God’s Love Can Change Lives

“Mohammed is talked about in the Bible.” Ahmed, a college student from Saudi Arabia boldly said. I read the passage from Scripture that referred to Israel in their ignorance and not Mohammed. We conversed for a long time. I showed Ahmed and Mohammed that the OT prophets all talked about The Lord Jesus. “Did Jesus ever say He was the Son of God or that He was supposed to die for the sins of the world?” My friend showed them verses from John 10 that show us the Good Shepherd that gives His life for the sheep. I showed them verses from Luke that tell that all the prophets speak of Him and that He died and arose from the dead. Ahmed said that he would think on these things and they both gladly took some Arabic NTs.

“I have read the NT that was given to me.” Moe from Egypt said. “I am glad that you are reading God’s word and I hope to see you at church today.” Moe is a friend of Mark, who I gave an Arabic NT to so that he could pass it onto Moe.
“I have been reading God’s word and it is beautiful!” Ibrahim from Egypt excitedly said. “Did you read how Jesus died.” I asked. Before I finished, he exclaimed, “And three days later He arose!” Ibrahim was given a NT before we left Egypt in December. The Lord had laid him on my heart so I decided to call and touch base with him. I was so encouraged by his response to God’s word. We pray that he will be one that comes from darkness into God’s glorious light.
The same Gospel we faithfully proclaimed in Egypt still works here in the US. God is placing Muslims before us while we are here and we love meeting with them to share the precious truths from His word. Pray that the ones mentioned above will hear God’s voice and be changed. They are still in darkness, but the love of God and His word can still free them from their chains.

Absolute Freedom

“He is a dictator! Morsy, has made himself into a Pharaoh here and it is not right. He is acting like Mubarak!” My taxi driver angrily said. I talked to others and one man looked like he had been crying because of the change of events here in Egypt. While others, said, “Morsy is a good man and he is just trying to get rid of people from the old regime. I like the Muslim Brotherhood.”

Whether you support Morsy or are against him, things are definitely changing here in Egypt. It reminds me of when we were here during the protests against Mubarak. In some ways, it seems it is a bit stronger of a protest. Thousands are still protesting here in Cairo and in many other cities. The judges in the courts are protesting and now the newspapers also want to protest against the dictatorial way Morsy placed himself above all authority.

The most important authority is in the Lord Jesus Christ. “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matt 28:18-20).” Those that are bought with the precious blood of Christ have the authority of Jesus Christ to go and make disciples of all nations. The only one that can change lives here is God himself. When we trust in Him, He makes us new creatures in Him.

Egypt is in turmoil. Many looked to Morsy to make a true difference. They are now sadly disappointed. Some still say they place their trust in him and believe they are following God’s leader. They believe when they support him, they are following Islam. Deception is deep here in this land. Anger and fear arises while the numbers arise in Tahrir Square. The task is greater than ever. We need laborers here that will commit themselves to the preaching of the Gospel. We need people that will lift up Jesus and do His will daily. We need committed followers of Christ to do His work in the face of adversity. God does not give a spirit of fear and wants to use you today to do His will.

After finishing our main language study and using it for ministry, we are now in our next phase of labor for Christ here in Egypt. We are traveling back to the States to share what is going on here and to encourage people to commit themselves to help in the work. We pray people will come for vision trips or internships. We know the eye affects the heart and we know the only true difference here will be made through the power of the Gospel. Will you pray for Egypt and consider coming here to see Christ lifted up through you? He is able to make a difference and He uses His servants to lift up His word for His glory so people can be born again. We believe God is using this drastic situation to show people the heart of Islam and then people will look to Jesus for absolute freedom in Him.

What the Media Does Not Tell You (Part3)

“I can not get enough of the word of God. I want to learn more about Jesus and then tell others!! Emad, an ex-Copt and now a follower of Jesus Christ, excitedly told me. “I love Jesus, but how can I tell others about him?” Emad curiously asked, “Where do I begin?”

There are many types of people in N.Africa and the Middle East. We, many times are guilty of placing countries into people categories. We think because people live in a mostly Muslim context that all of them are Muslim and they think the same. This is a false assumption. People are individuals that think differently and have the same need. They need a cure for their sin through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. I wanted to share the heart of a man that was in religious darkness, but called on Christ, his name is Emad. He is a man that works hard in Cairo as a doorman for a school, but his family lives in Minya, far outside of Cairo. He visits them once monthly to share about Christ and to share his love for his wife and kids. He works hard to make a better life for his family.

“I paid for land and then when I went there, someone else built a small home on the land that I paid for. The owner denied everything, but has started renting my land to someone else. I need prayer. I prayed and then I started to pour my heart out to Jesus and I knew I needed him. I asked for forgiveness of sins and asked Him to come into my life. I felt complete.The next day, I did not want to do the sins I used to. I wanted to read the Bible and now I cannot get enough of it. I want to learn more and then tell everyone about Him. People say, I am different and I tell them it is because of Jesus.”

Emad continually comes to our Bible study since I met him and invited him. He always has new questions. One time when I asked him to read Romans 1-5, he told me that he had read the whole whole book of Romans twice and wondered if he should read something else. He now daily calls with new questions. People that see him, tell me that he is always reading the Bible at work and he has changed.

The Lord Jesus Christ can change the hearts of those that try to work for salvation. He reveals to them that salvation is by grace through faith in Him. I thank God for this man that simply loves Jesus. I pray that he grows and then does the work of the ministry to his people. We many times hear the news tell us of the angry people in the Middle East and how they burn down buildings and hurt others. There are people here that truly seek God and want better for their families. We need to love and pray for N Africa and the Middle East. I pray many will stop being critical and will start loving those in need. God has a heart of love for these here and wants to see them come to know Him personally. I pray you will take an active part in reaching them.

What the Media does not tell you (Part 2)

As I heard of some missionaries leaving their country due to the violent behavior of outraged Muslims, I was grieved. I hate to hear of the violence and anger due to the nature of this religion and the video made just a short time ago. I know the only one able to truly change lives is the Lord Jesus Christ. 

“I am truly grieved by the video that was made by these Americans.” I told Ibrahim, my good Muslim friend. “Yes, I hate that this video was made, but what I hate more than that is to see people burn buildings, throw rocks, and then hurt and kill people. This is worse than the video.”

When Ibrahim said this statement, it shocked me. He was the first Muslim I had talked to that said the hurting and violence was worse than the video. Many disagreed with the violence, but still sympathized with some of the actions. 

Ibrahim continued, “These people are wrong for their violence and they had no right to take up violence against others. If they want to peacefully protest, that is okay, but this is wrong.” 

Ibrahim is a hard working man that wants a cheap computer for his daughter that he cannot afford. He works from 9:00AM until 8:30PM and then he goes to another job until 6:00AM. He works hard because he wants better for his family. He treats people fairly and is honest about what is right and wrong.

“I love reading the New Testament. I love the part where Jesus forgave the woman in adultery.” Ibrahim told me at another time. I gave him a New Testament a while back and he has steadily been reading. He loves reading the Bible, but he is still in darkness. Pray for Ibrahim that is seeking the truth and sincerely desires to do right. Pray that God will open his eyes as he reads so that he will repent and turn to the Living God that gave Himself for him. 

We hear many times of the anger and violence in our society and of the Muslim people, but there are some like Ibrahim that truly want to do right, but are still in darkness. God is able to make a difference. Will you pray for Ibrahim and millions like him. Will you stop living in fear and anger and then lovingly share the love of Christ with the Muslims around you? God can use you today if you leave your bitterness and fear to Him and then joyfully tell others about Him.

What the media does not tell you. (Part 1)

Recently, events have been greatly unsettled in the Muslim world. Some men in the US made a video against Mohammed the Prophet of Islam. The video mocked their prophet and now many have died because of this. I do not agree with the video or the reaction of those that violently killed people that were innocent and had nothing to do with the video. Many have commented with mocking comments and hateful comments towards the Muslim people and many that live in the Middle East. We must remember that the Lord Jesus Christ loves these people and died for their sins. He loves them and gave Himself for them. I wanted to write a few blogs about what the news does not tell you. I wanted to tell you of life here in the midst of the turmoil.

First of all, we are safe and many have been helpful and loving in the midst of the chaos. Thank you for your prayers, calls, and notes of encouragement.  We continue to serve the King Jesus and learn the language of the people. God has been using this to open up hearts and minds to the Gospel. Some are hurt and angry, but others are still willing to take the Word of God and read it. We have continued to speak His holy name and hold meetings where people hear the truth of the Lord Jesus. 

Secondly, I wanted to say that all Muslims are not angry and violent people. I, in no way defend their beliefs that openly attack the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Almighty God that is more than a Prophet that died for their sins and ours. I do want to be honest and say that these are everyday people that work hard and love their families. They are people that have kids they work hard for and moms that are sick and in the hospital. They are people that desire freedom and peace. They want to love and be loved. They want hope for the future and a paycheck for food for today. They are people that are deceived and need to see the love of Christ from those of us that claim to bear the name of Jesus. They are Egyptian, Syrian, Libyan, Moroccan and even American. They comprise over a billion people in the world and they need to hear and see the truth of Jesus. 

Will you pray with me for these people that need Christ? I pray to share a few things from here that are helpful to me and pray they will bless you in these next days. 

Tribulation Works Love

“People that claim to be Christian are being run out of their houses and forced to leave. Things are getting worse.” Iesa said. “We must keep our eyes on the LORD and pray for these that need the LORD. The Lord Jesus died for them and He can change their lives.” I replied.

“Everything is good here. There are no problems in Egypt. We just need to wait.” Mohammed calmly replied to my question of his thoughts on the situation in Egypt.

It seems that there are changes everyday here in Egypt. There have been food, water, electricity, and financial shortages. There were children that died in a hospital because the electricity kept going out. Many fear for the future, but some do not see the reality of the situation. There is to be a protest today, but some of the head sheikhs (islamic leaders) said that if some wanted to kill the protesters because they are against Morsy, it is according to the Q’uran and they would not have to pay blood money to the family of the one that died. If they die in the protests, they will immediately go to Paradise, according to these false prophets. We pray for these men and the people of Egypt.

The Lord is the Almighty God that loves all men. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, yet He came to die for all men. Right now the problem in Egypt is not a political problem, it is a spiritual problem. People are looking to false prophets, books, leaders, and their own desires for hope. While looking to these for strength and direction, they cannot act rightly with those around them. They need the Holy Spirit. They need to receive the Lord Jesus Christ that died for their sins and arose from the dead. When He indwells them, and they submit to His authority, He will give love to them for others. They will respect authority and live selfless. I pray that during these foreboding times, that Christ will be magnified through the preaching of His name and changed lives. He is the True Leader that will never leave or forsake. He will guide and protect and heal this land. We are going through turmoil, but at the end of tribulation is patience, experience, and hope that leads to love. God is using this time to cleanse and open eyes to Him for who He truly is.

We pray for the masses to come to Him here and then see the world effected for His glory. God put us here and we pray to be used for His name’s sake. We pray to tell others of the penalty for sin and the love of God and that they will hear it and be changed. The unchanging God is able to change lives and we believe the time is now. Pray with us for Egypt today.

My Strength in God

As the final poll closes and the votes are tallied here in Egypt, people are filled with different emotions about the next president. Some are angry because of the voice of candidates. One is Morsy from the Muslim Brotherhood and the other is Shafiq from the Old Mubarak Regime. Some are non caring, but others are excited. Right now, Morsy, the dreaded Brotherhood candidate leads the way. Morsy is not trusted by many that call themselves Christians and many of the Muslim people, especially the women are leery about his empty promises. Shafiq seemed to be a plausible choice because he has a helpful program to all walks of life. Now the final count is still going on and we await the outcome. I have learned to never rest in the unknown, but to always live by the word of God.

When David returned to Ziklag after going out to battle, his wives and the children of the people had been taken by the enemy. The remaining people were so angry and discouraged, that they wanted to stone David. David reacted in a different way.

“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God (I Sam 30:6).”  David found encouragement in the LORD and then direction. He sought God and God gave David the victory and his family back as well.

I do not know what the future of Egypt holds, but I rest in the fact, that I have all I need in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my strength even when circumstances are above me and the ones closest are against me. The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross and then arose in victory. I have learned that through distressing times, God shows Himself strongest. Pray for Egypt and it’s future. We want more people to be open to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in these days. God can use this for His glory.

 

The Right to Choose

Today in Egypt, we have history in the making! The Egyptian people are out choosing who they would like to be the new President. After years of oppression from the former regime, the time has come to choose a new president. When talking to the people, they give several views of why they want their different leaders. They all want someone that is honest and faithful. They want a leader that will hear their voice and help with their finances. They simply want food to eat and jobs that pay. They get to choose. The right to choose is something from the Almighty God. Adam chose to sin, but God had a plan before the foundation of the world for man to be reconciled to Him. We can choose to follow the Lord Jesus Christ or follow selfish desires and other gods. I pray that the people of Egypt will choose Christ. He is seeking them and He is the Leader that can give inward freedom that leads to everlasting change. He is the one that is faithful and brings safety. He supplies all of our needs. He listens when we cry out to Him and is good all the time. I pray that in the near future, we will see people here that look past their new leader unto the God that created them. He gave them the right to choose and will not force Himself upon them. I pray that they will here His gentle voice and say yes to Him for salvation.

Egyptians waiting to vote!

Freedom

In just a couple of days, Egypt will be holding it’s first real presidential elections in over 3o years. They had Mubarak for over 3o years and even if they had something like an election, he somehow was always the winner. Now candidates have been fighting for votes and people on the streets have been going back and forth about who will be the next president. Many have hopes for a liberal and democratic government to be lead by Amr Moussa, Shafee, or Sabahee. Others want a government ruled by Islam so they may vote for Fatouh or Morsey. Many are looking to these men for hope of the future. Many of these men are against Israel and the US. Some fear that if some of the liberals take over there will be another revolution. The Christians fear the Muslim take over, knowing this will result in less rights and more oppression and also less tourism for the economy. There is excitement in the air, but also fear and tension.None of us know what the exact future of Egypt holds except the LORD. We can get a glimpse of some of the future from God’s word.

“And the Egyptians will I give over into the hand of a cruel lord; and a fierce king shall rule over them, saith the Lord, the LORD of hosts. ⁵ And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up.”(Isa 19:4-5) The LORD says a fierce ruler will come into Egypt and that later He will intervene. We do not know if this is sooner or later. The LORD will use this time for many to come to know Himself.

“And the LORD shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the LORD in that day, and shall do sacrifice and oblation; yea, they shall vow a vow unto the LORD, and perform it.”(Isa 19:21) The LORD will use the time of trouble to bring many to Him. The gospel will go forth in power and many will believe. We yearn to see the masses know Him. It is hard walking around each day seeing many imprisoned by their own choices. Right now, Egypt is in fear and darkness. The religions here bind the people with laws that cannot be kept and a spirit of fear and oppression. The only one that can make a difference is the Lord Jesus Christ. We pray that many will come to know the LORD now and the way will be prepared for the great awakening here. We pray that more laborers will come and boldly speak His name. Pray for the future of Egypt and pray that He will be magnified here  by the preaching of the Living Christ that frees the world from sin. He can take away the fear and give life and that more abundantly. He gives true freedom that endures into eternity.

The Truth brings freedom

“This man is no good. He is a liar! He knew his mother was American and now he is paying Egyptians with money from Saudi and Qatar to buy people’s support. This is bad.” I wholeheartedly agreed as the man talked continually about a man who claims to be a fundamental Muslim, but is lying to the people so they will help him. He then continued, “I am Muslim, but the Muslim Brotherhood said they would not run and now each of them have been trying to run and have been lying and I do not want anyone from the Muslim Brotherhood or Salafi.”

I have talked to many Muslims and they are fed up with the stories from these that are supposed to be their leaders. The first man I talked about is not allowed to run for president, but he continues to try to protest the rule of the government and wants to force his way into presidency. Now because of his protests some have died. Many of these that supposedly teach against America, have American family members and are not allowed to run for president. They make like they can run for president, but then the truth comes out.

God has been using this to open doors of utterance. We have been able to give out many Bibles and they are reading them. A young Muslim friend of mine came to church the other day. He too went to the mosque for help, but they told him to leave and never come back. Kareem sees the lies of the ones that are supposed to be leaders and is searching for truth. Ibrahim graciously listens to truths from the word of God and is reading now. He told me that he will talk about his questions when he finishes the book. I earnestly pray for these that are in darkness. The truth is coming out about the falsities of these Islamic leaders and we pray the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ will work in the hearts of these people for His eternal glory. The truth will change this land and the heart of those that trust in Him. Please pray we can continue to boldly proclaim the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ that loves each and every Muslim, whether they lie or speak truth. He died for their sins and arose again for them and we want to share this with them all.