Forever Home

I love those words "Forever Home". They are sweet, comforting, safe and secure. James 1:27 says: Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

These little children are forever home. Adoption is a precious gift for both child and parent. It is a perfect picture what happens when we accept Jesus as the Savior of our lives, He becomes our Abba Father, and we become his children. We then know that we are "Forever Home" in Christ.

Another common tie is that both require action and obedience. To adopt children takes a act of faith and action to put it into motion. I believe the Lord wants us to have to put effort toward something so that we will fully appreciate the gift.

The same goes with accepting Christ and being adopted into His forever family. Jesus does not make us take that step, but he wants us to. Once we understand the need we have for a savior and understand what we need to be saved from (eternity seperated from God due to sin) we have the opportunity to accept Chirst (that takes action) and then we can fully appreciate the gift of being saved.

My heart is just overjoyed to know that these children are forever home. It overjoys me more to know that without the willingness and obediance of the parents, these children may have never had the opportunity to know Christ as their personal Lord and savior.

Praise God for a safe trip, and WElCOME HOME Kaitlyn Christians!!!

Forever Home

Park Day

We have started meeting with other home school mom's and kids once a week. It is a great opportunity to get together and just have some fun. The kids had a great time playing, and making friends, sharing snacks and feeding the ducks and geese. It's still a little hot, but we are on the way to cool!! Yeah!!!
These moments are priceless, something our mind captures and our hearts will never forget.

Day 26

Meerut's former name literally translates as "City of Demons", and it is still know as a hotspot because of its long history of conflict. The city gained international prominence in 1857 as the starting point for the Indian mutiny against British rule. The area was again in the headlines in 1987 when some of the most deadly riots in India's history occurred between Meerut's Hindus and Muslims.

Despite the hostile environment in the city, God continues to work. Many Muslims have had dreams where Jesus appeared to them. Other people and coming to Christ through answered prayers and direct witness. One of the greatest needs is for Indian Christian workers to build relationships with Muslims, pray for their felt needs, explain the dreams in which Jesus appeared to them and proclaim the Gospel.

One former Muslim from Meerut explained hew he became a believer. Jesus appeared to him in a dream carrying a cross on His shoulder. He told the man,"I suffered this for you." The man had the same dream two more times during the next few years before believing in Christ. When he told his parents about the about his decision, his father drew a gun and tried to shoot him. the son quickly dodged and was wounded in the shoulder. Fleeing from his parents home he found a pastor who cared for him. The young man received training and now travels throughout north India, teaching Muslim-background believers how to reach Muslims for Christ.

We can Pray:

*Pray against the hostility and fear in Meerut. Muslims who are seeking Christ, Christians and some missionaries are equally inhibited from speaking about Jesus because of persecution.

*Pray that God will continue to speak to Muslims through dreams and meet the needs of Muslims in Meerut in supernatural ways.

*Pray for Muslims in Meerut to accept Christ and then be used to reach their own people.

Day 25

First I want to say, I am really behind and I apologize for that. For the sake of time, I will skip ahead to Day 25 and not fill the in between. Don't you just love the pictures of the peoples? This is one of my favorite people groups to look at. The are so beautiful.
Blessings,
D~

The Gujjar tribe is scattered across the mountains and foothills of Pakistan and north India. Life there is beset with difficulties including poverty, illiteracy, lack of medical facilities, and dis empowerment. Traditionally, the Gujjar are nomadic herdsmen, looking after sheep, goats and water buffalo, though over the centuries some have taken up a sedentary, agricultural lifestyle. Others have given up migrating to pursue a better life in town with salaried employment and access to education and health care.

The Gujjar lifestyle has been disturbed by 15 years of militancy in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The mountain heights are no longer considered safe, and this has caused many Gujjars to give up migrating altogether. Other areas have been overgrazed, so that the migration routes no longer support the animal herds.

As the Gujjars move from a traditional lifestyle to a modern one, their culture is experiencing rapid change. Family relationships are struggling to adjust to a new social environment and traditional clothes are being replaced by modern ones.

The past 15 years have been turbulent times for the Gujjar people, and an assortment of external pressures has led to an increased receptivity among the younger generations. many young Gujjars have begun to question the worldview, religious beliefs and practices of their elders. They are looking for real spiritual answers.

We can PRAY:

*Pray that the Lord will send additional workers to the Gujjar.

*At present there is no Gujjar Bible, but a translation is in process. Pray that Gujjars of all dialects will be able to understand it. Pray also for audio/oral Bibles in the Gujjar language, as most are illiterate.

*Pray for the fellowship and spiritual growth of the few Gujjar believers as they organize themselves into fellowships.

Day 19

The Yao of Tanzania live in the south along the Mozambique border. Mainly peasants, they raise animals and have small businesses, while living in small groups of clans. Traditions are passed during initiation ceremonies carried out with dancing and other activities. Women receive sexual instruction before marriage, and there are special initiation rites for women at the beginning of their first pregnancy.

Around 1800, Arabs started slave-trading in the Yao region. The Yao enslaved people from neighboring tribes and sold them to the Arabs. Through the slave trade, the Yao started to practice Islam. The abolition of the slave trade in Tanzania in 1873 did not please the Yao, and this resulted in negative relations with their colonial rulers. As the religion of the colonial rulers, Christianity was hated, despite the introduction of medical care and education. The Yao did not allow their children to attend schools, fearing that their children would start eating pork or become Christian.

At present about 95% of the Yao of Tanzania are Muslims. Islam has become a central part of Yao culture, so much taht when a Yao turns his back on Islam he cuts himself off from his tribe and his clan. He is completely abandoned and will not be given any assistance. In addition, he may be threatened to make him return to his original Islamic faith.

We can PRAY:

* The Yao do not consider schooling essential, and parents sometimes have to be forced to send their children to school. Pray for a change in worldview about education.

*Sexual instruction given during initiation rites tends to lead to poor morals, and the young develop a promiscuous lifestyle. Where TV is available it is also having a negative influence. Pray for a change in Yao society that leads to a more moral lifestyle among the young people.

*New believers often find it hard to meet their basic needs, which encourages them to return to Islam. Pray that the Yao churches will develop a great ability to help believers.

*Christian radio service is limited in time and frequency. Pray for more workers and financial support so that the ministry can touch hearers for Christ.

Day 18

The Rejang people primarily live in the province of Bengkulu, specifically in the Rejang Lebong Regency and a large portion of the North Bengkulu Regency. Most of the Rejang live on the cool mountain slopes of the Bukit Barisan mountain range. This area is still covered in thick jungle. The Rafflesia Flower (the world's largest flower) as well as beautiful orchids grow wild throughout this area.The Rejang have their own language, Rejang, with four dialects: Kapahyang (Rejang Ho), Selupuh (Rejang Musai), Rejang Lebong and Rejang Pesisir.

The majority of the Rejang profess Islam. However, animism is an integral part of their daily life and beliefs. For example, a spirit called masumai is believed to be able to take the form of either tiger or a man and is the most frightening of all creatures for the Rejang.They believe strongly in the unseen world and a wide variety of different spirits with names such as semat, sebei sebeken, orang bunian, and roh padi (spirit of the rice). They use magic for a great range of purposes: to harm enemies who are far away, to make ritual oaths in secret places (including grave yards), and to practice divination at holy shrines.

We can Pray:

*Pray that the Lord would call men and women to witness among the Rejang and for a spiritual breakthrough so that many will be open to the Gospel.

*Pray that God would keep, strengthen and encourage the few Tejang believers.

*Ask God to call qualified linguists to translate the Bible into their language.

Day 17

The Western Cham (or Khmer Islam) live near Cambodia's major cities, including Phnom Penh, and along the Mekong River. They speak Western Cham, a Malayo-Polynesian language that uses an old Devanagari script-the alphabet in which many modern Indian languages are written.

Cham villagers are extremely poor, and their settlements convey a sense of impermanence. Homes are made of split bamboo and are elevated above the ground to protect against flooding. Their diet of fish, rice, and vegetables is adequate, but most other necessities of life are severely lacking. The typical home has few adornments and domestic utensils.

The Cham in Cambodia have preserved some of their original traits, such as the position of authority held by the maternal uncle. However, for the most part, they are entirely integrated into the Cambodian lifestyle and many now speak Khmer (Cambodian).

We can PRAY:

*Pray that missions agencies will be granted God's wisdom and favor.

*Ask the Lord to call additional long-term laborers who are willing to go to Cambodia and share Christ with the Western Cham.

*Pray that Jesus will begin to reveal Himself to the Western Cham through dreams and visions.

* Ask God to strengthen, encourage, and protect the few known Western Cham Christians.

Information taken from 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus, Operation World, Joshua Project

Meet Ying

This is our little C's newest friend. She took one look at Ying and said "Oh mom, China"! How would she know that?? These are our friends and they are currently in China with their newest member, Ying. She is so....cute, wouldn't you agree?? Please keep them in your prayers as they will need every one. I can't help but to imagine what Ying must feel. I am sure she is excited and scared as she leaves everything she has ever known. I have their link on my blog.

I have such a heart for adoption, I think that it is the most wonderful thing. God talks about us being adopted sons and daughters of his. In James, he talks about caring for widows and orphans. Even if we are not "called" to adopt our selves, we most certainly pray for those who are fatherless and motherless. Below, is a poem that the Lord gave me one night about adoption. I just love that God sees.

When God Sees

When God sees,
It is not a mere glimpse but etched detail,
It is the canvas of His mind.

When God sees,
He looks through kaleidoscope glasses, at a watercolor picturesque
painting.
He pays no attention to the characterization of dye, He sees variety
and shades,
fading into one glorious design.

When God sees,
He smiles and then sometimes weeps at His creation,
Longing for the nations, to see Him.
When God sees,
He leads us to His understanding, when God sees, He wills.

When God sees,
He looks upon His beauty, the hopeful hearts of expectant parents,
The soft skin of an infant child, needing, wanting, waiting,
For the one God will send to love them.

When God sees,
He loves and He listens. Hearing the desperate plea of a world longing,
Helpless cries of a newborn baby,
And a mourning mother, planning her escape,
Overwhelmed with her loss,
But never escaping,
When God sees,
He knows.

When God sees,
He laughs. His Holy face glowing in His radiance, eyes dancing,
Full and proud of His child, so blessed, so touched.

When God sees,
He waits for His saints to march into action,
Filled with confidence, filled with fear
Wait…I found the courage,
Because He sees.

When God sees,
His grace extends and encompasses an array of mercies,
Like the sun rising to warm the earth.
When God sees,
He perfects, comforts and completes.

When God sees,
He says; Let the little children come to me,
When God sees,
He sees me.

ACT

10/06

Day 16

Fiji is an independent island republic in the Pacific Ocean made up of a few large islands and over 300 small ones. Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British colony. The islands have varied population of Fijian Melanesians, Indians, Europeans and others.

Fijian Muslims were originally Indian immigrant laborers for the sugar cane industry. While Indian Hindu groups invested in building schools and pursuing Western education, Muslims historically put an emphasis on traditional Islamic schooling to protect and promote their identity. Because of the educational differences, Muslims have often been under-represented in institutions, civil service and in the professions.

The first mosque was built in Navau in 1900, and now there are approximately 200 mosques and "prayer houses" in Fiji. In rural areas, the Muslim communities can be identified by the presence of a mosque or "prayer house". An increasing number of Muslims have begun using Arabic forms of dress, thought by some to make them "real Muslims".

Christian mission attempts are just beginning to recognize the cultural and religious differences among the Indian people groups in Fiji. Until now, the conversion of Muslims has been more accidental than deliberate, but small numbers of Muslims are coming to Christ through many denominations.

We can PRAY:

*Christian congregations of former Muslims are needed to help new Muslim converts grow in discipleship.

*Pray for chruch-planting teams to establish groups of former Muslims.

*Most Muslims who come to Christ receive threats from religious leaders and pressure from relatives. many lose their jobs and are cast out by their families and friedns. Pray that they would have courage and commitment.

Day 15

The Jambi people (also known as the Melayu Jambi - i.e. Jambi Malay) primarily live in four of the six districts that comprise the Jambi Province of central Sumatera. These districts are Tanjungjabung, Batanghari, Bungo-Tebo, and the capital city of Jambi. The Jambi language is a branch of the Melayu (Malay) language cluster. Their culture is greatly influenced by the Minangkabau culture.Most of the area the Jambi inhabit is a lowland basin of dense jungles, peat bogs, swamps, and rivers--all drained by the mighty Batang Hari River (655 km. long) and its tributaries. The rivers are important to them not only as a means of transportation but as a source of fish. They are adept swimmers and fishermen. They use eight types of traditional fishing tackle, as well as the modern pukat (fishnet). They are great eaters of ikan (fish) and complain that a meal is incomplete without its distinctive flavor.

The Jambi have many different kinds of ceremonies and rituals, which they celebrate at special occasions. These would include: birth of a child, naming a child, first hair cut, ear piercing for two-year old girls, and circumcision for sons between six and ten years old. When the children come of age, (15 year old girls and 17 year old boys), there is a ceremony to file their teeth as a symbol of their adulthood.

Many of the Jambi people feel that they have been displaced and disadvantaged in the area economy by the many transmigrants who have arrived in recent years. More extensive educational assistance could help them gain the skills they need to achieve a competitive position with other ethnic groups. Better medical care is also needed among the Jambi.

We can PRAY:

*Pray for long-term Christian laborers to work among the Jambi Maylay people.

*Pray for the love of Jesus to penetrate the walls built up against the Gospel, so that the people of Jambi may find their identity and freedom in being children of God.

*Pray for the Jambi Maylay who have accepted the gospel, that they would be strong and courageous witnesses to their own people, resulting in a culturally-adapted Jambi church.

Day 14

The Singapore Malay constitute fifteen percent of Singapore's multi-racial population. They are widely dispersed all over the country of Singapore. They immigrated centuries ago, mostly coming from Peninsular Malaysia and parts of the Indonesian archipelago such as Java and Sumatra. Despite being the first inhabitants of the country, they are not the largest group due to the arrival of Chinese and Indian immigrants in later years. The Singapore Malay speak Bahasa Malaysia which is considered one of the major languages of Singapore.

The Singapore Malay culture is a combination of the culture of Malaysia and Indonesia. Intermarriage is allowed as long as both share the same religion. Most common intermarriages are between Malay and the Mamak.

In recent years in Singapore many have had economic hardship but among the hardest hit have been the Malay people. The Singapore Malay have often been in the majority of those unemployed. Pray that more believers would help their fellow Singaporean Malay who are struggling economically and find creative ways to bless them.

We can PRAY:
*Pray that the Good News could help mend some of the broken hearts and families of the Singapore Malay.

Day 13

It is not easy to proclaim the gospel in the Lyon area; there is a real spiritual battle as the city follows French national trends. The majority of Muslims in the Lyon area come from North African countries and some have lived in Lyon for several generations. There is a growing lack of respect from the younger population not only toward their elders but also toward their own religion, though in public they often defend it loudly. Many young Muslims in the area have also been influenced by a South African preacher named Ahmed Deedat, who for many years has poisoned their minds against the Bible through his video teachings. (He has since then died).

Many former Muslims in France say they came to faith through the steady witness of French Christian friends. Among the 150,000 Muslims in the Lyon area, there are nearly 50 Christians from a Muslim background.

We can PRAY:

*Pray for a spiritual breakthrough in Lyon among the Muslims and the French people.

*Pray for workers to be culturally sensitive and determined in the face of oppositions as they work among Muslim young people.

*Christians working among Muslims in France often need to address occult influences in the lives of Muslims as well as resentment over racism and prejudice from portions of the French population. As God to equip His servants to deal with these challenges.

Day 12

The Albanians are believed to be descendants of the Illyrians, who were the original inhabitants of the western Balkan Peninsula. In the sixth century, migrating Slavs began to settle on Illyrian territory and pushed the Illyrians into what is present-day Albania.

With the fall of the Communist regime in 1990, the crime rate in Albania began to soar. Since that time, religious practices have not only been allowed, but also encouraged as an antidote to the crime wave. Muslims from the Middle East are now attempting to re-evangelize Albania by sending missionaries, supplying financial aid, and building mosques. Today, the Muslims, along with the Catholics of northern Albania and the Orthodox of southern Albania, are pressing for restrictive legislation to keep out other religions, such as Christianity, that are considered non-Albanian.

Today, Albania's economy is very unstable. Strikes, especially in the mines, are frequent; the Albanian currency is worthless; and the rate of unemployment is extremely high. The people need to know that hope and security can be found in Jesus Christ.

We can PRAY:

*Pray that God will grant His wisdom and favor to the missions agencies that are currently targeting the Gheg Albanian.

* Ask the Lord to raise up additional long-term laborers to go to Albania and share the Good News.

*Pray that the legislation restricting the preaching of the Gospel will not be passed.

*Pray that Bibles will be effectively distributed throughout Albania and have a strong spiritual impact on the people.

Day 11

Isfahan is one of the oldest cities in Iran, dating back about 2,500 years. It is located in the west central Iran, at the edge of the Zagros Mountains.

Every year, tens of thousands of Iranians and international tourists visit Isfahan. They come to admire the beautiful Safavid period architecture and old gardens. Isfahan is famous for the early 16th-century bridges which span the Zayandeh River. The Imam Mosque and the Imam Khomeini Square is a magnificent example of Islamic architecture at its finest.

Today, there are small numbers of Christians from a Muslim background is almost all major Iranian cities, including Isfahan. However the overwhelming majority of the Iranian population is still Shiite Muslim. Few believers reveal their true thoughts about Christ publicly because of potential and actual persecution.

We can PRAY:

*Pray that the Lord will open their eyes so that they may turn form darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in the Messiah. (Acts 26:18)

*Pray also that the city of Isfahan will be a heaven from persecution of believers.

Please Pray for Blaise

Please add Blaise to your prayer list. We met Blaise when she was just a baby at Phoenix Children's Hospital,almost 4 years ago. Chloe and Blaisey were room mates for almost 2 weeks. Since then Blaise has fought a rare syndrome that affects her lymph system, and makes for a painful life. Doctor visit after doctor visit, Blaise, Lisa (mom) and Pat (dad) and Blaisey's brothers still hope and wait on God. There are no children that have survived with this disorder so there is not much study or data to go on.

Currently Blaisey's lungs are filling with fluid. Blaise is extremely uncomfortable, and is need of healing and relief. Her mom and dad need prayer too, as they are tired and worried, to put it in Lisa's words, begging for a miracle.

Please pray for my friends, that God would heal and give strength to the weary.

We love you Blaisey!!!

Gramies Birthday

We celebrated Maggies birthday with her this Sunday! We had lunch after a wonderful church service, and the kids help Gramie blow out the candles on her birthday cake. As you can see by the pictures everyone had a great time!! Happy Birthday Granmie, we love you!!

Here I Am

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I know that so many of you have been faithful to look at the daily postings of God's precious people around the world. I have enjoyed reading about them and sharing them with you. I have learned a lot and feel truly blessed to join you in prayer for the Nations.

One very cool thing that has happened, is, if you look at my little interactive map on the left side of the blog you will notice that it will keep track of who looks at this page. The other day when I wrote about Oman, I had a hit from a city in Oman. Isn't that amazing? What do you think the person that saw this thought? After getting over the nervous part, I read my blog again and saw that the blog edified Omanin's and Christ. I pray that these pages touch people in ways only the heavens can imagine.

Growing Up

My little C~4 is growing up. She has been losing teeth so quickly lately, i am surprised she has any to eat with. The other day she had a hot dog and she called to me to tell me that she couldn't bite it!! I didn't think about that, so I cut it up. She is very proud of the missing teeth.

Day 10

The Zaza or Dimli are neither Turks nor Kurds. They live in eastern Turkey and have their own language, history and culture. Despite this, they have not been recognized as a separate people group.

Since coming into existence, the Republic of Turkey has tried to assimilate multiple people groups, so that researching a people's own history and culture - and that with their own identity - has been systematically banned. Therefore, the Zaza have become an unknown people, even thought there are approximately 3-5 million of them worldwide. Possibly have of this people group have either emigrated into the Western world or moved to the larger cities of Turkey.

The Zaza are divided into two groups by religious orientation: the Northern Zaza are followers of the Alevi branch of Shiite Islam, while the Southern Zaza, like the neighboring Kurds, belong to the Sunni branch of Islam. This religious division is mirrored by the ethnic-cultural realities of both groups and is emphasized by their dialects. the differences in vocabulary and grammar are so great, that the two groups have problems understanding each other.
The Zaza have an oral cultured, passing on their stories verbally from generation to generation.

We can Pray:
*Pray that God will help this people to discover the identity which He has planned from them.

*Pray for culturally appropriate means of proclaiming the gospel among the Zaza.

*Pray for the growth and strengthening of the few existing Christians and for new congregations.

*Pray for the existing work of Bible translation in the Southern Zaza dialect.

Information taken from 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus, Frontiers Edition and Operation World

Day 9

Isaiah 40:3 ~Make straight in the desert a highway for God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; The glory of the LORD shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

The Behdini-speaking Kurds of Iraq live in the northernmost parts of the country. Behdini is related to Kurmanji, which is spoken by about 10 million people worldwide.

All told, the Kurds number about 30 million people who live mainly in southeast Turkey, western Iran, northern Iraq and northern Syria. Germany has the largest number of Kurds living in one place outside the Middle East (more than 400,000).

The Northern Kurd of Iraq make their living in much the same way as their relatives in Turkey and Iran, by farming and raising cattle and goats. Their homeland is also one of Iraq's major oil producing regions. Prior to the Gulf War, many of them lived in cities and worked in the oil industry. The Northern Kurd are noted for their elaborate national costumes. The men's costumes consist of baggy, colored trousers and plain shirts with huge sleeves split at the wrist and tied at the elbow. Brightly colored vests and sashes are also worn. Women usually wear heavy clothing that is embroidered with vivid colors. Today, many rural Kurds have abandoned their native costumes for western style dress.

Currently, only the Gospel of John has been published in Behdini. Other portions of the New Testament are being circulated, but they are still being revised. The Jesus film in Behdini has been broadcast on Kurdish TV in northern Iraq.

We can PRAY:

*Pray for the small number of Christians among the Behdini-speaking Kurds in Iraq to be strengthened in their faith.

*Pray that the entire New Testament will be translated into Behdini. Pray also for audio and video versions of the gospels to be widely distributed.

Information taken from 30 Muslim Prayer Focus, Frontiers Eddition, Operation World and Joshua project

Day 8

The Sultanate of Oman is the northeast part of the Arabian Penisula. Most of the population lives along the coastal lowland, where mnay are involved in fishing and tourism. Major products include petroleum, dates citrus fruit, incense and mineral oil.

Oman is one of the hottest countries in the world with temperatures often reaching 130 degrees F. It was an extremely poor country until oil was discovered there in 1964. The Omani Arab make up 58% of Oman's total population. Over one and a half million other Omani Arabs live in other areas of the Middle East and East Africa. The Omani are set apart from other ethnic groups by their unique use of the Southeast Asian Colloquial Arabic language and by their culture. They have a reputation for begin excessively generous and polite, while remaining impersonal.

The Omani Arab live in extended family units. Their society is patriarchal, or male-dominated. The men do not abuse this authority because they believe that their families should obey them out of respect, rather than fear. Also, there are clearly defined roles for both men and women. The men work outside in the fields while women work in the homes. Men and women often eat separately and never pray together. While men worship at mosques, women attend ceremonies conducted at home. Most marriages are pre-arranged by the parents.

The Omani standard is to accept others on their terms. For example, they view anything less than excessive generosity as rudeness. Sunnis are welcomed by the Ibadis with Sunni greetings. Even Christians are tolerated as long as they are not Muslim converts.

The Omani of Oman remain less than one percent Christian. Prayer is the key to effectively penetrating this unreached people with the Gospel.

We can Pray:

*Pray that God will provide contacts, strategies, and wisdom for any missions agencies that are currently targeting the Omani Arab of Oman.

*Ask the Lord to strengthen, encourage, and protect the Omani Arab Christians.

*Pray that God will give these believers opportunities to share the love of Christ with their own people.

*Take authority over the spiritual principalities and powers that are keeping the Omani Arab bound.

*Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin to break up the soil through worship and intercession.

*Pray that strong local churches will be planted among the Omani Arab.

Information taken from 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus Frontiers Version and Operation World

Day 7

One of the newer cities in Iraq, sulaimaniya is near the Iranian border and has a population of approximately 800,000. It is the cultural center of the Sorani-speaking Kurds and is known for being youthful and progressive.

Politically, the city has been dominated for a long time by the Partiotic Union of Kurdistan. Although Kurdish northern Iraq was considered to be particulary safe, a suicide bomber killed nine Kurdish soldiers in Sulaimanyiya in Octocer 2005. About the same time, the bird flu virus was detected in dead geese around the city of Erbil, less than a hundred miles from Sulaimaniya.

The Southern Kurd have endured much suffering in recent years. Their massive exodus from Iraq brought international attention to their situation as never before. As victims of the region's recent political developments, they have suffered no less than any other oppressed people group since World War II. The Iraqi secret police have often poisoned many of their Kurdish opponents both at home and abroad. Some have even been poisoned in refugee camps. The Kurd need to know that true refuge and safety can only be found in Jesus Christ. Poor health conditions and the scarcity of water are also problems faced by the Southern Kurd. Humanitarian aid workers and medical teams are needed to live and work among them.

We can PRAY:

*Ask God to send Christian medical teams and humanitarian aid workers to live among them.

* Pray that God will supply clean water for the people of Iraq.

*Pray that the Holy Spirit will give the missions agencies strategies for reaching these Muslims with the Gospel.

*Ask God to use the small number of Southern Kurd believers as a clear Gospel witness to their own people.

*Pray that God will raise up qualified linguists to complete translation of the Bible into Kurdi.

*Ask the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.

*Pray that God will raise up a strong local church among the Southern Kurd.

Information taken from 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus Frontiers Edition and Operation World

Day 6

The Balkars are a Turkic people who live in the central Caucasus region of Southern Russia. Over time the Balkars have become culturally similar to their Caucasian neighbors, but they have faithfully retained there Turkic language.

In the 13th century, the Balkar area was overrun by Gengihis Khan's mongols, and they fought at the side of the King of Georgia to whose kingdom they belonged. The Balkars later joined the Turko-Mongolian hordes of Genghis Khan. The Mongols, however, played the Balkars against the other peoples and brought their land into civil war.

The Balkar rely on livestock breeding and farming for their livelihood. Mountain goats, sheep, and cattle are among the animals raised. Meat is an important part of their diet, and they regularly eat beef, mutton, goat, and horse meat.

The Balkar live in villages located on the mountain slopes or in other areas not suitable for farming. Each village has a courtyard and some have Islamic mosques. Medieval towers and fortresses have been preserved and can still be seen in some of the villages. A village is usually made up of one or more clans. Each clan shows great respect for its elders and has its own cemetery.

The Balkar have portions of the Bible in their language. These precious people need Christian broadcasts and other resources made available to them. Above all, they need Christians who will intercede to the Father on their behalf.

We can Pray:

*Pray for peace in the entire region,

*Pray for God's protection and blessing on the small number of Christians among the Balkars.

*Pray for reconciliation between Russians and the Caucasus peoples.

*Pray for God's hope and light to shine on the Balkars and Karachay.

Information taken from 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus, Frontiers Edition and Operation World

Day 4

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19

Kazakhstan is nearly the size of Western Europe, yet has only 16 million inhabitants. Of those, 9 million are Kazakhs, whose religion has traditionally been folk Islam. In 1990 there were hardly any Kazakh Christians, but now they number over 10,000! The meet in over 40 Kazak-speaking congregations. The Church is especially growing among young people.

Kazakhs have been nominally Sunni Muslims since 1043, but theres is a folk Islam strongly influenced by animistic practices. An Islamist movement is being fulled by Muslim missionaries and money from Iran, Turkey and Arab countries. There were 60 mosques in 1991; nine years later there were 5,000. Christianity is still viewed as the religion of the Russian oppressors.

Kazakhstan's cultural and religious diversity may make this land the most open and strategic for evangelizing Central Asian non-Christian peoples. Some Uzbeks and Uighurs in Kazakhstan are turning to Christ.

We can PRAY:

*Pray for the Church to take root among new believers

*Pray the gospel might be shared in the listeners language,in the many towns and villages of this land.

*Pray against corruption, prostitution and crime that are present everywhere.

*Pray for translators that they would soon have the entire Bible in their native language.


If you know some Muslim friends, here are some things to remember during this time:

1. Try to visit them in the evenings rather than during the day. If you visit in the day they will insist that you eat and drink, even though they will not, and it is a bit awkward for both parities.

2. Invite them to your house during Ramadan to break fast together after sunset.

3. Keep in mind that visiting and sharing meals is more appropriate toward the end of the month. Ramadan starts out rather somber and ends up more festive.

4. Be ready to tell you Muslim friends what you believe about fasting. They will probably ask you, so do your research ahead of time and lean what the Injeel (bible) says about fasting. (see Isaiah 58:6-12)

5. Challenge you Muslim friends to read the "4 Holy Books" (Torah, Psalms, Gospels, Koran). Every good Muslim tries to read through the Koran beginning to end during Ramadan. The Koran also commands Muslims to read these other Holy Books. Do some research and find one (Bible) for them in their own language.

6. Pray! Intercede for Muslims throughout this month. May the Holy Spirit move and work among them in this time of spiritual devotion, radically changing hearts and revealing Jesus to them in a powerful way.

Information taken from 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus Frontiers Edition and Operation World

Day 3 - Crimean Tatar

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, lies in a great oasis along the Chirhik River in the foothills of the Tian Sahn Mountains. One of the oldest cities in Central Asia, Tahskent was a significant rest stop and trading center from the times of ancient past. Although half the people in Tashkent are Uzbek, the city is home to Russian, Tajik, Kazakh, Karakalpak and Korean ethnic minorities.


The Uzbek proverb, "A guest is more honorable than your father", reveals a few things about the country. First, hospitality is a high virtue. As they say, "What is a house for, if not for receiving guests? We must care for all these who God brings to our door". Second, the proverb tells us that family is greatly values. Parents are highly regarded, and children are expected to take care of them as long as they live.

There are very few believers in Tashkent. Only a small fraction of the Muslim majority has ever had the opportunity to believe. Evangelizing Muslims is prohibited and efforts to change religion are discouraged both publicly and privately. Evangelism or missionary activity can earn three yeas in prison. Some Christians have been imprisoned, but they are winning many converts while in prison.


We can PRAY:

*Pray for Christians who are under pressure to betray fellow believers to the authorities. Pray too for those persecuted and in prison, that God may give them strength and boldness.

*Tashkent is preparing for a church planting movement by training believers. Pray that each of the city's 11 districts will be evangelized.

*Pray that the Church would go forth from Tashkent and be a healing agent throughout Central Asia.


Information taken from 30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus Frontiers Addition and Operation World

Ramadan Day 2

Tajik of Uzbekistan

Muslims believe that Allah is unique, all-powerful, gracious and merciful to all Muslims. The Islamic faith is lived out according to five "pillars" that must be adhered to if one is to hope for salvation. A Muslim may observe each of these pillars, but there is still not guarantee of salvation.

The Five Pillars are:

1. Reciting the Creed (shahada)- "There is no god but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet."

2. Prayer (salat)- At five set times per day.

3. Almsgiving (zakat)-Both obligatory and voluntary giving to certain groups.

4. Fasting (siyam)-Especially during the "holy" month of Ramadan.

5. Pilgrimage (hajj)-At least once in a lifetime to Mecca.

Today's focus is on the Ferghana Valley in Uzbekistan. While the valley is less than 5 % of the land in Uzbekistan, it contains more than one-third of it's citizens. Altogether more then 10 million people live there.

The fertile valley grows wheat and cotton and has several orchards. It is also the center of silk production in Central Asia. Pesticides have depleted the soil in many areas and millions of agricultural workers plant and pick cotton for small wages while large profits go to officials and middlemen.

Culturally, Uzbeks of the Ferghana Valley consider themselves the most pure, and this pride has hindered the spread of the Gospel. The false idea, "To be Uzbek is to be Muslim", is very much accepted in the valley. We know, that a relationship with the True God would only make them more "Uzbek" as they understand who they can become through Christ.

We can PRAY:

*Pray for the national believers in the Ferghana Valley to be bold witnesses.

*Pray that the Holy Spirit will show people that valley a follower of Jesus will in no way make them less Uzbek, Tajik, or Kyrgyz.

*Pray for God's righteous ways to rule in the business realm.

Information taken from 30 days Muslim Prayer Focus Frontiers Edition & Operation World

30 Days Ramadan Day 1

Kyrgyz of Uzbekistan

Ramadan begins today, September 1st. Muslims all over the world will be praying and fasting during daylight hours throughout this holy month. Every day for 30 days they will wake before sunrise and then feast after sunset. It is a religious duty and a privilege. A time to purify themselves and focus completely on God. Would you join me in bringing these “Sons of Ishmael” to the throne of God for “30 days of intercession”? I will be introducing you to one people group or Nation every day.

Uzbekistan is a Muslim country ruled by one of the most repressive regimes of the former Soviet Union. There are few personal freedoms in this land, but the Muslim-background believers know true freedom and real life in Christ.

Powerful spiritual and social strongholds in Uzbekistan include folk Islam, drug use, alcoholism and growing problems with HIV/AIDS. The economy is struggling and there is a high unemployment rate. Men have been forced to work in other countries, which sometimes leads to the break-up of families. Some women have turned to prostitution to make ends meet. People are hungry and desperate for relief and answers. Many turn to folk Islam for help, not realizing the depths of its deceptive and dangerous practices.

We can PRAY:
* Pray for Uzbek believers, that they would develop culturally-appropriate worship, teaching and fellowship.

*Ask God to give strength and courage to Uzbek believers who are persecuted by the government, family members and religious leaders.

* Pray for God's protection and His provision of wise, Gods leadership which will foster the growth of His kingdom.


If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal thir land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

information taken from 30 Days Muslim prayer Focus Frontiers Edition and Operation World