Exloring Life Eternal

"Nicodemus came to Jesus at night." - John 3

PRAISE:
We are so excited over the new believer we recently came in contact with from Saudi Arabia! He is a young man that is so keen to know more about Jesus.

PETITION:
Many believers from expat congregations in our country are eager to learn how to reach out to the local Muslim population. Please pray for the teams who are training them, and for the many groups meeting weekly to learn how to share their faith effectively.

Please pray for a local man in our area affiliated with the secret police, who formerly hated and persecuted Christian workers. He asked for a Bible and since has been a changed person. We suspect he is a secret believer, due to the joy we now see in him and his eagerness for Christian contact and materials.

Pray for the Christian media production that is happening in Qatar at the moment and for the distribution at the Asian Games.

Pray for the deep shame that many Qatari's feel because they themselves are saying that the country is not ready for the Asian Games and many venues are still not ready. That God will be able to reach and to teach the local people through this time. Pray for the expatriate Christian workers coming specifically to be messengers of the Good News in Doha from 01-15 December.

Pray for "TA", a middle aged man in Saudi that is searching for God. He has had dreams of Jesus but is afraid of making more of a step toward Him because of the fear of reprisal.

TESTIMONY:
A Muslim man living in our city (whom we'll refer to as "R") decided he could earn a bit more money for his family by renting out the upstairs of his house. It suited an "Eastern" Christian family who were looking for a less expensive place to live. The Christian family was very friendly, and the wife was an excellent cook, so "R" found himself visiting them often and was welcomed as full member.

R was in a time of turmoil about some family matters and peace eluded him. One day he was in need of an onion to make his lunch, so he went upstairs to borrow one from his surrogate family. R knew about the picture of Jesus on his friend's refrigerator and as he entered the kitchen this time, Jesus' picture all of a sudden seemed to come alive. As he starred at it in wonder, he said, if you are the Lord give me peace." R was so affected by it that he left without getting the onion and then suddenly noticed that the peace he asked for was there. That night he had an unusual dream. In the dream, he was walking in the desert, very thirsty, and saw a single tree off in the distance. He made his way over and as he got closer, he noticed a man sitting under it. As he approached, the man handed him a large bowl of fresh water. As he drank it, the bowl covered his eyes and when he let it down, the desert had turned into a lush oasis teeming with life all around him.

Suddenly, he knew who the man was...it was Jesus, and He looked just like the picture on the refrigerator. The next morning, he excitedly went upstairs to see the Christian family. Pointing to the picture on the refrigerator, he shared his experiences and said he now knew it was the truth and wanted to become a follower of the Messiah, but how? He was a Muslim, from a family of Fundamentalists.

The Christian family was moving out of the country, spent time with R preparing him to hear the gospel. They introduced him to a missionary living nearby. R's Muslim family then came to live with him in the very apartment he had rented to the Christian family. For the next three years R's very young and immature faith remained secret to all, but eventually he was moved to contact the missionary he'd been introduced to before and get some help with his secret faith. This was a serious risk, but he was pressed from within to get some direction and a Bible. R was passed on to a worker, who got him a Bible and offered to meet on a regular basis. R, was elated to be accepted in confidence by the Christians, and to finally have his very own Bible!

The night before their first scheduled meeting, R was injured rather badly with a serious cut to his hand. His family urged him to stay home, but R sensed it as an attempt by the devil to keep him from what he needed to do. He came, bandages and all, told the tentmaker his whole story, and then earnestly asked his long-held question, 'So, how do I become a Christian for sure?' Later that night R was kneeling on the floor and his hands held up, he confessed with his mouth Jesus as Lord (Rom 10:8-10).

R and the worker meet for a few hours each week, and it thrills us to watch his growth. He has many questions, and is growing daily in his understanding, obedience, confidence and assurance, even to the point of showing up a few times at the English-speaking Church on his own initiative. He is still secret before his family and friends, but God is really at work in his life building a powerful testimony.

Recently, his mother was suffering from an infection on her lower leg that caused swelling and discoloration. Many trips to the doctor and prescriptions of antibiotics gave no relief. With no progress in her condition, the family had decided to send her out of the country for medical help. Then, R and his new worker friend prayed together on the mother's behalf, and within the day the swelling completely receded....she was healed! R was so encouraged by the answer to his prayers!

Naturally, the mother asked who was this person praying with him, but R was only able to reply, "He and his family are religious people." He is not yet ready to announce Christianity publicly, but as God builds his faith and testimony through things like this, we anticipate He is preparing his whole family to receive the Truth as well.

* 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 found that "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

August 28, 2006

"Beloved, the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as think, but He is patient towards us since He does not want any to perish, but for all to come to make room for repentance & to come to a knowledge of the truth." - 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4

PRAISE:
We rejoice at the successful Arabian Peninsula Consultation (APC) that was recently held in Europe. The many missions leaders and interested parties met to forge new alliances and made plans to advane the Good News in the Arabian Peninsula. This meeting is complimentary to the North American APC and the annual main consultation in the AP held each autumn in the region.

PETITION:
Pray for a believer to get a job. She has been hoping and praying for a long time. Ask God to open the door for her and provide for her in this way.

Pray for the new workers coming to the field this month. many have families and the logistics of moving to this region is many times very complex and difficult.

Pray for M. He is being challenged to go deeper in his relationship with Jesus. He has been on the fringe of following Jesus for several months.

Pray for S, a new Local believer, as she moves into a new housing situation. She is a difficult person and many in the Christian community have concerns about having her live with them.

Pray for the tent making teams in all of the Arabian Peninsula. Many changes have occurred in the past few months. Ask that the Holy Spirit would breathe anew into these Christian brothers and sisters as they are God’s ambassadors to the Arab Muslims in these lands.

TESTIMONY:
While much ministry takes place in the AP itself, those who are connected to the work there also have openings to share the Word of Truth with neighbors they meet in their homelands and during travels.

One PTAP partner has participated in a ministerial fellowship in a part of his home country where little organized ministry to Muslims has been taking place. Recently the ministerial fellowship hosted an outreach
to school-aged children and their families in a local park. While many of the children were of families from African, European, Hispanic, and east Asian heritage, there were a dozen or so families from the Middle East.

Many of the mothers who brought their children expressed genuine interest in learning more. Finding appropriate ways to connect women who will be able to minister to the needs with those mothers who expressed interest is a bit challenging, but the Lord is already beginning to prepare the way. He does not want any to perish.

* 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

Praying Through the Arabian Peninsula (PTAP)
ptap@srginc.org http://www.pray-ap.info

Arabian Peninsula (AP) countries:
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi, UAE, Yemen.

--
VISION for PTAP:
Encouraging & equipping believers & churches
to pray for the heart of the Muslim world
so that biblical church planting movements spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula & beyond,
to the Lord's glory.

PTAP:
Various Christian agencies & churches that participate in the Arabian Peninsula network of mission workers.
Those involved include North Americans, South Africans, Aussies, English, Brazilians, Filipino, Chinese, Sri Lankan, Indian, Pakistani (an Urdu translation is in process), Indonesian, Germans & other European translations/agencies/countries. To date, a total of 40+ countries have been involved to some degree or another.

WHAT THE LORD HAS ACCOMPLISHED IN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA:
Since PTAP was officially launched on April 9, 2002:
--
BEFORE: There were known indigenous gatherings of saints in 2 countries.
NOW: There are now such gatherings in all 7 countries.

BEFORE: Language Congregations in English, Amharic, Arabic, Korean, Indian congregations, & Urdu (maybe some other expatriate groups).
NOW: NEW meetings that worship using: Tagalog, Tamil, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Local dialects.

SIGNS OF THE TIME: A major terrorist attack in New York City carried out mainly by Arabian nationals, as well as a number of martyrs in the Arabian Peninsula & an international call to war against a country neighboring the AP.
SINCE GOD's PEOPLE HAVE CRIED OUT: The Good News is increasingly getting into the households of national & regional leaders through times of travel, mourning, study, tragedy, celebrations, etc.

--
Other Specific Prayers Answered & Praises:
- Prisoners freed or released.
- National & expatriate Christians provided with jobs.
- Funds & supplies for projects sent.
- New understanding & renewed interest in the Bible as God’s Word.
- Believers from many nations sharing the Good News in many ways throughout the Arabian Peninsula.
- Believers in other lands have a renewed zeal in Christ.
- Some acts of reconciliation between those affected by Islamic expansion & Arabs.

=====
HOW TO PRAY FOR THE DAYS AHEAD:
--
Focus of Prayer Initiatives:
Email list: Originally just 1 prayer request from each country. Now it has a verse, an item of praise each week. 4-6 prayer requests, and a Testimony of How the Lord is saving lives. ... The LORD is at work every day, every week!

Year 1: The 7 countries & some primary issues – booklet, bookmark, video – VHS.

Year 2: 28 different cities of the AP or where Arabians visit – booklet, brochure, DVD.

Year 3 (Lord, willing - 2007): Key unreached people groups of the AP.

--
Country Specific Networks:
There are also Yemeni, Omani, & Saudi Arabian prayer-advocacy networks with regular emails lists & semi-regular meetings. The Yemeni & Saudi peoples also have a website. Booklets are available on the Yemeni peoples & various materials on the Saudi peoples & cities.

If you are interested in any of these, requesting more material, or encouraging prayer for the Arabian Peninsula in your language or land, please contact us at: ptap@srginc.org


<>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Praying Thru the Arabian Peninsula
www.pray-ap.info
USA #: 800-376-5876 (Eastern Time)
Encouraging & equipping believers & churches everywhere to pray through the heart of the Muslim world so that 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:
ptap@srginc.org

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

March 13, 2006

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 1 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)

PRAISE!
A worker in the southern part of the Arabian Peninsula writes: My good friend “L” has made himself present in my life again after a period of him avoiding me. That’s a direct answer to prayer! God has also acted on some specific things "L" asked me to pray about. Pray that this man will encounter Isa al Messih and come to faith!


PETITION:
Pray for the ministry of the Doulos in the Arabian Gulf. It has visited Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Doha, Bahrain and is on its way to Kuwait and Salalah. Pray for opportunities to bless the Muslims of Bahrain and the Eastern provinces of Saudi Arabia.

Pray for more awesome spiritual encounters for Baraka, Hamad, Salman, and other Muslim background believers we have the privilege to minister among.

A couple that have been bold in sharing their faith have been told they will not be offered another contract of employment after this summer. This couple also has a parent suffering with advanced cancer and is also expecting the birth of their 3rd child in March. Pray that the Lord blesses this family in a special way as the birth approaches. Pray for them as they deal with all these stresses.

A tentmaking couple have a relationship with a local couple who are seeking the Lord. It has been some time since the two couples have been able to meet together. Pray that God would supply an opportunity for these two couples to meet together. Ask God to move in the hearts of the seekers and prepare them to hear the Gospel.

Please pray for the churches in the region. Pray for unity amongst diversity. Pray for a united vision and a sense of pulling together and partnership in bringing the Gospel to the nations in the Arabian Peninsula.


TESTIMONY:
I’ve met up again with the religious sheikh I mentioned last month. He feels a strong connection to me that he cannot explain, and he has welcomed me into his group of friends. Several have expressed that they sense something about me that draws them. “That’s Jesus you’re seeing!” I declare, and see where the conversation goes. I never thought I’d have opportunity to discuss ontology and teleology in English, let alone in Arabic! The sheikh loves these conversations not for the philosophical exercise, but for how it draws him closer to God. Pray that he will find all he is looking for in Isa al Messih!

I was out with them last week at what was for all intents and purposes an Islamic worship session: thirty or so men sitting on the floor, swaying in time to the tak-tak of the drums as the main singer led them in songs about God, Mecca and Medina, and Mohammed. I watched in amazement for a half-hour. Here in front of my eyes was a contextual model for a local church. ... May God redeem these cultural forms to bring himself honor and glory through Isa al Messih!"

<>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Praying Thru the Arabian Peninsula
www.pray-ap.info
USA #: 800-376-5876 (Eastern Time)
Encouraging & equipping believers & churches everywhere to pray through the heart of the Muslim world so that 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:
ptap@srginc.org

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

We continue to hear stories of people being visited in their dreams and visions. One girl tells of the night she saw a man dressed in white who promised to bring her peace. She came from a troubled home situation and the idea of receiving peace was very attractive to her.

Praise that she followed through on her dream and sought out a believer who could introduce her to the Prince of Peace. Pray for her as she grows in her new faith. Lift others who have visions that they would come to a full understanding of the meaning of this revelation.

Here are a couple of Christian Singers who sing the Gospel I commend for you to check out:

Mo Leverett not only sings about Life in Christ, but practices it. If you are interested in supporting the work of recovery after Katrina, check out this site & consider purchasing some CD's. Mo is vitally involved in sharing the love of Christ with the whole person of those he serves. Please visit:

http://www.justiceroad.com/
Genre - blues, soulish, country, rock-a-billy type folk music, often with New Orleans artists in the band.
====


Bekki Smith & her husband Jeff are committed to Jesus. She desires to prepare the way of the Lord through song & he preaches it. She is not a country singer because of her love for the Lord:

http://www.bekkismith.com/
Genre - country-western, southern pop type solo music.

Phil 1:3-9 I thank my God every time I remember you, always praying
with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you because of your
partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am convinced
of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to
completion by the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to
think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart. ...
all of you are partners with me in grace.

Dearly Beloved,

Have you reflected lately on the power and privilege of prayer? That
we, are privileged to - nay requested, to approach the throne of the
Almighty God of The Universe in speech?! That He not only may hear us
but does?! And He- GOD ALMIGHTY- wants us to?! This is God’s holy
calling that He has placed on our lives, to intercede for others in
prayer. Prayer is not something that we “just” do, this is something
that the Father Himself has given us, our Loving Lord that we are
speaking with. Brethren, please call each other to prayer – we have a
request, and we have a mandate.

James 5:13-20, “Is anyone of you suffering? He should keep on praying.
Is anyone cheerful? He should keep reciting psalms. Is anyone of
you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they
should pray for him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
The prayer offered in faith will save the person who is sick. The
Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed any sins, he will be
forgiven. Therefore, make it your habit to confess your sins to one
another and to pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The
prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a
man just like us, and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and it
did not rain on the ground for three years and six months. Then he
prayed again, and heaven sent rain, and the ground produced its crops.
My brothers, if one of you wanders away from the truth and somebody
brings him back, you may be sure that whoever brings a sinner back
from his wrong path will save his soul from death and cover a
multitude of sins. “

During my language lessons with a local woman I have been storying a
bit, trying to get into the swing of things, and as well as telling in
story-form some of the many miracles that the Lord has done in my life.

“Some years ago – my husband was pastor of a small church in the USA.
The season had been dry as a bone; many wildfires had burnt
neighboring lands. Then one day we too smelled smoke and knew that the
fires were somewhere nearby. The region was rugged, with timber on the
ridges prime fodder for the wildfire. The phone rang out, and a
friend said simply, 'Pray, the fires are above our homes, we will have
to be evacuated, pray now as you’ve never prayed before.' I called
everyone that I could think of in the area, and we went before the
throne. In a matter of minutes, a small dark cloud appeared in the sky
that had before had no promise of rain. This cloud swelled and the
wind carried it to above the raging wildfire where it promptly poured
the rain, and the wildfire was no more. The plane carrying chemicals
from the firefighters arrived too late_ MY GOD had stepped in. The
phone rang again, this time with praises for the Lord, and a statement
from my friend, 'now I KNOW that God hears prayers.'

I told this story to my local friend on Friday, Her eyes filled with
awe of what the Lord had done, and suddenly she blurted out, "Would
you pray for me and my eyes?" Beloved, we went to the throne and I
requested that He heal her body, eyes and her soul. We both wept
before Him. He did not heal her at that moment, but He has assured me
that He will heal her. I have been filled to overflowing with a
spirit of expectation since then, I KNOW it will be well. I’m calling
you to prayer, you our partners in the faith, let us all pray together
that her thirsty soul find the Living Water of Life, and her eyes be
healed.

Blessings,
From M.H. in Central Asia

"The Lord will raise up shepherds after His own heart" - Ezekiel 34

PRAISE:
We are excited that God is bringing new workers to our country. We have asked for several months in the weekly PTAP requests that the Lord of the Harvest would send more workers – there is so much to do and not enough hands to do it.


PETITION:
Pray for the two MBBs in hiding over the past few months. They have been discovered but are in anther place and keeping a low profile. Their relatives want to harm them and turn them over to the religious authorities. Pray they would remain hidden, get discipled and be able to grow in their walk with Jesus.

Pray for the blending of two Iranian fellowships in our city here. They both need a fair amount of care and spiritual discipline – but it would be best for them to be meeting together.

Pray for the MV Doulos as it starts 2 weeks of ministry starting at the end of this week in Doha. Pray that the problems encountered in setting up the visit will be prevented from the work God wants to do in the region.

Pray for the young MBB woman whose family is forcing her to marry against her will. She is looking for ways to honor her parents yet not be forced into marrying a Muslim man of her parents choosing. Pray for wisdom of those involved in this situation.

Pray for the work of God in the life of a small village in the remote, mountainous region of our country. Last year one of the MBBs was killed because of his faith. We are praying that his assailant would come to faith and be transformed.


TESTIMONY:
Humaid is a bright, energetic young man who recently came to faith in his capital city. He was discipled by a family in the church where he began to attend. Eventually, he left his home country to accept a position in a restaurant in the Arabian Peninsula. Humaid came with his young faith and began to seek out Christian discipleship. He found Some like minded brothers that speak his heart language and they encouraged and challenged him in his walk with Jesus. He has had many opportunities to share his faith at his place of work as well as with his neighbors. He has been a big encouragement to an MBB that has been weary and down-trodden. He is beginning to take up responsibilities in their small MBB fellowship. We are seeking God’s best for him in the near and far future. Please rejoice with us and pray that God will empower him to speak His love to his people.


===
Please also remember the one who sends out the news, that the Lord's
care would be with him, that he & his family would be bold in witness
with much fruit. - mjh


<>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Praying Thru the Arabian Peninsula
www.pray-ap.info
USA #: 800-376-5876 (Eastern Time)
Encouraging & equipping believers & churches everywhere to pray through
the heart of the Muslim world so that 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:
ptap@srginc.org

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

====
Old PTAP & Related News: http://mertaka.openweblog.com

Thank you for lifting up the prayers we send out. Please remember that the requests we send out do not only reflect those related to our team, but the requests also include ones that we have received from other teams across the land. The purpose of the sharing the requests among the various teams is to strengthen our unity in prayer and to witness what God is doing across the land, & not just in our cities.

Please lift these requests up:
* God seems to be moving workers around in various areas. Several workers will be leaving the kingdom in six months to a year. Pray that God would bring more workers to the areas where workers leave. Pray also for the cities and villages that do not currently have workers there. Ask God to send more workers for the harvest.

* A couple worker in one region will not have their contract renewed. I have copied their requests below. "We will probably have to leave too, but in the [early fall] of this year. There have been complaints against our activities and we had to move out of the community to the compound. We heard already that there are no intentions to renew the contract, but Allah akbar (God is greater) if He wants us to stay, maybe in another city than He will. We're not looking forward to having to apply for a job again and move again. Please pray for this whole situation."

* This couple also has a family member dealing with the increasing effects of cancer. "His mom was diagnosed with intestinal cancer a few years ago, which was untreatable. She did very good without pain until now, but now the pain and more complaints are coming, so we think she is entering a stage which will go downwards. You can pray for her and Chris' dad, but also for the surrounding family, that we can all support them (even from a far distant in our case)."

* This couple is also expecting the birth of their 3rd child in March. Pray that the Lord blesses this family in a special way as the birth approaches. Pray for the mother and the new life she help bring into the world.

* A Ch. couple working here for the Lord have a relationship with a local couple who are seeking the Lord. It has been some time since the two couples have been able to meet together. Pray that God would supply an opportunity for these two couples to meet together. Ask God to move in the hearts of the seekers and prepare them to hear the Gospel.

* Many workers across the country are involved in learning Arabic. Pray that God help them to acquire the language they need to minister here in the kingdom.

* Ba. is a poor local man whom a worker has been reaching out to. Pray that the worker would have wisdom to know how to minister and witness to this man. Language is a barrier. Pray that God would provide a way for these men to communicate about Him.

* Ab. is a local believer who is growing in his faith. He is looking to immigrate to another country. Pray that God would give him wisdom to discern His will. Pray for the worker who is ministering to this brother that he would be able to provide wise counsel.

* A worker will soon share with A-A again. Pray that he would be open to the Gospel and that God would speak through the worker.

* Os.: Pray that the worker would have the opportunity to meet with him again and that Osama would have a desire and interest for the Gospel.

* Pray for At. and the worker who is ministering to him. The worker will
take another worker with him for the next meeting. Pray that God would move in a mighty way through these workers and in the heart of Ateea.

* Another couple (D&K) will not have their contract extended & it seems thus far that the Lord is leading them to leave this summer. Pray that they are able to discern His will for their lives and that they remain obedient to His call. "We still feel very much called to the people of this country. Pray that God would show us how and where to minister to them. It seems as though many changes lay ahead for us as a family. Please keep us in your prayers."

PRAISES! PRAISE! PRAISE!

Last month you were asked to pray for a worker who had given 9 people christian materials at Christmas time. The request was specific to her work situation that there would not be any backlash. The worker reported that her work situation has been fine and no negative actions from the gifts. Pray that God would open the hearts of those 9 people to receive Jesus.

Praise the Lord that He is good all the time! That His mercies are new
every morning and that He is faithful in all circumstances.

We pray that God blesses you in your work for His Kingdom. Thank you for
lifting up these requests and blessing others with your prayers.

January 30, 2006

"Whoever drinks the water that I give will never thirst. Yes, the water I give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life!" - Jesus (John 4:14)

PRAISE:
A woman on our team was away for work for several weeks. Upon returning one of her National Muslim friends was the first to call her. She said they must get together and they did the next day. Her friend shared how she feels it is urgent that they study the Christian Holy Book each day so she can learn more about Jesus. PTL!


PETITION:
We had a gathering of local believers for Christmas! It was the first time they had all met each other. It was awkward but oh so encouraging. We read the Christmas story together in Arabic. We separated the genders and spent time praying for each of them, and they for each other. Pray that their families will join us next year!

One of our team members had a night in the desert with a bunch of university and mid-20 year olds. Their leader is a middle aged man who is very open minded. They asked our friend many questions about Christianity and asked him to play a Christian worship song in Arabic. They stayed up till late at night discussing the things of God. Please pray that they would come to faith.

Pray for a prayer-based ministry here - that God would provide the finances they need in order to continue. Pray for God to raise up people to support them financially so that they can continue their ministry.

Pray for the language studies of several young singles and couples studying Arabic in the Arabian Peninsula. They long to be fluent so they can share the love of God in the heart language of the National Muslims of the Arabian Peninsula.

Pray for the healing touch of the Great Physician on the life a tentmaking family where the husband is fighting cancer. Pray for peace and comfort in His hands


TESTIMONY:

“I’m so tired… I need new life!”

This is how Baba explained his recent decision to put his trust in Christ. Praise God! I was totally in awe at how the Father orchestrated the evening, moving Baba’s heart so close that he could no longer say no to Him.

In December, we started studying Injil Yohanna (Gospel of John). We read the first three chapters or so, looking at all that John writes about Jesus. There wasn’t much discussion – Baba was mainly gathering information. Then I happened upon the DVD, “The Gospel of John.” The Visual Bible has done an amazing job with this word-for-word production. And we have a copy here with Arabic subtitles! So we started watching, and Baba couldn’t get enough of it! “Wow!” he said. “We just read that! It’s like an audio book, only better.” We watched it all in the course of a week or so. It brought the scriptures to light for him in a very powerful way.

Then about 10 days ago, we got together again to read. I had definitely sensed a change in him, so we went back to study John 3. Studying Nicodemus’ visit to Jesus with Baba brought such life into the passage for me. Here was Nicodemus sitting in my living room, asking me about new life and how it all works. I’m glad Jesus gives such awesome answers! We spent an hour talking about the earthly life and the spiritual life. God’s presence was tangible. “What is this sensation?” Baba asked. “It’s like cold water in my heart!” All of Baba’s questions and comments showed that he was really getting it: Jesus offers new life to all who put their trust in him.

When we finished, we prayed as we always do. All of a sudden, without any invitation or prompting from me, Baba starts offering his life to Isa al Messih! It was his sudden overflow of understanding and faith and need and love. “I open my heart to you. Please come in and give me this new life!” We talked about it later. Baba said, “I’m just so tired… I really need a new beginning. I need new life!” Baba has that new life now, evidenced by a joy and confidence that is contagious.

Baba also has a new zeal in telling others about Jesus. He doesn’t let on that he is a believer. No, that may take a long time… He even said that he probably wouldn’t have told me had I not been there when it happened. But he is unambiguous, even with strangers, that he has found amazing things in the gospel. “Read it for yourself,” he challenges. “Increase your knowledge. And you will see things that you cannot find anywhere else!” Many local people have bought the Injil as a result of their interactions with him. Amazing!

So thank you for praying for this man! And keep praying for him – for protection, for encouragement, for desire for Jesus, for more faith, for more zeal, for courage, for wisdom. Baba’s dad knows something is up, and he’s giving Baba a hard time about many things.


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Praying Thru the Arabian Peninsula
www.pray-ap.info
USA #: 800-376-5876 (Eastern Time)
Encouraging & equipping believers & churches everywhere to pray through the heart of the Muslim world so that church planting movements will spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond for the Lord's glory.

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

Or write:
ptap@srginc.org

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

Prayer Requests and Praises for November 9, 2005

1. Praise God for all the prayers that were lifted up over the last month and a half. During Ramadan, the whole Christian world was praying for Muslims around the world. And many chose during the month of October to take one week and fast specifically for the country of Tajikistan. To those who did, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. May you find your treasure in heaven!

2. Pray for seeds of good news sown in some remote areas recently to grow and bear fruit. Ask that God would open many hearts the the Truth through these seeds. Ask that God would also protect those doing the sowing and mature them as they seek Him in all their endeavors.

3. Pray that those working in Tajikistan would not be drug down by depression, discouragement, or despair; but would rather enter a fresh new season of Knowing God and Enjoying Him, being satisfied in God and enjoying His Presence. May this new wind be so appealing to others that they want it for themselves!

4. Praise God with us for nearly 250 pre-orders so far for the calendar. The final version has been sent to the printers and we will have them soon. Again if you want to get some, please don't hesitate to email HT@hopetajikistan.com. In regards to the already-printed Hope Tajikistan prayer guides, please order those by emailing PrayerGuides@hopetajikistan.com Thanks so much!!!!

5. There is currently an unprecedented freedom in this country to proclaim the truth. Pray that many will be called to take advantage of it while it last. There are signs that there are those who want to close the door, but it is not closing yet! Pray that this door of opportunity will be taken by many while it is still open!!!


Thanks for praying. May God bless you richly as you are blessing to the people of Tajikistan.

- HT Prayer Coordinator

Praise:

Praise the Lord for the reception the team of tentmakers have had in many expatriate churches in our major cities. This team of mature missionaries has been invited to train men and women in effective Muslim evangelism. Just 5 years ago this would have been just a dream. However, the Holy Spirit has been moved by the prayers of faithful PTAP partners to equip God’s people in this region to step out boldly in faith with the Good News.

Praise the Lord for the successful support raising sessions that key leaders from the Arabian Peninsula had in North America. These sessions are to connect Christian supporters with projects and people in the Arabian Peninsula. Many of the projects developed by the grass-roots missionary teams have been resourced by these groups.

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Petition:

Pray for the growing Chinese church in the Emirates. From a handful of believers 16 months ago, it has grown to over 200. Pray for workers to disciple those that have come to faith and the thousands waiting to have the Good News presented in their work camps, shops and construction sites.

Pray for the new initiatives starting up in our mountainous country. We have many development projects that help people with basic needs and present the Gospel of Christ in a loving, caring atmosphere.

Pray for a local Muslim man who professed faith in Jesus a few weeks ago. Since that time he has not responded to any calls. Please pray for protection for him and that he would remain in his new found faith.

Pray for the new Muslim background believers here - for growth in both their understanding and experience of God, for strength to stand firm in persecution and isolation, and for God's hand on the direction for their lives.

Lift up to the Throne of Grace those scriptures and videos and CD/DVDs that have been given to the seeking Nationals in our country. We know that many have seen the Passion of the Christ, the Jesus film and other key outreach tools. Pray that they would come to faith.

Testimony

Several months ago, M was depressed and felt there was little or no hope for change in his life. While he was a good Shiite Muslim, he felt empty inside. He was lonely, tired of life and bored with his menial job. He climbed on top of a multistory building just 300 meters from his home. It was a blustery late March day. He decided to throw himself off the top of the building and end his life. It will be up to Allah's mercy if he should choose to show it.

Just as he is about to climb on top of the parapet wall, he hears some cries for help down in the car park. There is a lady waving her arms and shouting something about needing help. He made his way down the stairs to help the lady in distress. He was a bit angry that his plan was being delayed but figured that she would be stranded in this place if he didn't help. Plus, it isn't good to have people watching you when you commit suicide.

When he helps the lady get her car going, she senses that he is troubled in spirit. She felt strongly the God wanted her to tell him that Jesus loves him and wants to care for him. She obeyed the Spirit's leading and told M simply "Jesus loves you." He immediately broke down crying and poured out his heart to this young believer herself. She gave a quick call to a Christian man living in the area to come meet this man.

M placed his faith in Jesus that very evening. He is now a leader in the small MBB church in his city. He has been blessed to get some training in his country and even attend some discipleship sessions in a Mediterranean country. He loves the Lord, has been treated unkindly by his family, but is steadfast in his pursuit of God.


<>< <>< <>< <>< <><
Praying Thru the Arabian Peninsula
ptap@srginc.org
www.pray-ap.info
USA #: 800-376-5876
Encouraging & equipping believers & churches around the world to pray through the heart of the Muslim world so that church planting movements will spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula, to the ends of the earth & the islands ... to the glory of God in Christ

====
To learn how you can share in this ministry, visit:
http://www.srginc.org

Or write to:

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

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Old News: http://mertaka.openweblog.com