Wednesday, August 11, 2010

August 11, 2010

“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who do not seek me.” It is No coincidence that I read Isaiah 65:1 in my devotions this morning! For days I have searched for a verse to lead you in prayer during the 2010 Ramadhan and as the weekly All About Food article in today’s local newspaper shares, “Today marks the beginning of Ramadhan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar…a month when Muslims fast...a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God…(bring) one closer to God.”(1) Which to me says: Ramadhan is a time when many Muslims are extra zealous in asking and seeking God to make Himself to known to them, even though they are only seeking, as the article shares, “to re-evaluate their lives, in accordance with Islamic teaching.”

Did you know Muslims routinely pray multiple times each day! A North Carolina Baptist Men volunteer group were very aware of this last week! Four men and four teens (three with dads, plus one friend) arrived on an evening flight and when we met them for breakfast, one man said, “When I finally fell asleep, I was awoken by loud prayers outside my window!” Later, we showed him the large mosque beside their guest house which calls local Muslims to prayer at dawn (before 5:30) and again at sunrise (6:30). The volunteers left mid-morning for western Kenya to assist in building four homes for those in need and planting two churches – so they missed the mosque loudspeakers broadcasting prayers again at noon, afternoon, sunset, as well as the night prayers around eight!(2)

Isaiah 65:1 also says that God revealed Himself to a “nation that did not call on my name.” This is one reason Kenyan Christians must be their Savior’s ambassadors. Many Kenyan residents are from countries where our Father’s Good News cannot be freely shared – another reason many of us are committed to the new Parklands Baptist church plant on Mombasa Road(3) – an area where many residents are from nations that do not call on His name.

So, I ask that you join me in “joining” Muslims in prayer (see footnote 2) during Ramadan guided by these words from IMB CompassionNet(4): “This is a very spiritual time… as they try to draw closer to Allah and to attain forgiveness for sins… a time of heightened spirituality. Please pray that throughout this month, there will be many opportunities to share the story of the Son. Pray that the Father will reveal Himself to Muslims as they seek to draw closer to Allah. May the month of Ramadan be a time full of dreams and visions from the Father… please pray for Believers, asking that they will remain strong throughout this month.”

Our God promises that “Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24) – one of the many of His assurances that we can claim and trust and PRAY for others! When we seek Him, we will find Him and He will respond! Last week, He answered prayers for peace during and after Kenyans voted on a new Constitution. The Kenyan friend leading our church in prayer last Sunday said , “We have peace in Kenya today not because of unity, good security or our leaders, but because of God! Thank you for being a part of God’s work in Kenya and in our world through your prayers, BERT
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(2)To know when daily Islamic Prayers are in your part of the world – one way to “join” them in prayer – go to: http://www.islamicity.com/prayertimes/
(3) Camera went to church last Sunday to catch pictures of the new adult Sunday School classes, but an incredible story of God's provision for His faithful children unfolded resulting in a new Photo Album: “This is Your House, Your Home” – http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=263318&id=685050129&l=873712bdb0
(4) IMB/CompassionNet - http://www.imb.org/main/pray/
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Thursday, August 5, 2010

Peace in Kenya - August 5, 2010

Thank you for praying for the voting related to the new proposed constitution for Kenya – Prayers have been answered and there has been peace around the country. The final tally is not in, but the YES team* has declared that the constitution has passed and the NO team have conceded. Throughout the reporting on the radio and television, the speakers have continually voiced thanksgiving for the peaceful atmosphere and said in many ways that no matter the outcome of the vote, Kenya had won!

For those of you who are not my FACEBOOK Friends, these are the two notes that I have posted in the last 24 hours:

Wednesday evening, 4 hours after the closing of the poll: Praising God for peace in Kenya today and speedy reporting of votes - a major change from the Dec 07 elections. A wise 103 woman, a victim of the post-election crisis, may become the
face of this election - Her comment to a young reporter (who was unsure if she
was still mentally astute): We can vote YES/GREEN, or NO/RED, but no matter what happens, the vote belongs to Kenyans - whoever wins, we are all children of Kenya! Continue praying for acceptance of the results.

Soon after lunch today (Thursday): Things remain peaceful - the greatest praise is for the confidence that Kenyans are gaining in their ability to have peaceful voting and a voice! As I passed this road-side vendor today, I couldn't help but think she will have good sales in the next few days as people celebrate peace!

Thanks again for praying, but don’t stop. Pray now that those who were against the passing of the constitution will accept the vote. Pray that those who disagreed on certain points will find peaceful ways to bring about changes they desire. Thanks again for praying! BERT
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* 'Yes' team declares referendum victory – Daily Nation - http://www.nation.co.ke/Kenya%20Referendum/-/926046/971472/-/fxedp7z/-/index.html

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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

August 3, 2010

Visiting the local grocery store this morning reminded me of grocery shopping in North Carolina the day before a hurricane lands! The lady ahead of me and the couples at both check-outs beside me had two or more overflowing buggies of food! We live within walking distance of three large grocery stores and several beside-the-road vendors, so I usually shop every day or two for milk, bread, bananas, etc., but seeking to be “wise”, I considered buying triple my norm today. I then remembered that everything had to travel home on my shoulder, so I even more wisely limited myself to twice as much fresh milk, bread, etc!

No, we are not expecting lashing rains and wind, but many fear turbulence as Kenyans to go the polls tomorrow (Wednesday, August 4) for the first national day of voting since the December ’07 presidential elections – which ended in turmoil. Tomorrow’s vote is to say YES or NO to a new constitution. Kenyans agree that a new constitution is needed, but there are many contentious issues in the proposed constitution and some have been “interpreted” and “misinterpreted” to the point that many voters are very confused. There are some who have gained power, wealth, property, etc., from the current constitution and they do not desire change. Also, as I added last week, “Many are using this vote to strengthen their own agendas, rather than seeking what it best for the whole country.”

NO – yes, I know to never begin two paragraphs with the same word, BUT – NO! WE ARE NOT FEARFUL. We expect peace tomorrow and in coming days, but we know that there are some who may seek to cause problems, so I am sending this week’s Prayer Update a day early with these prayers requests: Pray for peace and wisdom as Kenyans go to the polls tomorrow and as results are shared. Praise God for Kenyan Christians who are seeking His guidance and will as they vote. Pray that the vote will support what is best and beneficial for the country and the majority of her citizens, not just a few. Pray that those seeking discord will be unsuccessful! Pray for a speedy and transparent announcement of the results. Pray for comfort and safety for those who live in the parts of Kenya where the pain and suffering was greatest during the ’07 Post-Election Crisis. Pray that those who disagree with the outcome will find peaceful ways to seek change and PRAISE God for those who are already working at bringing peace in this situation.

Even with added tensions and stresses this past week, it was a great week with happenings so wonderful that I have to share them so that you can also praise God for how He is at work in Kenya. Last week included two special times hosting young Southern Baptist volunteers in our home,
a farewell for a missionary couple which included a Surprise Burst of Colour, attending the wedding of a very special Christian Maasai friend, being a part of the 5th service of the new Parklands Baptist Church Mombasa Road Church, and simply times of enjoying Kenya! God is at work in Kenya – and He WILL BE in the next few days – so once again, I thank you for joining in His work as you pray for the needs of Kenya and our world! BERT
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Photo Albums of things I saw last week that I promise will strengthen your prayers and often make you smile:
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