Exloring Life Eternal

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.

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.

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

Have you ever taken a stand in a dispute so strongly that you feel it is impossible to back down even when evidence grows that the other side of the argument is correct?

Many feel that this is the position of the leadership in the country we love concerning a major legal and political issue which continues to delay the full integration of the country back into the international community. In the interim period many innocent families continue to suffer as they see their loved ones dealing on a daily basis with the consequences of the problem.

Pray for a just and swift end to this situation and for comfort for those who suffer from its effects.

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.

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!

The government of the country we love is seeking to curb the corruption that is often rife within the country. Those involved have been given until the end of the year to admit their involvement or else they will face he consequences after that. Corruption has been a growing problem with the gap between the rich and poor visibly widening over recent years.

Pray for justice in the country's financial affairs, and that the people would desire a God who combines justice with mercy.

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.

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.

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.

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

EXODUS OF ARAB CHRISTIANS FROM PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
In Bethlehem, Israel, flyers curse Arab Christians and Pope Benedict and accuse a Palestinian Christian of selling mobile phones carrying offensive sketches of the Islamic prophet Mohammed, reported AgapePress. The frightened phone dealer has gone into hiding and is now thinking of moving abroad. It is part of a modern exodus of the tiny Palestinian Christian minority that could lead, some predict, to the faith becoming virtually extinct in its birthplace. Palestinian uprisings and the separation barrier started by Israel in 2002 have accelerated the flight by turning once-bustling pilgrimage sites such as Bethlehem into relative ghost towns. The growing strength of radical Islamic movements has added new concerns. During the protests after the pope’s remarks about Islam in September, some of the worst violence was in Palestinian areas with churches firebombed and hit by gunfire. [RELIGION TODAY/HCJB 13 Nov. 2006]

TAKING THE GOSPEL BY CAMEL
Converted Arab Christians in northern Africa recently undertook a grueling, 3-month camel journey across the Sahara desert to share the gospel with hostile nomads. They were unable to contact their families, were once beaten by metal rods, kidnapped, and one man was stabbed. Nonetheless, they intend to [persevere in the future as well.] Missionaries introduced the Arabs to Christ 6 years ago when there were fewer than 10 Christians in the Muslim group of 1.5 million. There are now 9 worship groups. These believers felt led to share the gospel with a tribe that was notoriously fierce and unfriendly to outsiders. Worship groups contributed 8 camels, horses, tea, grain and cooking oil, plus stacks of gospel cassettes and "JESUS" videos dubbed into the language of the nomadic people. The group found open hearts in at least 10 nomadic camps. [BP, 12 Oct. 2006]

IN FACT:
$46 billion - Amount spent per year globally on bottled water
$1.7 billion - Amount needed per year beyond current spending to provide clean drinking water to everyone on earth
More than one billion - Number of people worldwide who lack reliable access to safe drinking water
80 - Percentage of world illnesses due to water-borne diseases [NY TIMES]

The worst crime of the desert is to withhold water from the thirsty.

Pray that Muslim Arabs would receive the Water of Life, willingly & freely from Oman to Maurtinia, from Syria to the Sudan. Thank the Lord for the many wonderful blessings which He has sent you as well as the way He is sending out the Gospel message to the ends of the earth. May the deserts bloom!

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.

One believer's car was at the mechanic being mended so he was having to use taxis to get around town, not as convenient as using his own car. But one day he rejoiced in his circumstances. As he drove along he was discussing the current news with the driver and was surprised at his knowledge of the Bible. "How do you know so much?" he asked. The driver replied that he was listening to the radio. "Are you a believer?", he asked. The driver smiled but didn't reply. The believer spent the next hour answering many questions the driver wished to raise. He happily accepted a Bible. All his knowledge had come from the radio he had not seen a Bible before. When the believer had to leave he suggested they meet again the following week to discuss these things further. The taxi driver didn't think that a good idea--"Next week! Why not tomorrow? I have many more questions and don't want to wait that long."

One man in North Africa was ostracized by his family when he became a believer. Over several years he has sought to show love to his family and by so doing he has been able to break down barriers with at least some of them. They are curious as to why things are going well for him. After all he has left the "true faith" so isn't Allah angry with him? He should be unhappy and failing in his life. Yet the person they see has come through his difficulties, is happy within himself and moving forwards in life. Their preconceptions are challenged and they are starting to ask questions of him about his new faith.

Thank you for your prayers for the friends who made a trip to the region to pray specifically for the Country we Love and to encourage the laborers on the field. The Lord blessed their trip in an amazing way, not only by providing protection in travel, but by allowing them great times of interacting with full- and part-time workers, and being in areas of high concentration of Ls. We are excited about how the Lord will bless the Country we Love as a result of their extra prayer efforts for the people. If you are interested in coming and having a special prayer walk for L, please let us know at reachla at bigfoot (dot) com. The Lord does great things when His people join in prayer.

One local believer has taken a major step in his discipleship this summer as he undertook an intensive training programme. He is very enthuiastic about all that he has learned. As he now returns to his homeland please pray for him to continue to grow in faith week by week without the challenge and support of intensive teaching and daily meetings with his fellow students. Pray that he would find wise ways to put into practise all that he has learned over the summer and would be able to encourage other local believers to take new steps in their faith walk.

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

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.

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.