Archives for 2010

In Nigeria many of the 15+ million Nigerian Fulani stay in small settlements and cities in Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim northern region. There are numerous sub-tribes and clans of the Fulani but in Nigeria they generally fall into five large groups: The Adamawa (1.1 million) the Haabe (2.6 million), the Sokoto (2.7 million), the Toroobe (7.5 million) and the Mbororo (2.3 million).

The vast majority of the Fulani in Nigeria are no longer nomadic. But they trace their origins to the nomadic, pastoral lifestyle. Fulani households consist of a male leader, one or more wives, six to 12 or more children and other family members.

While the Jesus film and gospel portions have been put into the Fulani language (Fulfulde), there are still very few Christians who are reaching out to this people. Even so, God has done marvelous things in bringing some Fulani to himself.

Prayer Starters:

• Pray for laborers. There simply are not enough Messianic believers proclaiming the Good News to the Fulani.
• Ask the Lord to touch Fulani leaders and imams that they may become obedient to the Lord Jesus (Acts 6:7).
• Pray for increased understanding among the followers of Jesus and Muslims in Nigeria. Peacemaking and repairing the decades of strife and civil unrest between Muslims and those who follow Jesus is a major necessity.

Video Prayer/Faith Fuel

Wagdi Testimony

Rahim Testimony

From August 9th – September 9th 2010 Worldwide Mission Fellowship will be praying that Muslims around the world going through Ramadan will turn to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, this is in conjunction with similar prayer strategies around the world supported by Open Doors and 30 days of Prayer. Our ultimate prayer is for their salvation. The site will be updated daily at 05:45 GMT to coincide with our early morning prayer meeting so you can join us in prayer wherever you are.

Saudi Arabia has the largest share of oil of any nation as well as the very best technology in the oil industry. The Saudi Aramco Corporation is the world’s richest company. A few years ago Saudi Aramco topped the Non-Public company list with an estimated value of $781 billion USD.

The Saudis have developed a huge infrastructure to facilitate the drilling, processing and exportation of petroleum. Historically significant numbers of foreign workers and engineers were involved in the oil industry, but now about 85 percent of the official Saudi Aramco work force of 54,000 is Saudi.

Saudis are largely Sunni Muslims; from their perspective they are all Muslims by birth. Proselytising is not punishable by death, but by imprisonment and deportation (for some the loss of a job is as bad as death). Conversion is forbidden by the Qur’an and the penalty is death.

Prayer Starters:

• The Scriptures say that the whole earth will one day be “filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Hab. 2:14).
• Pray for the thousands of Saudis involved in the oil industry, that they could come “to know the glory of God in the face of Jesus the Messiah” (2 Cor.4:6).
• Many of them live in the following cities, towns, ports and drilling settlements: Dhahran, Ras Tanura, Jubail, Dammam, Al-Khobar, Hofuf, Abqaiq, Udhailiyah and Shaybah. (Please know that you are among only a small group worldwide who has ever prayed for these cities by name.)

Video Prayer / Faith Fuel

Prince Turqi of Saudi Arabia

Walid: Why I Left Jihad

Syria – Jesus Impact

In Jesus’ day the “news about him spread all over Syria” (Matthew 4:24) and large crowds came to him and followed him. Some of the oldest churches in Christendom are found in Syria and are evidence of the extent of Jesus’ impact in the region. Today, the Good News of the Kingdom is not all over Syria. The vast majority of the Syrian people (more than 90% Muslim) do not know Jesus. What happened?

Diversity in Syria

The people of Syria are a diverse people. Just as the carpets in the ancient market are full of different colours, textures and designs – each with a story behind the pattern, Syria has many different people groups, each one with its own distinct characteristics and history known by God.

Islam has a long history in Syria, with Damascus as a former capital of the Umayyad caliphs (AD 661-750) bordering with the Byzantine Empire. The Christians of that time were weakened in their faith and gave in to the constant mistreatment and temptation.

Christians in Syria

Praise God for the precious few believers who live in Syria! Most are from a culturally Christian background, from peoples who kept their faith, even though greatly weakened. They have a passion for Jesus but are strongly restricted in proclaiming their faith by the Muslim majority. They face historical and cultural barriers and possible imprisonment for evangelistic efforts. The very few Muslims who have believed in the Messiah face persecution from family and government and the difficulties of isolation.

One predominately Muslim people group is responding to Jesus. The Kurds have reached an identity crisis. After a long history of persecution by their Muslim neighbours, they have been given freedom by the “Christian” West. Several are believing in Christ and even meeting in their own Kurdish fellowships.

The Scars

Syria has had some very hard years of oppression and corruption under the reign of dictator Hafez Alasad. However, his son, Bashaar, has a different style. He is opening up the country inside and outside, both economically and politically. But, he is not alone in the government and it is not easy to turn a big ship. The scars of oppression are very noticeable in the people, who are often suspicious and fearful.

Prayer Starters:

• Please pray that the Good News of Jesus would again be heard all over Syria.
• Pray that Muslims may come to faith and start meeting and encouraging each other.
• Praise the Lord that Muslim Kurds are turning to Jesus. May God continue to draw more Kurds to himself and deepen their faith.
• Pray that God would raise up local evangelists from Christian and Muslim backgrounds to reach out.
• Pray for the government, that the Party and Islamic authorities would reign so that believers may live peaceful and quiet lives (1 Tim 2:1-3).

Video Prayer/Faith Fuel

Palmyra, Syria

Zamzam, Former Muslim Lady’s journey to find True God. From Islam to Christ

From August 9th – September 9th 2010 Worldwide Mission Fellowship will be praying that Muslims around the world going through Ramadan will turn to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, this is in conjunction with similar prayer strategies around the world supported by Open Doors and 30 days of Prayer. Our ultimate prayer is for their salvation. The site will be updated daily at 05:45 GMT to coincide with our early morning prayer meeting so you can join us in prayer wherever you are.

The Call To Prayer

Each day across the entire Islamic world, the ‘muezzin’ call the men to prayer five times per day over a loudspeaker located on a minaret (tower) attached to the mosque: at dawn (fajr), noon (dhuhr), in the afternoon (asr), at sunset (maghrib) and nightfall (isha’a). On Fridays (like today) all male Muslims are supposed to attend the noontime prayers which are usually accompanied by a sermon.

The Muezzin’s Mission

Recently a documentary film by Sebastian Brameshuber named “Muezzin” was released about individual expression and competition between muezzin in Turkey (www.muezzindocumentary.com). One muezzin says in the film “The more people I can attract to the mosque with my voice, the more successful I am.

What the Muezzin Say:

Below are the words which are repeated day after day (Shiite Muslims use slightly different phrases for some lines).

• —x2:   Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest) —
• x2:  I bear witness that there is no deity except God
• —x2:  I bear witness that Mohammed is the Messenger of God
• —x2:  Make haste towards worship —x2:  Come to the true success
• —x2: Prayer is better than sleep (said only at dawn)
• —x2:  Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest)
• —x2:  There is no deity except God

Prayer Points

1. —Pray for the muezzin in your own country and around the world today to have a personal encounter with the living God, through Jesus Christ. —
2. Pray that in the midst of many ‘voices’ and messages, Muslims will hear the voice of God through the working of the Holy Spirit. —
3. Sometimes muezzin become very centred on their role in society. As with any public figures like pastors and politicians some muezzin are tempted to place their own honour and prestige very high on their list of priorities. Pray that all muezzin would be brought to humility before God and truly confounded by His majesty in order that they may truly say “God is great.”

Key Scriptures

And it shall be that whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord [invoking, adoring, and worshiping the Lord–Christ] shall be saved. Acts 2:21 Amplified)

Ecclesiastes 10:4

Video Prayer/Faith Fuel

Ahmed,Former Muslim Dawah Missionary-How I came to Christ part 1

Ahmed,Former Muslim Dawah Missionary-How I came to Christ part 2

Elham, Former muslim women’s journey from Islam to Christ

From August 9th – September 9th 2010 Worldwide Mission Fellowship will be praying that Muslims around the world going through Ramadan will turn to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, this is in conjunction with similar prayer strategies around the world supported by Open Doors and 30 days of Prayer. Our ultimate prayer is for their salvation. The site will be updated daily at 05:45 GMT to coincide with our early morning prayer meeting so you can join us in prayer wherever you are.

The “Grace and Truth” Affirmation: Toward Christlike Relationships with Muslims (part2)

5. Be Respectful and Bold in our Witness

—In the spirit of the Prince of Peace, respectful witness focuses on giving a positive presentation of the gospel. It does not attack the other or avoid presenting truth. As the apostle Peter says: “In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV). Numerous biblical examples (i.e. Acts 4:31; 9:27-28; 13:46; 14:3; 17:30-31; 19:8) invite us to emulate the boldness of early believers in sharing the good news. In obedience to the Scripture, we seek to be both respectful and bold in our witness.

6. Be Prudent in our Google-ized World

—In the past, when leaders in a religious community spoke, it was only heard by their own community. But today our words ricochet around the world. When we try to explain who we are, what we believe, what we do, and why we do it, our words may reach beyond our primary audience and enter the global marketplace of ideas. After saying something controversial, an outspoken leader may try to clarify his statement. But the damage is already done. Words are powerful. Prudence is required. “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint” (Prov 17:27).

7. Be Peaceable and Uncompromising in our Dialogue

—Dialogue between Muslims and Christians provides us with opportunities to understand Muslims, build relationships, engage in peacemaking and share our faith. We seek to share the gospel respectfully and boldly, without compromise— as Paul “reasoned with” people (dialegomai – Acts 17:2, 17). Through dialogue, we work toward mutual respect, graciously bearing witness to our faith and working toward religious freedom. Ultimately, we long to see as many as possible reconciled with God, through the person of Christ.

8. Be Loving toward All

—The world’s Muslims are our neighbors, as Jesus used the term (Luke 10:29-37). The command of God to his people stands for all time: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev 19:18; Luke 10:27b). How can a follower of Christ take seriously Jesus’ command to love our neighbor, and at the same time address the real threat of terrorism (by those who position themselves as our enemies)? Jesus’ teaching about love of enemy (Luke 6:35) is among the most radical and most ignored commands in the Bible. We do not want to engage in the “hermeneutics of evasion”— figuring out ways to interpret Jesus’ command so it doesn’t apply to our lives. —

Both peacemakers and those who love their enemies are described as “sons [or daughters] of God” (Matt 5:9, 44; Luke 6:35). They are called children of God because they are acting like their Father: the God of Peace (Phil 4:9; 1 Thess 5:23). In other words, peacemakers and those who love their enemies demonstrate their authenticity as children of God by their words and acts of peace. Jesus modeled this by loving us and laying down his life for us, “while we were enemies” (Rom 5:10; cf. Col 1:21). Responding to enemies with self-giving, sacrificial love demonstrates the gospel.

Conclusion

—We have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18, 19). The commission to “make disciples of all nations” has not been rescinded. Neither have the commands to demonstrate sacrificial love and to work toward peace. There is no separate gospel for wartime and peacetime. The message of God’s love in Christ is for all times, places and peoples. We affirm the nine biblical guidelines presented here for all followers of Christ, that we may remain faithful to him and become more fruitful in our relationships with Muslims.

Prayer Points

—Dialogue between Muslims and Christians provides us with opportunities to understand Muslims, build relationships, engage in peacemaking and share our faith. Ask that Christians will seek to share the gospel respectfully and boldly, without compromise – as Paul “reasoned with” people (Acts 17:2, 17). We have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor.5:18-19).

1. Pray for Christians ministering to Muslims, for breakthroughs in making disciples of these precious people.
2. Pray that we Christians will receive grace to demonstrate sacrificial love and to work toward peace.
3. Ask for special opportunities to share Jesus’ love with Muslims during the next 30 days.

Declare God’s Personal Names and the Name of Jesus above Allah

• Yahweh Jireh (Yireh): “The Lord will provide.” Stresses God’s provision for His people (Gen. 22:14).
• Yahweh Nissi:“The Lord is my Banner.” Stresses that God is our rallying point and our means of victory; the one who fights for His people (Ex. 17:15).
• Yahweh Shalom:“The Lord is Peace.” Points to the Lord as the means of our peace and rest (Jud. 6:24).
• Yahweh Sabbaoth:“The Lord of Hosts.” A military figure portraying the Lord as the commander of the armies of heaven (1 Sam. 1:3; 17:45).
• Yahweh Maccaddeshcem: “The Lord your Sanctifier.” Portrays the Lord as our means of sanctification or as the one who sets believers apart for His purposes (Ex. 31:13).
• Yahweh Ro’i: “The Lord my Shepherd.” Portrays the Lord as the Shepherd who cares for His people as a shepherd cares for the sheep of his pasture (Ps. 23:1).
• Yahweh Tsidkenu: “The Lord our Righteousness.” Portrays the Lord as the means of our righteousness (Jer. 23:6).
• Yahweh Shammah: “The Lord is there.” Portrays the Lord’s personal presence in the millennial kingdom (Ezek. 48:35).
• Yahweh Elohim Israel: “The Lord, the God of Israel.” Identifies Yahweh as the God of Israel in contrast to the false gods of the nations (Jud. 5:3.; Isa. 17:6).
• And above all the Name of JESUS (Philippians 2:9)

Video Prayer Fuel

Unreached People Groups

Azar, Former Muslim Finds the Way to Heaven !

From August 9th – September 9th 2010 Worldwide Mission Fellowship will be praying that Muslims around the world going through Ramadan will turn to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, this is in conjunction with similar prayer strategies around the world supported by Open Doors and 30 days of Prayer. Our ultimate prayer is for their salvation. The site will be updated daily at 05:45 GMT to coincide with our early morning prayer meeting so you can join us in prayer wherever you are.