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Mar 28
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Day 29 – Pray for the Hadjarai in Chad

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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 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

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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 16
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Day 17 – Pray for Muslims and Believers in Uzbekistan

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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

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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.
Mar 10
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Day 11 – Pray For Those Imprisoned in Libya

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Imprisoned For Faith

Libya is a country rich in natural resources but devasted by civil war and various armed conflicts. These have caused massive emigration as well as economic hardship and suffering for those remaining in country. There is also spiritual hardship in that deciding to follow Christ in this strict Muslim country carries with it the threat of being punished with death.

Aatiq is one of those who has received a legally disputed death sentence. He came to know Christ through reading the Word some years ago and then wandered away from his faith. A sub-Saharan believer met him and prayed that he would have a vision of the risen Christ. A few days later he had that vision and since then has clung to the Lord in the midst of adversity caused by the boldness of his proclamation. He, somewhat like Joseph in Genesis, has been esteemed by some of those in charge of the prison because of his helpful attitude and good work.

How Can We Pray?

  • “Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies” (Heb 13:3 NLT). Ask God that those suffering in prison be released.
  • Pray for media outreach efforts in Libyan Arabic that programs would draw people to Christ and would also comfort and disciple secret believers.
  • Pray that Libyans who have emigrated to other countries would find Christ and return to share with their own people.

***

During Ramadan, we are taking time each day to pray for people in the Muslim world. We are praying that they would hear the Gospel, have access to the Bible, have a divine encounter with Jesus, and be saved. We are also praying for Christians living as the minority in the Muslim world, that they would be protected from persecution, strengthened in their faith, and given opportunities to share the Gospel.

The stories and prayer requests that we are sharing have been taking from World Prayer Guides. You can visit their website (www.WorldPrayerGuides.org) to purchase a printable prayer guide for just $2.50.

Mar 09
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Day 10 – Pray For The Aimaqs of Afghanistan

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Zai was transfixed by verses from the Gospels shared with him by a Christian worker. Tears came to his eyes as they read John 1:12 together: “Sometimes when I read this book I get goosebumps!” he said. Zai sensed God calling him to repent and surrender his life to Jesus, but he was serious about counting the cost. He also struggled to know if he understood the gospel well enough. He said that sometimes at night, he sensed God’s presence so strongly that it almost scared him, not understanding what God wanted from him.

Zai is Aimaq and his people live in the central and western highlands of Afghanistan. Numbering half a million, they live a full or semi-nomadic lifestyle. Their language is considered ‘lost’ so they speak Dari or Pashto, depending on their location.

Zai’s friend told him to speak to God and ask for faith. Reading together Revelation 3:20, he showed him that Jesus was patiently and lovingly knocking on the door of his heart and desiring a personal relationship with him. Zai was deeply moved and asked, “What must I do?” The two men reviewed the verses in Romans regarding the human condition and Romans 10:9-10 which describe a sinner’s response. Zai pondered and asked, “Is it ok if I just take tonight to think about it?” Zai later confessed that “I was afraid if I waited, Jesus might stop knocking.” Soon after this, God gave Zai a dream and he woke up knowing that he was ready to surrender his life to Christ.

How Can We Pray?

  • Pray for the good news to be shared in the Aimaq area; the regions where they live have no gospel witness.
  • Pray for the Aimaqs to find hope and to know the Lord as their great provider as they live in one of the poorest areas of Afghanistan.
  • Pray that young Aimaq men would find the gospel as they travel to other places for work.

During Ramadan, we are taking time each day to pray for people in the Muslim world. We are praying that they would hear the Gospel, have access to the Bible, have a divine encounter with Jesus, and be saved. We are also praying for Christians living as the minority in the Muslim world, that they would be protected from persecution, strengthened in their faith, and given opportunities to share the Gospel.

The stories and prayer requests that we are sharing have been taking from World Prayer Guides. You can visit their website (www.WorldPrayerGuides.org) to purchase a printable prayer guide for just $2.50.

Mar 08
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Day 9 – Pray For The Perfume Islands

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During Ramadan, we are taking time each day to pray for people in the Muslim world. We are praying that they would hear the Gospel, have access to the Bible, have a divine encounter with Jesus, and be saved. We are also praying for Christians living as the minority in the Muslim world, that they would be protected from persecution, strengthened in their faith, and given opportunities to share the Gospel.

The stories and prayer requests that we are sharing have been taking from World Prayer Guides. You can visit their website (www.WorldPrayerGuides.org) to purchase a printable prayer guide for just $2.50.

Translating The Bible In Their Mother Tongue

Because vanilla, cloves and spices grow here, the Comoros archipelago is also known as the Perfume Islands, with frangipani, jasmine and lemon grass also lending a delightful fragrance. Almost one million people live on the four main islands, which are located between Madagascar and Mozambique. One of them, Mayotte, is a French overseas territory, which is why many Comorians try to reach France via this island. This has led to unrest and conflict. The population lives in poor conditions and is almost exclusively Muslim.

Said is one of the only Christians on the island. Only a few people around him and in his family know Jesus. He wants the Comoros people to get to have the opportunity to read the Word of God and to believe. Together with other believers and missionary societies, he is working on a Bible translation in the local language. This will give people access to the Word of God in their mother tongue, which is crucial to spreading the gospel and enabling a deeper connection to faith.

The unity and dedication behind this collaboration is impressive. The indigenous believers and mission agencies bring their resources, talents and passions to serve God’s mission together.

How Can We Pray?

  • That the fragrance of God spreads throughout the Perfume Islands and that the people experience Him.
  • That Christians may live safely and securely.
  • For Bible translation to progress well, with great unity in the team.
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