SERVING PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS WORLDWIDE 30 DAYS OF PRAYER DURING RAMADAN

Transcription

1 SERVING PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS WORLDWIDE 30 DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

2 Each year, faithful Muslims around the world spend 30 days fasting and praying during the month of Ramadan. In places where Islam is the dominant religion, this means the entire cultural rhythm changes during the month of Ramadan. Restaurants and food shops close, business slows down to enable prayers, and fasting is expected and assumed. In a few places, Ramadan means a ratcheting up of violent attacks against Christians. The 2017 bus attack that killed at least 28 Egyptian Christians was conducted by ISIS, which specializes in terrorist attacks during Ramadan. Such extreme violence is rare, but it does happen. But for most Christians who live in Islamic regions, Ramadan simply brings increased cultural pressure most Christians do not fast or pray during the specific times throughout Ramadan, and so they stick out. In some places, that means they are criticized or discriminated against. Their lack of participation in the surrounding cultural and religious customs makes them more noticeable and believers are punished for it. Over the next 30 days of Ramadan, we have the opportunity to stand with 1 30 DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

3 our brothers and sisters around the world in prayer asking God to protect and bless believers living and worshiping in places where their faith in Jesus makes them stand out this month. We also have the opportunity to pray for Muslims; Ramadan is all about seeking after God, and so we ask that God will reveal His true self through Jesus to Muslims who are searching! And finally, we have the chance to remind fellow Christians they aren t alone that God has not left them and that He will give them the courage and boldness to stand for Him and His gospel. Each page of this special prayer journal will remind you to pray for a particular region or situation. There is a page for each day of Ramadan, a place to write out your prayers and a passage of Scripture on which to meditate (all Scripture passages are New International Version, unless indicated otherwise). Your brothers and sisters are grateful for your prayers, and we ask that God will do mighty works during this month of pressure. *Throughout this prayer journal, asterisks indicate the name or photo has been changed to protect identities 2 30 DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

4 WHAT IS RAMADAN? Ramadan refers to the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is a month of fasting and prayer for Muslims all over the world. Muslims are required to refrain from food or drink (including water) from dawn until dusk. Islam teaches that good deeds and prayers during Ramadan are especially effective, and that during the month, the gates of heaven are opened while hell is locked up. Muslims are expected to give to charity during the month of Ramadan as well. The month is ended by a day of feasting called Eid al-fitr DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

5 DAY 1: 30 DAYS OF MIDDLE EAST: RAMADAN BRINGS EXCITEMENT The start of Ramadan brings a lot of excitement to Muslims in the Middle East. In Islamic societies, you can almost feel Ramadan approaching, similar to how in some places you can sense Christmas getting closer. Colorful Ramadan lamps can be seen, and some shops are decorated. It reminds the Christians in those societies of the coming period where they will be looked down upon by Muslims when they see them not joining the fasting, when they could meet harassment in the streets, at work or at school. They could even face violence. Pray for peace in the hearts of the Christians. Pray that the Lord will give them wisdom to know how to act in the coming weeks. Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves His child as well. 1 John 5: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

6 DAY 2: 30 DAYS OF MIDDLE EAST: PRAYING FOR FELLOW CITIZENS During Ramadan, many Christians in the Middle East are daily reminded to pray for their Muslim neighbors. They know that Muslims see the time of Ramadan as a time to search for God and dedicate themselves to Him. Pray that many Muslims will find God in this period of fasting. Pray that God will bring people, television or radio programs, or just the right websites to their search. Pray that many Muslims will meet with the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Psalm 31: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

7 DAY 3: 30 DAYS OF BRUNEI: GUIDANCE NEEDED DURING RAMADAN Pray for God to guide new believers like Victoria*. Since conversion from Islam is illegal in Brunei, and can mean expulsion from families or even forced divorces, Christians from a Muslim background often have to maintain an outward appearance as a Muslim. This can be especially difficult during Ramadan because of all the religious rituals, customs and practices that are observed. Many converts remain hidden believers at least until they are grounded firmly enough in the faith. They know that once their faith is known, they will suffer persecution. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

8 DAY 4: 30 DAYS OF KAZAKHSTAN: FROM BETRAYER TO FOLLOWER Roman* was a Muslim who decided to visit a Christian church during Ramadan to confront and taunt betrayers of the real faith during Ramadan. By betrayers, I meant Christians with a Muslim background, he explains. I decided to go to the church service during Ramadan because I considered myself to be a devout Muslim. I wanted to prove my faith to Allah. The church service started, but Roman couldn t force himself to stand up and cause a scene. The words he heard touched him too much. For the first time, I heard about a God who loved me, he remembers. I never knew that the almighty God loved me even though I was not perfect. That thought seriously never entered my mind. I always felt guilty. I felt that I had to earn His attention. And then something happened: prayers to Jesus, repentance and joy! Please pray for Roman this Ramadan. Also pray that God will bring many other Muslims to church and that they will also be touched by the gospel. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

9 DAY 5: 30 DAYS OF WORLDWIDE: PRAY FOR MUSLIM MINORITY-COMMUNITIES The spiritual battle for the hearts of Muslims is not only fought in the Middle East and other Islamic societies: There is also a Muslim minority in the United States and many countries around the world. Pray that Christians all around the world that includes you, where possible in your community! will use this month of Ramadan to show God s love to Muslims. In places like Egypt, Christian communities actually gather to serve their Muslim neighbors the fast-breaking dinner at the end of the day, showing Christ s love in radical action. How might Christians in the West show Jesus love to Muslims and pray for those who are trying to seek after God this month? The Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let the one who hears say, Come. And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

10 DAY 6: 30 DAYS OF MUSLIM WORLD: CHRISTIANS HIDE THEIR FAITH In some countries in the Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa, Christians need to hide their Christian faith to avoid threats to their health, their family or their lives. They cannot meet openly as Christians for their church services. In some cases, even their closest family members don t know the person is a Christian. So, they need to follow the customs of their family in the month of Ramadan. Pray that God will give these Christians the strength to act in a way that fits their personal situation. Pray that their families will have a life-changing encounter with Jesus. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. Hebrews 10: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

11 DAY 7: 30 DAYS OF CAMEROON: BEATEN FOR READING THE BIBLE Hamadou, who is from northern Cameroon, was born into Islam and lived as a devout Muslim. But in 2011, after watching the Jesus film, everything changed. The love of Jesus entered my heart, he says. I [still] would go on and off to the mosque, but [people] suspected nothing about my changed faith, he remembers. Eventually I decided not to ever go again. Sometime later, people started noticing that he wasn t coming, and when they also saw during Ramadan that he was not keeping the fast, they confronted him and threatened to beat him. Out of fear, he told a lie about it and said his asthma prevented him from fasting. Then one day, his father caught Hamadou reading his Bible and beat him severely. From then on, Hamadou refused to be intimidated and continued serving the Lord. Today, he disciples 15 other converts from Islam who also face persecution. Pray for believers like Hamadou who have converted from Islam to Christianity. Pray they will have renewed appreciation for the sacrifice of Christ and the freedom they enjoy in Him. If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John 15: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

12 DAY 8: 30 DAYS OF MIDDLE EAST: DIFFERENCES IN INTENSITY Depending on the country, there are major differences in how strict local Muslims are about fasting from sunrise to sunset. In the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, for example, one can even see some Muslims in the restaurants that are open during Ramadan. But in other places like Saudi Arabia, even non-muslim foreigners are not allowed to eat in public and risk deportation if they do so. Pray that regardless of the intensity level, that God will reveal Himself to seeking Muslims. Pray also that God will make these converts ready and willing to face persecution once they become believers. I have told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world! John 16:33 (ERV) DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

13 DAY 9: 30 DAYS OF MALAYSIA: FASTING WITH MUSLIMS Pray for Adam* and Eve*. They are currently studying to deepen their knowledge of the Bible. Pray for wisdom and boldness as they are planning to fast with their Muslim family and friends this Ramadan so they will have the opportunity to share Jesus. Pray for their words to find receptive ears and that God will send His Spirit to aid them and soften the hearts of their community. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV) DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

14 DAY 10: 30 DAYS OF TURKMENISTAN: A SECRET Hadija* is a health care professional in her village. Her husband is a Muslim; he forced her to pray and fast during Ramadan. Once during Ramadan, her Christian friend came to visit and shared about Jesus as she knew that Hadija s husband oppressed her, especially during Ramadan. In his mind, he thought he would earn more favor in the eyes of Allah if he could teach his wife how to be a good Muslim. Hadija learned from her friend that she could pray anytime in Jesus name and God would hear and answer. That was such an amazing revelation, Hadija shares. My Creator can speak to me! it touched me so deeply. But what was next? My husband would kill me if I converted, she thought. So, when the time of the next prayer came, she spread the mat and kneeled. But she felt that she couldn t pray like she did before. Hadija took the Injil (the New Testament in the Turkmen language) and started to read. Suddenly, her husband came in and she could only hide the book in her long dress. She pretended to be saying Muslim prayers, but when he went out, she prayed in the name of Isa Massih (Jesus Christ). This month is another Ramadan for Hadija. Pray that she will be safe and can connect to Jesus during her prayer times. Also pray for her husband and pray for the many Muslims who secretly follow Jesus. Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. 1 John 3: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

15 DAY 11: 30 DAYS OF CHINA: LONELY IN A COUNTRY OF 1.4 BILLION Is it possible to live in a country with 1.4 billion other people and feel lonely? Few people realize that 20 million Muslims live in China. Makin and his mother were born into a Muslim family and became believers later. An Open Doors team visited them during a Muslim festival no family came to visit them. And they won t show up this Ramadan, either. If they do, it will only be to curse Makin, his mother, wife and children for being apostates. Pray for the Christian believers who are no longer secret believers but have been abandoned by their Muslim families in China. Pray that these Christians will be able to meet with brothers and sisters and that they will experience God s presence. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

16 HOW CHRISTIANS ON THE ARABIAN PENINSULA RESPOND TO RAMADAN Christians all over the Arabian Peninsula will be gathering, praying and worshiping during the month of Ramadan. For many believers, the Muslim month of fasting and prayer is also a special time of prayer, celebration and reaching out to their Muslim neighbors with the gospel. During the next 30 days, hundreds of millions of Muslims worldwide will be observing Ramadan, the annual period of fasting and prayer for Muslims. Between dawn and sunset, it s forbidden for Muslims to eat, drink, smoke or have sexual relations. Many Muslims pray and read the Quran more during this period. But what about the Christians living on the Arabian Peninsula? We have asked Christians in Qatar, Kuwait and Oman how they respond to Ramadan. Does the time of intensified Muslim prayer aggravate the religious pressure in these countries? No, on the contrary, Ramadan is a special time of blessing for us Christians, one foreign Christian living and working in Qatar says. According to Qatari Law, working hours for all people living in Qatar are severely shortened during Ramadan. Most of them only have to work from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the rest of the day is off. That is the law, and for us the law is a blessing since it gives us time to organize extra church services and worship meetings, this Christian says. We have more time to pray and seek God s presence than during normal working days. Christians in Qatar do have to be careful to respect the Muslim fasting rules. Eating or drinking in public, or even in a car, can end up in arrest, three days in jail and a fine. But it must be said, they give very clear warnings in advance about this, this Christian notes DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

17 READING THE WHOLE QURAN In Oman, getting arrested for eating or drinking during Ramadan can also lead to imprisonment, usually until the end of the fasting period. The many traditional Omanis take Ramadan seriously, a Christian worker living there shared. Many Omanis try to read the whole Quran during this period, this Christian worker says. Some Muslim kids, in an attempt to please God, will try to hand-copy as many Quran passages as they can. And many Omanis pray a lot during this period since they believe that a prayer said in a mosque during Ramadan is a thousand times more valuable than a normal prayer. This Christian believer organizes his own nightly prayer meeting during the Night of Power, the climax of Ramadan. Many Muslims spend this night in a mosque, believing that Allah is more forgiving and merciful then. We gather as many Christians as we can during this night, the worker shares. We pray for Muslims to see the truth and receive visions and dreams of Jesus. Each year we hear testimonies of that actually happening. They see Jesus dressed in white clothes. Another Christian worker in Oman experiences Ramadan and the subsequent Eid holidays as, a great time to get in touch with Muslims. He shares how, at the end of Ramadan, many Muslims invite their neighbors to celebrate with them: This gives us the opportunity to share God s love with them. For example, we send out Eid greeting cards to our friends with Scripture passages about sacrifice in Arabic. PRAYING OVER THE REGION In Kuwait, Christians organize extra activities during the Muslim month for fasting and prayer. We arrange prayer meetings every day. And sometimes we also fast to come alongside the Muslims, a pastor from a migrant church in Kuwait says. We pray that God will give Muslims dreams and visions about the truth and we also pray for the Kuwait government. During the last days of Ramadan, this pastor takes groups of Christians around the small country in cars to pray in all the provinces. We also drive to the borders of Saudi Arabia and Iraq and proclaim God s name and protection over those countries DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

18 DAY 12: 30 DAYS OF PAKISTAN: FOLLOWING THE JESUS YOU BARELY KNOW Shahzad* is an unchurched Christian in Pakistan, meaning that there s no physical church and no local body of Christ available to him. His pastor lives dozens of miles away and visits him occasionally. The pastor prays but doesn t teach. Shahzad has no Bible because he cannot read. When asked what the word salvation means, he has no clue. Nobody has ever explained to him who Jesus Christ really is and why He came. All Shahzad knows is that he s not a Muslim. Through a partner network of churches, Open Doors provides churches on wheels to Christians like Shahzad, so they can learn more about the Jesus they follow. Pray for Shahzad and the many unchurched Christians, that they will get to know Jesus and that they will find hope and strength in Him. Also pray for God s protection over our project to reach the unchurched. Now if we are children, then we are heirs heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

19 DAY 13: 30 DAYS OF WEST AFRICA: A BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY When a Muslim becomes a Christian, their families are obligated to do all they can to get them to return to the faith even by attacking them. Most converts end up fleeing for their lives. Sadly, churches are not always as welcoming as they could be. Many are too scared to take in believers with a Muslim background or simply do not know how to help them. That is why Open Doors partners with Christian workers like Musa Dauda*, who has bravely embarked on a journey with former Muslims. He provides clothing, food and shelter and then takes them through a discipleship course. We face many threats, Musa says. But it has also been a very beautiful journey so far. Thank the Lord for Musa s vision and ministry. Pray that he would experience God s provision and protection in every way. Thank the Lord with us for the way we have been able to support this ministry. I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. John 17:23 (ESV) DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

20 DAY 14: 30 DAYS OF IRAN: ARRESTED FREQUENTLY In Iran, Christian leaders and church members are arrested frequently. The interrogations they have to endure are hard, both physically as emotionally. It s not uncommon for interrogators to threaten to hurt family members or spread lies about their well-being. During the interrogation, Christians are often held in solitary confinement. They have to spend whole days in a small prison cell without any contact with the outside world. This form of locking up is seen as emotional torture. The sentences given to Christians have been getting longer in the past year. Recently, Iranian Christians have had sentences demanded against them of 8 and 10 years. Pray for those currently in prison. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

21 DAY 15: 30 DAYS OF MUSLIM WORLD: THEY SAY WE DON T EXIST Rehanullah* lives in a certain Muslim country that is very hostile toward Christians. Like so many others, this Ramadan he will have to pretend he is a Muslim. We are Christians, he recently told us. They [the Muslims] say we do not exist. But in whispers I can tell you this: We are Christians. We may be silent in some ways, but in us the beating heart of Jesus and the cross are still alive, and through our prayers and our love for Him, He is happy, he says. We live in difficulty every day, but every day we are more sure than the day before that He is the one to follow. Pray for Rehanullah, who leads a small group of believers, and other hidden Christians in this country. He requests specific prayers for children. Extremists prey on young boys, he explains. They want them to become fighters for Islam. And our girls are seen as second-class citizens. The Lord has promised that He will not leave us or desert us. Hebrews 13:5 (CEV) DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

22 DAY 16: 30 DAYS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA: MUSLIM CHILD BY DAY, JESUS DAUGHTER BY NIGHT Muslims who convert to Christianity have a lot of difficulties raising their children as Christians. There are no affordable Christian schools nearby, one Christian father shares. We ended up putting our child in a public school because we can t afford Christian homeschooling. Our daughter is required to study the Quran, but at night we teach her Bible stories. She became so confused that she asked whether the Bible stories we taught her are true. She even quarreled with us over this. Pray that this Ramadan, God will give the parents certainty that He watches over their children. Pray that their children will show signs of becoming and growing into believers. As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

23 DAY 17: 30 DAYS OF MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA: PHONE CALLS WITH MUSLIM SEEKERS Satellite television and the internet can be effective ways to reach Muslims who want to hear about Christianity. Often, TV channels and websites offer support and answers to those who have personal questions. Pray for Christians in the Middle East and North Africa who are responding to Muslims questions via Christian TV programs, and Christian websites. Pray that during this month of Ramadan, they will have blessed conversations with Muslims who are genuinely searching for truth. Pray that God will give them open ears and the right words to speak with those people. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

24 DAY 18: 30 DAYS OF ALGERIA: PRESSURE ON CHRISTIANS GROWING Believers from a Muslim background in Algeria have relative freedom compared to what believers face in other countries in the region. Many of them can meet in church buildings for services. But even in Algeria, pressure on Christians has grown in recent years. Pray for those believers who recently became followers of Jesus. Pray that God will give them strength and wisdom in these weeks of Ramadan when the pressure from their family to return to Islam might intensify. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus... Romans 15:5 (ESV) DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

25 DAY 19: 30 DAYS OF MUSLIM WORLD: INTIMIDATION FOR CHRISTIANS DURING RAMADAN In some countries during Ramadan, some Islamists intimidate Christians with loads of questions about their faith. They hope that Christians might say the wrong thing and look foolish or unthoughtful, or that they will start doubting their Christian faith. Pray for the Christians who will be questioned so profoundly over the coming month. Pray that the Lord will give these brothers and sisters the right words to speak and the right attitude toward the Muslims questioning them. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

26 SHOWING LOVE TO OUR NEIGHBORS DURING RAMADAN While this month is often difficult for Christians because of the increased discrimination and persecution they experience, it is also a month in which they have the opportunity to show love to their neighbors. The following is taken from a blog post written by an Egyptian Christian as he reflected on life for Christians during Ramadan in Egypt. Over the last few years, some churches in Egypt have been hosting street breakfast tables to show Christian love and kindness to fasting Muslims in their neighborhoods. These tables demonstrated the loving message of the Church in a country with an 85 percent Muslim-majority population. But in recent years, security has been an issue. Due to the 2017 attack on the bus of Christians visiting St. Samuel s Monastery in Minya, many churches have not been permitted to host breakfast tables. The security situation is too unstable. After each major attack that hits the Christian community in Egypt, the question remains: Should we take more risks and go out to show our love to Muslims, or should we stay safe inside our churches and our homes? Can church and home even be considered safe? Isn t that what the enemy wants us to do? The security situation could make us passive and scared, but it can also light the fire of Christ s love within us. During a recent Ramadan, a group of Christians in a southern Egyptian city decided not to take heed of the warnings and chose instead to take risks! They thought, if people can t come to their breakfast tables, they would go to them. They collected some money from church members and put together 100 boxes; each included some basic food items and a couple of toys for young children. They loaded the boxes on a truck and headed to a small, remote village and visited the simple homes of the Muslim villagers one by one, offering them the gift box. They had friendly conversations with them DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

27 and played with their children when they were allowed. They prayed for the families, asking for healing from sicknesses, a job for a father or son, and for many other requests. Maged*, a Christian young man, was one of those who participated in the distribution of the boxes. In one of the homes, the husband said to us: You are good people. I don t understand how you come to help us when we are different than you. You show us a love and respect that we don t see from anybody else, Maged shares. People are even open for prolonged talks. They feel safe with us when we visit their homes. When we visit these people and show them God s love, we feel the heart of Jesus DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

28 DAY 20: 30 DAYS OF SOMALIA: A CULTURE SHAPED BY ISLAM Islam shapes many aspects of Somali culture. For example, there is strict separation of the sexes. Women and sometimes even prepubescent girls are expected to cover their bodies, including their hair, when in public. During Ramadan, the culture-shaping force of Islam is even more apparent. Naturally, adherents fast for one month from sunrise to sunset (pregnant women, the infirm and children are typically exempt) and then feast on Eid, a social celebration that marks the end of the fast. Many religious holidays and events are marked by the ritualized sacrifice of a goat or lamb. This ties the religious celebration of Ramadan closely to general Somali society. In recent years, Islamic fundamentalist groups have been identified in southern Somalia. Jihad groups linked to Al Qaeda have also flourished, murdering foreign aid workers and journalists. They have kept a close watch over Ramadan celebrations and heavily punished anyone suspected of not participating. Pray for believers in Somalia this Ramadan, as they seek to live for Jesus amidst suffocating pressure. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you, and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Luke 6: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

29 DAY 21: 30 DAYS OF MALDIVES: FAITH IN ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT COUNTRIES The Maldives is a country very closed to the gospel. The Bible is completely forbidden. Most people live in the overcrowded capital city of Malé. With no hope for a better life, alcoholism, drug addiction and other abusive behaviors run rampant. Islam doesn t offer them the hope they need. Ramadan, however, is a good time to engage Muslims in spiritual conversation. Pray for God s protection and wisdom over a couple, Mark* and May*, as they share His love with Muslims. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

30 DAY 22: 30 DAYS OF SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES: HEALING FROM TRAUMA On May 23, 2017, three days before the start of Ramadan, the Philippine city Marawi was overrun by an ISIS affiliate. The battle for its liberation lasted about seven months. An Open Doors worker recently visited the city. It was shocking to be in this war zone, she shares. Many houses were marked by graffiti. Many houses of Christians were burnt. Only the church was hardly damaged. A woman told her that since the siege, she was convinced that Jesus was real. How did you know? the Open Doors worker asked. Because people came to look for me during the war, the woman replied. When I fled the city, I had no possessions anymore. But your organization came to find me and brought me what I needed to survive. Thank God for the work we ve been able to do in Marawi and other places in the Muslim world. Ask God to bring healing, especially to the Christians of Marawi, during this Ramadan. It may bring back many painful memories. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him. Lamentations 3:21-24 (ESV) DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

31 DAY 23: 30 DAYS OF IRAN: PRAY FOR TRAUMATIZED (EX-)PRISONERS The struggle of a persecuted believer who has been imprisoned for his or her faith isn t over when he or she is released. Many former prisoners report signs of trauma. Additionally, children and other family members of prisoners can suffer from trauma. Apart from the physiological and physical effects of imprisonment, being locked up can also seriously damage someone s faith and willingness to serve the Lord. They may feel forgotten by God or by fellow believers, or feel completely alone. Pray for healing of former prisoners, and that they would feel the presence and comfort of God more than ever. See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

32 DAY 24: 30 DAYS OF CHECHNYA: JESUS GIVES PEACE AND JOY My name is Fatima. I am from a Muslim family. I was Muslim, too, until My friend Indira came to see me during Ramadan and told me about Jesus. I was in a terrible depression, felt fear and couldn t sleep normally because of nightmares for over five years. My friend invited me to a Christian meeting. For several weeks, I refused to go to the secret home group. I considered myself Muslim and was afraid that it would be betrayal of Islam to meet Christians, especially during the pure and holy month of Ramadan. But I couldn t deal with my condition any longer and decided to go. Everything I heard in that meeting touched my heart, but I refused to accept Jesus as I didn t want to be guilty in leaving Islam. [Two weeks later,] I went again to the home group and accepted Jesus into my heart and asked Him to heal me and my life. It was a strange experience for me. I expected to feel guilty about betraying Islam. But there was no guilt. When I came home I felt peace and joy. And I couldn t stop thinking: What if my friend Indira had not visited me that Ramadan month when I was in such a critical condition? Now I pray for my parents to accept Jesus. I know that it is possible for Him to touch their hearts even though they are Muslims. Please pray with Fatima, that God will use her life and her prayers to draw many people to Him. Pray for a breakthrough during this Ramadan. Pray that God will give Fatima courage to share the gospel with someone else. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord s people. Ephesians 6: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

33 DAY 25: 30 DAYS OF BANGLADESH: PRAY FOR PROTECTION In Bangladesh, there is a couple named Abu* and Sufia*. They are planning to reach out to their Muslim community during Ramadan. Pray that they will be safe but fruitful. Also pray for the group of local believers in the area that they can safely worship God without fear. The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

34 DAY 26: 30 DAYS OF SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA: PRAY FOR UNITY THIS RAMADAN There is often mistrust in Asia between Christians who come from Christian families and Christians who come from Muslim families. During a camp for youth from both groups, one Christian teenager, Yonatan, confessed: I don t believe Muslims who testify that they believe in Jesus. It could be a trap. At the same time, a Christian boy who was born a Muslim said: I don t like the others, because when I came to faith, I was mocked and accused of bad things by Christians. We brought the two boys and many others together to help them gain mutual understanding and an appreciation for each other. At the end of the camp, Yonatan said: Now I know what s it like to be a [Muslim-background believer]. This has really opened my eyes and changed the way I will interact with them in the future. Many of the participants resolved to help each other from now on. Thank the Lord for this breakthrough and pray that God will allow us to bring more people together. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5 (ESV) DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

35 DAY 27: 30 DAYS OF MUSLIM WORLD: PRAYING FOR COURAGE Pray for the Christians in the countries with a Muslim majority. We often speak about converts from Islam, but many Christians were born into Christian families and form a (large or small) minority in their own country. In many countries, as long as they retreat to their own churches and stay far away from their Muslim fellow citizens, there is usually no problem for them. That s tempting, but not what God wants. Pray that the Christians will look with the eyes of Jesus to the crowds who are without the Shepherd. Pray that they will reach out with the love and hope of Christ despite the costs. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

36 DAY 28: 30 DAYS OF MUSLIM WORLD: GOOD DEEDS TO RECEIVE ALLAH S MERCY Close to the end of Ramadan, the Muslims around the world do their utmost to pray, to read the Quran and to do good deeds, all to receive Allah s mercy. Pray for many of those Muslims who are really searching for forgiveness and mercy for their sins. Pray they will start to think about this in relationship with what the Quran teaches. They don t have real assurance during their lifetime of being forgiven. Pray they will have an encounter with Jesus through a relationship with a believer, dreams and visions, TV channels, websites or encounters with literature and that many will turn to the truth of the gospel. Therefore, He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

37 DAY 29: 30 DAYS OF INDONESIA: PERSEVERING THIS RAMADAN FOR HIS FATHER Pray for Harun*, who made a choice to stay with his father despite being persecuted by him. Harun says, I want to be a blessing to my father so he can also believe in Isa. [Arabic for Jesus] Pray for him, as he may face more pressure to convert back to Islam during Ramadan. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. 2 Corinthians 1: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

38 DAY 30: 30 DAYS OF SAUDI ARABIA: INTENSE PRESSURE ON SECRET BELIEVERS For secret believers in Saudia Arabia whose Muslim families often don t know of their faith in Christ, since they could be excluded from the family or even killed the month of Ramadan is the most challenging period of the year. Relatives will keep check on each other, to guarantee that all the rules are adhered to. Some Saudi believers try to find ways to spend Ramadan abroad to escape from the pressure to live as a Muslim. Today, let s pray for those brothers and sisters unable to escape the country. Often they are forced to read the Quran and act like they are praying to Allah to hide from their families that they are no longer real Muslims. Pray for them to focus on Christ, amidst all the darkness surrounding them, and to endure when the pressure is at its highest. Pray for their families to have hearts that are softened and that they would hear and receive the truth and hope of Jesus. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

39 I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy How God is using dreams and visions to show Muslims how much He loves them and why these converts from Islam need the help of their new family The war in Syria along with attacks from ISIS, threats from Al Qaeda and more has dominated our news cycle for the past few years. It can seem that darkness and turmoil has consumed the Middle East. But in the midst of all this, the Church in the Middle East is showing the love of Christ to those who fled their homes. Muslims in the Middle East are turning to Jesus in unprecedented numbers. Before the war, Christians in the Middle East tell us it was rare for a Muslim to become a follower of Jesus Christ. But the war has changed everything. According to one of the Christian workers of a church in Lebanon, many new converts say they had their doubts about Islam before they converted. Doubt is many times the key to start a change, the church worker says. Open Doors workers met with Amir*, Rasha* and their two children, who fled from Homs, Syria. Proof of the extraordinary change lies in her arms a 5-monthold baby girl named Christina, a name chosen because of their new faith. Since 2012, we have been living in a tent, Amir shares. It is not an easy life. About a year ago, my wife s mother was killed by a sniper when she went out to have some fresh air. My wife s brother was killed on his way home. The life of this family was and is still hard, but recently they found light in their life. About three months ago, I was given a vision of Jesus Christ, Rasha shares. I was sleeping and all of a sudden I saw Jesus Christ in white. He said: DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

40 I am Christ. You will have a beautiful daughter. I was eight months pregnant, and a month later we received our beautiful daughter. At about the same time, her husband had a dream too. I saw Jesus Christ. He was dressed in white. He said to me, I am your Savior. You will follow me. We re Afraid Now Both Amir and Rasha made a bold decision after these dreams. We decided to follow Him, they say. We named our baby Christina. We left our old Islamic customs. Amir stopped going to the mosque, but Rasha still dresses as a Muslim woman with her head covered by a veil. Our clan is very big; we re afraid now. They might kill us, she says. Our family knows we are Christians now, Amir says. Becoming a Christian is, for them, the same as if I had destroyed the Kaaba [the most sacred site in Islam]. It is because we walked in the darkness and are now in the light. I want to protect my family. Because of the danger, they didn t want to continue living in the tent in the camp where mainly Muslims live. We now have no fixed place to live, we go from place to place, Rasha says, sadly. Back home in Syria, Amir worked as a carpenter. I have no work in Lebanon, he explains. Our financial situation is bad. Now, because we are Christians, others don t want to help us. The church is helping as much as is possible. Amir and Rasha don t know what the future will bring. The most important thing is that we know Jesus Christ as our Savior, Amir adds. He will save us. We regularly pray to the Lord, we freely worship Him, and He protects us. God is with us. God will resolve our situation DAYS OF DURING RAMADAN

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42 OpenDoorsCA.org 8-19 Brownridge Rd. Halton Hills, ON L7G 0C6 To contact Open Doors by phone, call (905) /OpenDoorsCanada /OpenDoorsCanada /OpenDoorsCanada