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Brianna Alexander

Mar 31
Love0
a mission team building a house in Ensenada Mexico

A Tree Of Hope

By Blog

36 hours. 20 men. 1 house.
The trajectory of one family’s future changed forever.

Carlos and Miriam grew up in Oaxaca, Mexico and met each other in high school. They married young and started a family. But life in Oaxaca was difficult and there were very few job opportunities. So they decided to move to Ensenada in hopes that they could make a better life for themselves and their two young children, Rosibel and Misael Alejandro.

In Ensenada, life was still difficult but there was hope. Carlos worked on a ranch 4 hours away and often had to leave the family for several weeks at a time. They lived with a family member in a room that leaked when it rained. But they were able to save up and purchase a plot of land and dreamed of one day building a home. Carlos even bought a tree and planted it on the lot. It was the only thing there and it was a reminder to not loose hope on their dream.

While Carlos was planting his tree of hope, a group of men from Crossline Church were planning their yearly missions trip to Ensenada, Mexico. The church partners with The Global Mission and Yugo Ministries every year to build a home for a family in need. There are guys, like Chris P, who have been to Mexico dozens of times and others who have never left the country.  There are guys like Tony A who are master builders and other guys who work in tech and rarely touch a hammer. Guys of different ages, marital status, job titles and faith journeys come together to serve God and serve others.

Through Yugo Ministries, the men from Crossline were connected with Carlos and Miriam. For 3 days, the men and the family worked side by side, hammering, painting, sawing and drilling to create a two bedroom home that is warm, dry and safe. For the first time, the kids have their own beds and mom and dad have their own bedroom. There is space for a kitchen, dining room table and seating. Its a dream come true for a family that never stopped dreaming.

And that tree? It’s no longer the only thing on the property and its no longer a tree of just hope. Its a symbol of hope fulfilled.

Please continue to pray for Carlos, Miriam and their children. That they would thrive in their new home. That Carlos would find a better paying job closer to home. And that they would continue exploring Christianity and believe in Jesus’s plan of salvation for them all.

Click the video below to see a trip recap!

Mar 28
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green and gold islam pattern

Day 29 – Pray for the Hadjarai in Chad

By Blog

The ethnic groups of the Guera region of Chad are called “Hadjarai” which means “people of the mountains.” More than 550,000 Hadjarai, who speak 25 different languages, live in this hilly area in the centre of the country. The climate is dry and hot, with a rainy season from June to September. There is significant poverty, with most people in the villages living from agriculture and livestock farming.

The majority of the population in the Guera region are Muslim, though traditional African religions are also practiced. In almost every ethnic group, however, there are also up to approximately 5% Christians, and two language groups (Kenga and Guergiko) are comprised of around 30% Christians.

None of the Hadjarai languages have a complete Bible, though four have a New Testament with a fifth, Dadjo, becoming available this year. Because more than half their population have not learned to read and write, literacy work has been important, as well as creative ways to share the gospel through the creative arts.

Sharon rehearsed a theatre play with a group of Chadians about the death and resurrection of Jesus. It was performed on Good Friday in a large square in Mongo, a major city in the Hadjarai region. Around 200 adults and children watched, crowding close to the actors to see what happened to Jesus. A Muslim who was filming the crucifixion scene asked a friend next to him if Jesus Christ was really whipped and nailed like that. His friend didn’t know, so he said he wanted to get to the bottom of it. Two Muslim women found the torture of Jesus very moving. One said she could hardly believe it and wanted to know more.

How Can We Pray?

  • Pray for translation and literacy work in all the Hadjarai languages.
  • Pray for creative ways to share the gospel with the not-yet-literate.
  • For peace and stability in Chad.
Mar 26
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Day 27 – Pray for Muslims During The Night Of Power

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A few years ago, on a previous Night of Power, two believers in Turkey were walking and praying along the seafront in Istanbul, asking God to speak to Turkish Muslims that night. Ahead, they overheard an agitated couple having a video phone conversation with one of their mothers: No, anne (mother) still no baby. But tonight is the Night of Power and we will be praying all night for a miracle.”

Laylat al-Qadr, the “Night of Power” or “Night of Destiny” is one of the most sacred events in the Islamic calendar. Believed to be the night when the Qur’an was sent into the world and its first verses revealed to Muhammad, Muslims believe that prayers and good deeds done on this night are of greater value than those done in a thousand months. Some trust in the words of Muhammad when he said, “Whoever stands (in prayer) during the Night of Power out of belief and seeking reward, his previous sins are forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1901) Many Muslims spend the night praying for forgiveness of sins and reciting the Qur’an.

The exact night of Laylat al-Qadr is debated by Islamic scholars, as it is believed to occur on any of the odd numbered days in the last ten days of Ramadan. In order to be found faithful on the actual night, some Muslims will observe i’tikaf (seclusion) during the last ten days in order to focus on reflection, prayer and to avoid involvement in worldly affairs.

Mar 22
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8 Million Gallons of Water for Haiti

By Blog
deep water well in Haiti

Chanje Co-Founder Rick standing by one of two water wells built by Chanje Movement in Haiti.

Today, March 22, is World Water Day, a United Nations day of observance to bring attention to the fact that millions of people around the world still do not have easy access to fresh water.

While the primary mission of The Global Mission is to spread the Gospel, we take very seriously the biblical command to care for the physical needs of the most vulnerable. We’ve funded two deep water wells in Haiti and two in India, and we are always on the lookout for more opportunities fund water wells.

The two Haiti wells were dug about 6 years ago in partnership with our humanitarian ministry Chanje Movement. They were built in two different southern Haiti neighborhoods. Today, those neighborhoods are controlled by gangs and the those living their are experiencing violence, unrest, sickness and extreme poverty. The wells are beacons of hope and peace amongst the chaos. Pastor F, head pastor of the church where one of the wells is located, says this about its impact:

“Everyday, we give water to more than 300 families. 50 gallons per family. That means we give around 15,000 gallons per day. All glory to God. The water we give in the area contributes a lot to the security of our church assembly. It is the water that we give their children, their women to use. At the moment, only our church is able to give water to the community. They do not pay anything to find water. The gangs ask their soldiers not to attack our church because it is the church that provides water to the population. For us, this is a good testimony. The church at the service of the community. Not only water, but also hot bread, education and food almost every day.” 

Altogether, the two wells in Haiti pump 8 million gallons of water a year for 182,500 families.

The wells in India are also providing for the vulnerable orphans, widows and others living in extreme poverty. They were built in church yards located in neighborhoods with limited or no access to clean water. Everyone in the neighborhood is welcome to draw from the well. When they do, the church building is a visual reminder that Jesus loves them and provided the water for them.

What a privilege it is for us to share physical and spiritual water with communities around the world.

Mar 21
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Day 22 – Pray For Palestinians in Jordan

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This story was shared through World Prayer Guides. They have published a printable version of “30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World.” We encourage you to purchase it, print it, and join us as we pray for Muslims through the 30 days of Ramadan.

Captivated By The Word

Eve, one of the many Palestianians living in Jordan, came to our clinic with back pain. Amongst the many desperate and demanding people, she had a kind and sincere heart.

Eve desires to please God and know the holy books so she goes to Qur’an classes each week at her local mosque. We invited her to a woman’s exercise class and quickly decided to train her to become the class coach. As we visited each week, she poured out her heart. The gossip and suspicion between extended family members, living in the same building. Her husband’s debt. The deep pain caused by the rejection from her stepsons. Her husband didn’t want to get involved. She ached for peace.

We longed to read the Bible with her and she agreed! She drank in the prophet stories of the Old Testament. ‘Do Christians still have to offer sacrifices, like Abraham and Moses did?’ We replied, ‘Wait and see’.

Week by week, she asked her question. Finally, we said, ‘We do have a sacrifice, but it is very expensive.’ Curious, she mused, ‘Expensive? Maybe a camel?’ We got to Isaiah 53. ’This is about Jesus isn’t it? He’s the sacrifice.’ She paused. ‘But is he the sacrifice for ALL people?’ We replied excitedly, ‘Yes, for ALL people who trust in Him!’ She looked flat. ‘I do believe Jesus is a prophet, but the Qur’an says he didn’t die.’ We weren’t surprised, though were disappointed. ‘But I’d still like to keep reading with you.’ The Word of God has captured Eve’s heart, but Islam blinds her.

How Can We Pray?

  • That Jesus stirs courage and hunger in Muslim women to read God’s Word.
  • For Muslims like Eve who do encounter God’s Word, that the Spirit opens their blind eyes to know who Jesus is and trust in him.
  • For the Prince of Peace to enter and transform family networks through His Word.
Mar 18
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Day 19 – Pray For Asylum Seekers

By Blog

Hussain grew up as the only child of a moderately Muslim couple, but within a fundamentalist Islamic regime. In his mid 20s, Hussain worked in a fitness centre where one of his workmates was a follower of Jesus. One day, they had a discussion about the Bible and, as a parting gift before moving to another city, his colleague gave Hussain a copy of the New Testament in his own language.

Hussain read the Scriptures from cover to cover and had many questions. However, there was no-one with whom he could safely talk. Even so, as he read, he experienced the presence and peace of God, and became convinced that Jesus’ words are life and truth. Although supportive of their son’s new beliefs, his parents warned him to keep them to himself. And so Hussain remained alone as a believer for the next five years.

During that time, the Islamic regime became more and more repressive. Hussain knew that if he stayed, eventually he would be caught and killed, and so he decided to run to a safe European country, where he finally met other Christians and was baptised.

Two years have passed and Hussain is still fighting for refugee status in his adopted country. He works hard to learn the language, and dreams of going to university to become an engineer. However, there is still a chance he might be rejected and deported to his homeland, where he would almost certainly be imprisoned.

How Can We Pray?

  • For Christian refugees from a Muslim background who, like Hussain, are in danger of being deported by their host countries.
  • For boldness among Christians in Muslim countries to discuss the Bible with their Muslim friends and distribute it wisely.
  • For revelation for Muslim seekers as they read God’s word, and for access to the people and resources to help them on their faith journey.
Mar 17
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Day 18 – Pray for the Western Cham of Cambodia

By Blog

The Western Cham are a Muslim people group with their own language who have lived in Buddhist majority Cambodia since the 17th century. Traditionally fishermen and farmers, they were severely persecuted under the Pol Pot regime, with more than a third of their population massacred in the 1970s. They now number about 600,000.

Mei is an elderly Cham woman in her eighties who lives in a small village about 3 hours from Phnom Penh with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The gift of a New Testament in her own language on a small audio player fed Mei’s curiosity about the gospel and she began working through the Bible narratives with two believers who visit her village regularly. Then, one night Mei had a vivid dream about Jesus judging the people of the earth, sending them to heaven and hell. This convinced her that He was the way the truth and the life.

Today she is eager to share her faith whenever she meets family and friends. Two daughters and two great granddaughters regularly join with her and the two believing visitors to pray, eat and study stories from the scripture. The meetings are open for others to join. Sometimes one of their husbands joins them. Recently around ten more people were baptized so the small community of faith is growing.

How Can We Pray? 

  • That God’s spirit will use Cham language resources like the audio Bible and study material to speak powerfully into the hearts of Cham people.
  • For Mei as she shares about Jesus with the people she meets at weddings and funerals and other special occasions.
  • That more family members will join this community of faith and that it will grow spiritually.

During the 30 Days of Ramadan, The Global Mission is taking time to pray for different people in the Muslim World. The stories and prayers we are sharing are taken from World Prayer Guides. Visit their website to purchase a printable version of the guide that includes 30 different stories and prayer points. 

Mar 16
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Day 17 – Pray for Muslims and Believers in Uzbekistan

By Blog

During Ramadan, we are taking time every day to pray for different people groups in the Muslim world. Please join us! Follow us @the_global_mission on Instagram for daily reminders. These stories and prayers are taken from World Prayer Guides. You can purchase a printable PDF of “30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World” from their website. 

Some years ago, Gulnora visited an Uzbek village. “The mullah proudly showed me the new mosque and probably expected criticism from me as a Christian. But I praised the mosque and said that I hoped that God’s word would be preached there. He was surprised, and when I gave him a copy of the New Testament in Uzbek he took it, touched it with his lips and forehead and finally held it close to his heart. A group of men had gathered around us and when they saw how the mullah received the New Testament with such honor, they also wanted books, but unfortunately I did not have any more with me.”

“Recently I travelled back to the same village,” she said. “The mullah had heard about my arrival and came towards me on the road. While still far off, he called out: “My daughter! You’ve returned at last! Do you remember that when you were here last time you gave me the New Testament in Uzbek? I am so grateful to you! Now I know every Friday what to read in our mosque, and I have a holy book which shows the way to God in my language. The other books that I have I could not understand, but this one helps me to prepare my sermons and give hope to those who listen!”

HOW CAN WE PRAY?

  • For an increase of freedom of religion in Uzbekistan.
  • For safety, growth, and spiritual maturity for those in underground house churches.
  • That local pastors would be taught by the Holy Spirit and lead their flocks to withstand persecution.
Mar 15
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Day 16 – Pray For Jihadists In Burkina Faso

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During Ramadan, we are taking time to pray everyday for different people groups in the Muslim world. These prayers are taken from World Prayer Guides. You can purchase a printable PDF from their website for just $2.50. 

A Radio Missionary

It was market day in a small village in eastern Burkina Faso. Suddenly jihadists came and began threatening the people. A young Christian had positioned his small radio on the market well, with a broadcast about Jesus in Fulfulde. In his panic, he forgot to switch it off.

One of the terrorists came to the well and started listening. “Whose radio is this?” he asked. After a long time of silence, an older man said: “It belongs to this young man.” The jihadist kept listening to the message, while his comrades kept threatening the villagers. Finally, he took the radio without any more words.

After a week, the terrorists came to the market again – including the one who had taken the radio. He looked for the young owner of the radio, and when he couldn’t find him, addressed the old man who had pointed out the young man a week ago. “The message in the radio was very good! Where can I find a second one?”

The jihadists need the Good News, too. But who will bring it to them? According to a 2022 report by the United Nations Development Program, poverty and unemployment, and not religious conviction, are the main reasons that people in Africa join extremist groups. Christians allow fear to prevent them from praying for terrorists as well as investigating solutions for the material needs that drive people into extremism.

How To Pray

  • That we as Christians would repent if we have had wrong attitudes and that we would ask Jesus for his love and attitude towards all people.
  • That God would reveal the corruption and lawlessness that keep people in poverty and thatsustainable solutions would be found.
  • That God would open the hearts of many terrorists, that they would hear and accept the Gospel.
Mar 12
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Day 13 – Pray for Muslims in Thailand

By Blog

James relaxed in his airplane seat, relieved to be heading off to a Christian conference and a few days of rest. As he thought about the week ahead, he felt God say to him: “Tell the lady sitting next to you that I know her and love her.”

James glanced over at the young hijab-wearing Muslim lady, unsure at how to strike up a conversation. Culturally, it would be awkward for him as a man to start chatting with her. But he did it anyway.

“Asalaam alaikum”, he greeted her. “Sorry to bother you, but I am a Christian, and a few minutes ago, I felt God wanted to tell you that He sees you and knows you. And that He loves you, too.”

Saripa’s eyes opened wide, as she stuttered back: “You’re a Christian?!? I have just been reading the Bible. Can you help explain it to me?”

“Yes, of course”, James said in shock, as he marveled at God’s ways. “But where do you live? Maybe my wife can meet with you to explain more.” She proceeded to tell James that she lived in the exact city he was working in. And then they realized that they lived in the same neighborhood, and, in fact, on the very same street! God was indeed at work in their family and bringing a hunger for His Word.

Later that week, James’ wife reached out to Saripa and the two began a study of Scripture that only God himself could have orchestrated.

How Can We Pray?

  • Pray for Thai Muslims who have an interest in Jesus but struggle to learn more. Pray for Christian friends who can explain the Good News.
  • Pray for the growth of the church in the province of Narathiwat, which has just 70+ Christians among almost a million Muslim residents.
  • As Jesus prayed in Matthew 9, ask God to send more workers to reap the harvest to come.
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