Ramadan

It's been a while since our last posting...

We are in the last few days of Ramadan, a holy month to Muslims when they fast from sunrise to sunset. Its beginning and end is determined by the moon (seeing a crescent in the sky at night), and Muslims believe that elements of the Quran (and other Holy books) were revealed consistently throughout this month to each of the holy prophets, and certain days significant in this revelation.

2nd day of Ramadan: Moses received the Torah
12th day of Ramadan: Jesus received the Gospel
18th day of Ramadan: David received the Psalms
Laylat al-Qadr (sometime between the last ten days of Ramadan): the Quran is first revealed to Muhammad

We are officially in the last ten days of the month. One of these days (the day changes from year to year) is considered the "Night of Power" or "Night of Destiny". Muslims pray diligently this day since they believe their prayers are multiplied over 1000 times.

Ramadan has been a difficult month for us. We began the month fasting daylight hours along with our neighbors (although we drank water, which would be considered "breaking" a Ramadan fast). Throughout the month we have experienced physical illness, dissensions, and unusual stress. It has been an eye-opening experience being in the midst of a genuine spiritual battle that has permeated all aspects of our lives.

That being said, prayer has been all the sweeter. We have had wonderful opportunities to pray for our local friends and neighbors, and it's as if some quiet breakthrough within the community has been made. We feel more accepted and acceptable each new day. Each day reading the Word has been a refuge for me, like returning to a secret well in the desert sands. My weakness has stood out, blaring and ugly, and I have no shame.

"For when I am weak, then I am strong." ~ 2 Corinthians 12:10




Please pray for our neighbors, our relationships, our friends (and us!): this has been a beautiful albeit sensitive month. Pray for genuine holy truth to be revealed during the Night of Power, for boldness, and faith in a creative and powerful God who is constantly at work among us. Pray for continued strength and urgency within us, and join us in intercession for those whom God has called "precious"!