecture of what appears to be the "throne of the Queen of Sheba / Queen Bilqis." This same love of bricks & mortar infects churches resulting in crippling building programs as groups forget their First Love and seek to establish themselves in society with good works instead of trusting God's grace.

May we never forget that Jesus is first in the church! Also, please pray that the pure gospel of Jesus would get out to all nations!

Peace in Christ,

<+>< + ><+>
Mert Hershberger
ptap@srginc.org -- 1-800-376-5876
North American Coordinator
Praying Through the Arabian Peninsula
www.pray-ap.info
==
Also sent:
I know a fellow who left the Masonic lodge. He emphasized that someone had simply urged
him to examine the roots of the system. Asking good questions for those who are into
these things (and think) is one part of the process. Praying for them, is another. I
agree on the need to ardently pray for the various sorts of lostnesses / compromises that
have taken place in the church. We can't just bash people on the head. Nor can we
conform to the world around. Only Jesus Christ is our refuge. May the church in the USA
again give herself up to Him whole-heartedly!

I would also encourage a simple, friendly sharing of a book such as:

Masonic Rites and Wrongs: An Examination of Freemasonry (Paperback)
by Steven Tsoukalas Paperback: 241 pages Publisher: P & R Publishing (July, 1995)
Language: English ISBN: 0875524575
Product Dimensions: 9.0 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces.
[Info from Amazon.com]

A very solid link from the Christian Research Institute. It states what is wrong with Freemasonry very clearly:
http://www.equip.org/free/DM166.htm

Another even better site describing how one may lead others away from Masonic Lodges to the Messiah as Lord of all. It includes links to Ministry to Masons:
http://www.ephesians5-11.org/

A book you may find of interest, that I am reading (in an older edition):
Reasons of the Heart: Recovering Christian Persuasion
by William Edgar (Paperback - May 2003)
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: P & R Publishing (May, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN: 0875525954
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.2 ounces.
Avg. Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

"Love by sharing the truth.
Be honest, but be gentle."

Looking to the day when Christ reigns supreme in & over all!

<+>< + ><+>
Thank you for these resources. Twenty years ago I wouldn't know of any helps like these. I agree we need to lovingly confront these compromises and realize that each has some kind of compromise that needs out of our lives. Just because we know Christ and are not tied to Masons doesn't mean we don't have some kind of compromise in our own lives. I don't believe those who remain a Mason will lose their salvation. As the example of my family members who understand the occult activity of Masons lording over others still tied in the Masons, the truth we have come to understand doesn't reach them for a deeper relationship with Jesus. In fact it can push them further into their belief systems. Also treating them as if they are like leprosy isn't good either.

My sister won't bring her children over to their house and she treats them like they are not Christians and that they will bring curses on her children. There is a point where we need to remember we have been attached (are probably still attached) to many things and are not better than those that have masonic ties. Speaking the truth in love is the door to reaching them. I pray that the Body of Christ will become aware of the Masonic stuff and renounce it, but I also pray that as they become aware of this they don't mistreat others in the Body that have Masonic ties and shun them but instead continue to love them to Christ.

Any information you learn about this topic of Masonic-Islamic ties please pass on to me. Thanks again for the book resources I hope to look them up sometime.

Thanks for praying as well
BJ in Ohio

<+>< + ><+>
Please remember the saints here in the Ann Arbor area. The Masonic lodge has a strong influence historically on the University of Michigan. Islam also has a strong influence on the area. Please pray that the Lord Jesus will set free & keep free the people here. In many ways, the church is compromised. We face a great many temptations from the world & all its' schemes. However, I know that Christ is stronger & will redeem those who are His own. May the Word of God conquer!

Thanks.

<+>< + ><+>
Mert Hershberger
ptap@srginc.org -- 1-800-376-5876
North American Coordinator
Praying Through the Arabian Peninsula
www.pray-ap.info

Muslim Fanatics attacking Christians in Alexandria, Egypt

Dear Intercessor,

We have recently received word of an imminent and dangerous threat to the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ who live Alexandria, Egypt and the surrounding areas. It is urgent that we pray immediately because of the time difference. This could be occurring as you read this. The text you see below was sent from an undisclosed reliable contact affiliated with WIN:

THERE IS A BIG PROBLEM IN ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT!

Last Friday on the day of prayer, there were large demonstrations against Christians stirred up by fanatic Muslims and several people were killed. The extremists are threatening to have more demonstrations today, Friday 28 October, and stir up a mob. Last night the Islamic extremists went around the town marking the homes of church leaders and other Christians with black marks.

They are planning to begin slaughtering the Christians in Alexandria at 1:00 EST today.

There is much fear!
www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05100134.htm

Please pray for the Christians as some are ready to die for their Faith. Also pray for the Ministry of Interior and the security forces of the Country of Egypt, that they will protect the Christians from the onslaught of violence. Especially pray for Father Zakeria Butrous, who has become a prime target of the radicals.

We fight not against flesh and blood! This is spiritual warfare in its most stark form!

Please pray in agreement:

Psalm 91 protection over all of us. We release the top-ranking warring angels to demolish the evil that's coming against our Brothers and Sisters! Lord release the Captain of the Lord of Hosts’ Army to defeat this planned uprising. Open up the eyes of these deceived and wicked people to see the Army of the Lord fighting and defeating the wicked demonic forces. Let them see the Army of the Lord of Hosts patrolling the streets on behalf of the Christians and keeping them safe from danger. Oh Lord, according to Psalm 20 bring safety, plunder the enemies camps and bring salvations to everyone in this area. Pray against the spirit of compromise and fear that is attacking the Christians in Egypt. Amen

Also, simultaneously there are numerous anti-Israel and anti-American riots taking place in Iran during the final Friday of Ramadan (Jerusalem Day). Pray against this antichrist spirit that is stirring in the Islamic world. Call upon the Prince of peace to intervene on behalf of His Bride and children of Abraham. www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/10/28/iran.reaction/index.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4384264.stm

Pray for the shining light of God’s glory to emanate throughout Iran and other nations that have aligned themselves with this hostile regime. Ask the King of the Jews to shake these leaders off their high horse of power and religious pride like he did with the fanatical Saul of Tarsus. Release the angels of God to stir up a righteous boldness in the U.N. Security Council and other global powers to confront the contentious remarks coming out of Tehran. Thank our heavenly Father for sending angelic Special Forces to battle the demonic forces that seek to eradicate the Church and Israel. Release a spirit of grace and peace over these volatile situations.

<+><
Copyright © Window International Network.

As workers from various nationalities move into many Arab-Muslim lands for service, they are faced with several issues about which we can join them in prayer. While we pray for their fruitfulness in ministry and protection from attacks, we also want to remember their children and the struggles they face. Being not only foreign, but also Christian can make a child stand out in school, and he needs a lot of reenforcement from his family to remain strong in the face of ridicule. Pray for these special children, that they will grow strong in their walk with Jesus and be able to be bright lights with their peers and school mates. Pray for their protection in such challenging environments.

The Sundanese, with a population of 35 million, are the second largest ethnic group in Indonesia after the Javanese, from whom they are quite distinct. The Sundanese mainly live in the West Province of Java Island.

The first Sundanese kingdom (called “Taruma Negara”) was established about AD600. This kingdom was strongly influenced by Hinduism. In 1527, its main city, Sunda Kelapa, fell to Islamic soldiers. This stopped much of the influence of Hinduism in the area.

The Sundanese language, one of the more complex in Indonesia, has three levels — high (polite), middle and low. However, because the Indonesian national language is studied in school, the younger, urban generation do not speak Sundanese.

“Whether rich or poor, the most important thing is to live together” is a saying among the Sundanese. They love to congregate during the cool evenings to relax and chat together. They also prefer living together as extended families.

The Sundanese are 98 per cent Muslim. Many are “Santri”, who adhere strongly to Islam. However, there are numerous nominal Muslims called “abangan” who still hold to pre-Islamic practices such as visiting their ancestors’ tombs to pray, seeking out witchdoctors for good fortune, and reciting the Qur’an as a charm.

<+><
Prayer points

* Pray for Christian workers (local and foreign) to have cultural sensitivity and wisdom in serving and reaching the Sundanese, especially in the villages (Rom 13:7–10).

* Pray for good, continuing cooperation among the Christian workers among the Sundanese.

* Pray that local non-Sundanese churches will have courage to pray for and witness to their Sundanese neighbours.

* Supernatural power is needed to counter demonic power and confirm and demonstrate the gospel (Luke 7:19–22). Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in such power.
* Pray for protection from Islamic fanatics in the area.

* There is some discussion about the government placing restrictions on Christians. Please pray that this will not be passed at national level.

Brunei, Southeast Asia

Leader: P.M. Hossanal Bolkiah
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Christians: 11-12%
Persecution Ranking: 24th

Christians in Brunei are experiencing increased measures to inhibit their religious freedom. In May 2005, a report on the Brunei government's website warned Muslims about "propagandists" who befriended the jobless and homeless as a "mask of kindness" behind which these "hostile elements carry out their propagation, handing out documents, books, cassettes and other religious-oriented material." Although the constitution permits religious freedom, the government's avowed intention is to introduce Shari'a (Islamic law) and to create a pure Islamic state. Limitations on Christian activity are widespread, evangelism is not permitted, Bibles and other Christian literature are not allowed into the country, the use of private homes as places of worship is forbidden, and the celebration of Christmas is banned.

<+><
Prayer points:

= Pray for unity, courage, and wisdom.

= Pray that God will provide the Church with mature teachers and leaders.

= Pray that Christians in Brunei will not be intimidated by authorities but will continue to be bold in their faith.

<+><
Dear LORD, we lift the Christians of Brunei to You today. We ask that You would grant them the ability to worship You freely in a nation which claims religious tolerance. We pray that You would give them courage in the face of adversity, that they might stand together and proclaim that You are Lord. Help them today to know Your presence and to have divine wisdom as moves are made to further integrate Islam in the country. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, and 3P Ministries.
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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."

Bahrain, Arabian Peninsula

Leader: Emir Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Dominant Religion: Shia Islam (Sunni Ruler)
Christians: <1%
Persecution Ranking: 50th

In the Gulf there is a small group of islands linked to Saudi Arabia by a causeway. This is the nation of Bahrain, literally meaning two seas. Bahrain nationals are made up of two Muslims groups. Although Shi'ite Muslims have the larger number at 65%, it is the Sunni, at 35%, that hold most of the political and economic power. This results in significant tensions between these two communities. Foreign workers comprise one third of the population and have over 40 Christian fellowships worshipping in many languages. Three of these worship in the local Arabic language and are attended by Christians from Egypt, Jordan, and elsewhere. Like the nation of Kuwait, national Believers are mostly descendents of Christians from Jordan, Lebanon and Syria who were living in Bahrain when the state was founded in the 1970s. They enjoy freedom of worship. Others who choose to follow Jesus, however, face intense family pressure.

<+><
Prayer points:

= Pray that expatriate Christian workers, both Western and non-Western, will be a blessing to the Christian Church in Bahrain.

= Pray for greater acceptance of religious choice in society and a reduction in family pressure against those who choose to follow Jesus Christ.

= Pray that tensions between Sunnis and Shi’ites would be reduced.

<+><
Dear LORD of all creation, bless the efforts of the Emir to bring economic development and improved human rights. Bless the efforts of his wife, Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, in implementing a national strategy for the advancement of women. Reduce the tensions within Bahrain. Uphold the expatriate fellowships, providing gifted pastors and teachers. And may Your presence be evident to those who choose to follow Jesus Christ according to your promises in Scripture. Amen.

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Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, Voice of the Martyrs USA, and 3P Ministries

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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."

Djibouti, East Africa

Leader: President Ismail Omar Guelleh
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Christians: 6%
Persecution Ranking: 30th

Islam is the state religion of Djibouti. Although there are Christian churches, they exist purely for the benefit of expatriates, and the government discourages proselytising. The government requires that they only hold meeting within church grounds or the homes of Believers. It also requires that all religious groups register with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once approved, they must sign a two-year bilateral agreement detailing the scope of the group's activities. Christians face significant social pressures, and there have been cases of harassment and abuse of Christians by militant Muslim groups and the police.

<+><
Prayer points:
= Pray that Christians will be a strong witness to God's love and see spiritual breakthroughs in their country.

= Pray that Christians would form a strong inter-denominational network of prayer for the good of all in their nation.

= Pray for the few Somali and Afar Christian Believers who often feel isolated and suffer pressure from relatives to re-convert to Islam.

= Pray for the small house fellowships struggling to survive under persecution, intense police inquiries, harassmentb and abject poverty.

<+><
Almighty God we ask that You would protect those Christians living in Djibouti. Enable them to stand firm under the pressures of those around them to re-convert to Islam. Mature them in their faith, we pray, and help them to grow in love and understanding of You. We ask that they might have the courage to share the hope they have found in Jesus with those around them, whilst at the same time demonstrating political wisdom. We ask this in the name of our LORD Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, Voice of the Martyrs USA, and 3P Ministries
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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."

PRAY FOR MUSLIMS DURING THE THIRTY DAYS OF RAMADAN (October 5-November 3)

<+><
Since 1993 there has been a special emphasis to pray for Muslims during their annual fasting month of Ramadan. Millions of Christians from around the world have united during this time to pray that Muslim people will become open to God’s gift of salvation through Jesus. To facilitate this prayer focus, a special Muslim Guide has been prepared for each day of Ramadan. This year Ramadan will begin on Wednesday, October 5, 2005. This prayer guide is available in 42 languages. You can obtain information about this prayer focus each day by going to http://www.30-days.net. A hard copy book is also available through the following address: Thirty Day Prayer Focus For Muslims, PO Box 9208, Colorado Springs, CO 80932, USA

(
Brief Review of What Most Muslims Believe:

Five Pillars of Islam:
1. Reciting their Creed (“shahada”) — “There is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet”.
2. Prayer (“salat”) — at five set times a day.
3. Almsgiving (“zakat”) — both obligatory and voluntary giving to the poor.
4. Fasting (“saum”) — especially during the “holy” month of Ramadan.
5. Pilgrimage (“hajj”) — at least once in a lifetime to Mecca.

Even if a Muslim observes all of these pillars, there is still no guarantee of salvation. Muslims often think about the Day of Judgment, when they believe Allah (or an angel) will take a balance and weigh each person’s deeds. The only sure way to Paradise is to die as a martyr during an Islamic Holy War (“jihad”). Muslims lack assurance of forgiveness.

Mohammed is Islam’s highest prophet, but the Qur’an (the Islamic holy book) also speaks often of Jesus, who is also known as Isa. Muslims believe that Jesus was born by a miracle of God through the Virgin Mary. However, Muslims do not believe that Christ died on the cross, His resurrection or His deity. Although Jesus is the second highest prophet in Islam, He is only one prophet among 124,000.

Muslims believe angels and evil spirits (jinn) exist and teach that “all good and evil comes from Allah”, introducing a very fatalistic concept at the heart of Muslim faith and experience. The Hadiths (a collection of Islamic traditions containing sayings of Mohammed) contain instruction for almost every detail of a Muslim’s daily life. Please pray specifically for Muslims during this time.

=====
Please print & distribute the above news in a format suitable for your church bulletin.
Peace,
Mert Hershberger

News from Yemen that describe the fear which most Muslims live under, truly they have an astronomical number of fears:

==
Today there was a partial eclipse of the sun. People here are afraid to be out when that happens, as if evil spirits can harm them more easily. Superstition really, but who can blame them for their fear? Certainly we can't, for our greatest fears have been quelled by Christ. He gives us security and stays with us when darkness comes. On days like this we sense it even more. Please remember us and our Yemeni friends for the next month.

Missions Catalyst Features: NEWS FEATURE -- Wed Aug 31, 2005
-- Edited by Pat Noble <newsfeature@missionscatalyst.org>

SIGNIFICANT CHURCH GROWTH IN NORTH AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST
from: ASSIST News Service (http://www.assistnews.net) - August
4, 2005

by Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

“The most significant events of the Middle East and North Africa
are not reported by CNN. In fact, even those who are ‘imbedded’
in the region find it challenging to piece together the magnificent
work that God is doing in establishing his Church, often through
grass-roots and largely independent and invisible efforts.”

These were the comments of a member of the Strategic Resource
Group (SRG) who attended a conference organized by the Arab World
Evangelical Ministers' Association (AWEMA) and held earlier this
year in Cyprus. He is one of a staff of 12 from SRG, an organization
that that is regionally focused upon the Middle East, North Africa,
and the Arabian Peninsula.

The SRG spokesperson says that, according to what he discovered
at the meeting, the most significant church growth is currently
taking place today in North Africa.

“Estimates vary, but the number of Christians from both Berber
and Arab backgrounds number in the tens of thousands, and all
within the last 15 years,” he said. “Initially this almost ‘spontaneous
church growth’ movement began with the tribal and ethnically
distinct Berber peoples, but today church growth has spread into
the Arab populations of two countries in North Africa. This indigenous
church growth movement is all the more astounding for it is taking
place in a milieu absent of any historic Christian presence and
little direct involvement by outside Christian workers.

“God is raising up a growing number of national Arab Christians
who are undertaking direct evangelism, church planting, and discipleship
work in other Arab countries. This development has primarily
been a response to the need to bring together new believers who
have found the Lord through the media, some experience such as
dreams, miracles, or a chance meeting with an itinerate believer.
What is so exciting in many countries is the fact [that] these
Arab church planters are harvesting without need to do significant
sowing. Clearly the Lord has been preparing many thousands to
come into his Church ahead of the national work.

“Another outstanding trend is the development of national leadership.
A much greater percentage of leadership and initiative is now
taken by national believers in all countries, especially those
with marked church growth. Non-Arab believers are increasingly
playing roles that foster and support the work of national leaders
and church planters - roles that fill a specialized niche. Media
trainers, medical professionals, Christian curriculum designers,
and others are now urgently needed to come alongside a growing
number of nationally led initiatives aimed at capturing the hearts
of non-Christian Arabs through the presentation of a holistic
gospel.

“But note, this is not a western-style attempt to develop a ‘seeker
sensitive’ approach, but rather a compassionate and reflexive
response to spiritually hungry people whose lives are deeply
distorted by an array of social, cultural, and religious forces.”

The demand for more training

The SRG spokesperson went on to say, “Roughly 2,000 Protestant
churches exist today across the 22 Arab countries, yet there
are only 15 theological training centers, and most of these are
small and do not have advanced pastoral or counseling training.
Additionally, these training centers are allowed only in the
few countries that permit open Christian education. The demand
for quality theological and pastoral training is now outrunning
regional training capacity.

“Training needs vary widely across the Middle East and North
Africa. In those few countries with historic churches, the primary
needs are for secondary training in evangelism and revitalization.”

He said that a handful of the larger city churches in the Middle
East are now “getting serious about outreach.”

Growing house church movements

Another development that was discovered was that several Arab
countries have growing house church movements; this is because
half of the Arab countries outlaw public Christian worship.

“The pressing needs to train leaders include the countering of
false ideas, to heal the rifts within the young, national churches,
and to relieve pressure of the few who do lead,” he said.

“For those ‘highly restrictive’ countries which have few national
believers (Yemen for example), Arab expatriates need training
in biblical studies, evangelism, and in tentmaking skills to
be able to work in a different Arab country as effective witnesses.

“In support of all three of these facets of empowerment is the
urgent need for the development of local curriculum and programs
produced by nationals that are contextually relevant to both
their populations and their immediate needs. It is incumbent
on the international church to serve national writers, artists,
producers, and educators in skill and capacity building. Increasingly,
national believers know what they want to say; they need help
in building the megaphone!"

Vulnerable to economic stress

"The general Arabic-speaking population of the region is still
expanding rapidly, reaching nearly 300 million souls today. As
expected, with such growth comes a bevy of social and economic
ills. High unemployment, increasing poverty, and persistent illiteracy
are significant issues for all countries save the oil-reach Gulf
countries, and even these find national wealth unevenly and unjustly
distributed. A typical Egyptian family lives on two dollars a
day.

“Christians of a non-Christian background are particularly vulnerable
to economic stress. Algeria, with the fastest church growth,
sets its rate of unemployment at 27%, yet the rate among Christian
Algerians from a non-Christian background is 95%. Micro-enterprise
development may be a viable strategy in selected areas to … enable
‘entry’ for Arab expatriate Christian workers, and to build socially
legitimate businesses and commercial activities around which
various forms of Christian outreach can be developed.

“One promising example is a Christian bookshop and publishing
operation established by a national Christian living among the
Kurdish Iraqis. The director plans to distribute 35,000 copies
of the Bible and other Christian books within the next two years.”

The SRG spokesman concluded by saying, “I’ve lived in one the
region’s largest cities for 18 years, and I could not have imagined,
back in 1987, that in March of this year 11,000 national believers
would gather to pray and fast for three days under a tent, and
to listen to their leadership challenge them openly, in the name
of Jesus, to go out and win their nation for Christ.”

For more information on the ministry of Strategic Resource Group,
go to their web site (http://www.srginc.org).

Full story here (http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05080020.htm).

FROM A BAPTIST NEWS SOURCE:

UNITED KINGDOM: Praise God with the Cardiff/Bristol Beltway Team in South Wales for the many opportunities He has given for good contacts with international people who are seeking refuge in Cardiff. Especially thank God for M, who has recently come to faith in Christ. He is from a Muslim country and background, but had become disenchanted with Islam and interested in Christ. After being befriended and witnessed to by team members, Jesus appeared to him in a dream, saying three times, "You are mine. Come to me." After he awoke, feeling free for the first time in his life, he phoned a team member to say that he had become a true Christian. Pray for his spiritual safety and growth, and ask God for many more such decisions.

<>< + ><>

MAASAI OF EASTERN AFRICA (MAH-sigh): You rejoiced with the Maasai Team over the recent visit of Pastor J, a retired American pastor who used the Chronological Bible Storying Cloth to share Christ with the Maasai, particularly the "nyankusi" (old men). Join the team in giving thanks for this additional report. Pastor J writes: "Then on the last day, as this trip was coming to an end, we went into a new community. Word had been sent two
days before that the 'American nyankusi' was coming to share with them. ... They had already heard about what God was doing among the old men and wanted us to come and share with them. ... Well, when we got there, 14 men had gathered (7 old men, 7 young men) plus 4 women. When we finished, all 18 prayed to receive Christ. One of the old men stood up and said; 'I will be glad to learn all the stories so I can teach them to these men and all the others in our area.' When asked what he was going to do with his Storying Cloth, he said, 'I am going to hang it on the wall so I can study it and share with all who come by.'" The team adds: "We cannot drive through our little township without being waved down by a nyankusi wanting to talk and find out when we are coming back to tell more stories. The word is fast spreading all over Massai land about the 'nyankusi' that looks for old men to share stories about God. ... They all want to hear. So far, we have not had one Maasai old man refuse to let us share! This is a miracle within itself.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Use missions@fbcbainbridge.com to send your prayer requests.

Jesus bless you, and your prayer work for the salvation of Arabs.

It can be extremely dangerous, impractical, futile work trying to talk to Arabic Muslims and other Muslims like in, say Khazakhstan, in their own countries.

However, in for example Bournemouth on the south coast of England tens of thousands of Arabic Muslim students and other nationalities study English. They arrive in a frightened, nervous, but also exceptionally open, [and] friendly ... way.

They have lost their family, language, social, legal and religious structure.

Here they will (eagerly) discuss and listen about Jesus.

There is no taboo subject.

Prayers for these students in Bournemouth (especially the district of Charminster) and other UK centres of teaching English are really needed.

The sad fact is they are not in so far as one can see being sought after let alone reached by the very many local churches. They are a white harvest being allowed to waste.

These same people in their own countries could be unreachable because of barriers that do not exist while they are in England.

- from the UK

[edited very slightly]