Ramadan

Mar 21

Day 22 – Pray For Palestinians in Jordan

By Brianna Alexander Blog

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 Brianna Alexander 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 16

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Day 17 – Pray for Muslims and Believers in Uzbekistan

By Brianna Alexander 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

By Brianna Alexander Blog

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 Brianna Alexander 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.

Mar 11

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Day 12 – Pray for the Biharis in Bangladesh

By Brianna Alexander Blog

Nadim is an Urdu speaking Bihari whose forefathers came to Dhaka after the partition of India. Caught up in the events of political changes, the Biharis became an impoverished minority people group living in camps in Bangladesh. They are considered an unreached people group and only a handful of believers exist among them.

Nadim worked as a sari designer making patterns for the silk sari weaving cottage-industry that his people are famous for. As the fashion for wedding saris shifted from silk to other types, it became more and more difficult for him to feed his family. One day while he was minding a friend’s shop, the owner came in and threw a couple of books on the counter. “Look here,” he said “the Christians are distributing their book for free on the street because of Christmas. I will try to make some money by selling them here.’’ Nadim took a New Testament home and started reading that night. From then on, he read every night. The more he read, the more his desire to know Christ grew.

One day he met a young evangelist who lived in that area. They started talking and, with the input of several people, Nadim heard the gospel clearly explained. After embracing Jesus as his Saviour, his wife and mother-in-law came to faith as well. Nadim has learned the path of repentance in the years since but now leads a small church in his home.

How To Pray:

That Biharis who experience persecution and rejection would find their identity in Christ.
For improved conditions for the hundreds of thousands of Biharies who live in camps in squalid conditions and for htem to discover Jesus as their True Hope.
For educaitonal opportunities for Bihari young people.

Mar 08

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Day 9 – Pray For The Perfume Islands

By Brianna Alexander Blog

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.

Mar 07

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Day 8 – Pray For Muslims in Sandzak

By Brianna Alexander Blog

The Only Christian in Sandzak

Hamza is sitting in one of the most famous ćevapi restaurants in the Serbian city of Novi Pazar with his foreign friend. People come here to drink coffee and to enjoy the best sausages and a good view of the pedestrian zone. Hamza, however, is here to learn from the Bible. On their mobile phones they read John 8:32 together: “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

After a moment of silence, Hamza says: “That is what my people need. They should recognize Jesus as truth and as light. And then he will free them from the many dark powers and the slavery of money.” And he continues: “God sent you here for me! Without you, I would no longer follow Jesus.”

Sandzak is a historic region in the Balkans that straddles the border of Serbia and Montenegro. As the only known follower of Jesus in the entire region with around 250,000 Muslim residents, Hamza knows life in Sandzak. It is not easy for him to live his faith, but he always draws strength from the Bible. The Muslims in Sandzak are a significant majority locally, but overall, they are a minority in Serbia and Montenegro. Thirty years after the war, they are still discriminated against. This is one of the reasons why many Muslims here are very religious and devout. In the city of Novi Pazar alone, there are over 60 mosques, three Koran schools and an Islamic university for future religious teachers and imams.

How To Pray

That more Muslims from Sandzak will recognise Jesus as the truth and follow him.
That the people of Sandzak would recognise the light of Jesus to be stronger than all the dark powers that they have experienced.
For more workers and new ideas on how to reach the Muslims of Sandzak.

Mar 04

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Day 5 – Pray For Muslims in Zanzibar

By Brianna Alexander Blog

Fantastic beaches, picturesque sunsets and a natural paradise attract thousands upon thousands of tourists to the popular island archipelago of Zanzibar every year. They make a stark contrast to the local Zanzibaris, who are 99 % Muslim. Deeply entangled in folk Islam and occultism, they try to distance themselves from the influence of the Western world through their religion and traditions. Jesus speaks into this bondage and conflict and calls Zanzibaris to follow Him.

Mansour experienced that through Isa al-Masih (Jesus, the Messiah) he was set free from evil spirits and demonic burdens. Curious, he and his family watched LUMO films about the life of Jesus, and they began reading the Injil (New Testament). They decided to follow Jesus into a life of light and freedom. Mansour’s father-in-law in the south of the island heard that his daughter had been set free by Jesus – something that all magicians had failed to do so far. A group of seekers are now meeting there, too, to learn more about Jesus in the Injil. The first life changes through the Holy Spirit can be seen, and some are ready to be baptized.

Ways To Pray

That the young believers would take courageous steps of obedience and not allow themselves to be prevented from doing so by rumors circulating about baptism.
That Jesus would answer their prayers when they pray in His name for the sick and burdened.
For supernatural protection and care for the believers, who are now increasingly disadvantaged and persecuted by religious leaders and neighbours.

We are praying for different Mulsim people groups around the world during the 30 days of Ramadan. The stories and prayer requests shared here are taken from World Prayer Guides. Please consider making a donation to them or purchasing a printable guide to suppor their ministry.

Mar 03

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Day 4 – Pray For The Kazakhs from China

By Brianna Alexander Blog

Today is the 4th day of Ramadan. As Muslims around the world take time to pray, The Global Mission is taking time to pray for them, to pray for their salvation and deliverance. We would love for you to pray with us and to search for opportunities to share your testimony and the gospel with Muslims in your life.

All stories and prayer requests are taken from World Prayer Guides. You can purchase a printable prayer guide from their website.

The Story

Tolkyn grew up in a big city in eastern China, though his people consider the northwest of the country to be their home area. Despite not being especially religious or traditional, he considers himself a Muslim. Like many younger generation Kazakhs, he’s living abroad. Work, study, family connections, and immigration are common reasons for this phenomenon.

Kazakhs who travel out of China tend to be ambitious and prize worldly wisdom. Having escaped many limitations by coming out of their country, they recognize the relative freedom they’re enjoying. At least some of their dreams are coming true, though their happiness is often mixed with heartache over separation from relatives still in China.

Tolkyn is pursuing advanced studies and thinking seriously about marriage to his girlfriend, Saule. Through Saule, he met some Jesus-followers in the city where he lives. He had read some of John’s gospel in Chinese years ago, but it didn’t make much of an impression on him. Saule’s friends, however, in a conversation about how a husband and wife relate to each other in marriage, brought up the passage in Ephesians 5 where it says, “Husbands, love your wives…” This really made Tolkyn think. The fact that this scripture was in Kazakh, and not some other language, also got his attention— so much so that he got a copy of the Bible in Kazakh for himself.

Ways To Pray

For Kazakhs living abroad to feel a longing to know their Creator that nothing else (education, career, money, emigration, even family) can satisfy.
For them to meet Jesus-followers along their paths in pursuit of worldly ambitions.
That Kazakhs would have the opportunity and desire to read scripture, and that they would receive understanding through the Holy Spirit.

Day 22 – Pray For Palestinians in Jordan

Day 19 – Pray For Asylum Seekers

Day 17 – Pray for Muslims and Believers in Uzbekistan

Day 16 – Pray For Jihadists In Burkina Faso

Day 13 – Pray for Muslims in Thailand