AEIOU: Arab Christians leave Palestine
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 popes 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!
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 popes 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!
