More
than 5 million foreign residents (expatriates) have moved to the Arabian
Peninsula to work in the expanding economies of these countries. The largest
of these communities are Indians, Filipinos, Pakistanis, Arabs, Afghanis,
Iranians and smaller numbers of Africans and Westerners. Among this mix of
nationalities, God has divinely placed many Christian believers.
Approximately 6% of them are born again believers. Many churches have
started in the last decade to accommodate these believers as the local
governments, officially or unofficially, allow these churches to meet. Never
before have so many Christians lived alongside the local Arab peoples.
Public witness about Jesus is illegal, but private opportunities to share
one faith are available through work or neighborhood relationships.
The church among the local people in each country is nonexistent or very
small and underground. However, God is working in the lives of the local
Muslim people. Those that become followers of Christ must keep their faith a
secret to remain within their family and Muslim community. Those who are
able to stay within these communities hold the greatest potential for the
establishing of indigenous churches. These families and individuals need our
prayers as they experience challenges in standing firm in their faith and as
they seek for ways to be a witness for Christ to their families, friends and
co-workers.
A growing number of Arab believers from outside the Arabian Peninsula are
moving into the region to work in various professions. Their witness for
Christ is growing bolder, and through their Arab culture and language they
are able to answer the difficult questions on faith for spiritual seekers.
Our prayers for these modern day Apostles will help them as they partner
with other expatriate believers to establish the Church among local Arabs.
PRAYER POINTS
Monday - Pray
for expatriate believers to be bold in sharing the Gospel with local Arab
coworkers and friends. Pray that they would use every opportunity to share
Christ.
Tuesday - Pray
that God would bring unity and partnership in ministry to the many Christian
churches and groups, which would bring healing and restoration to churches,
families and marriages harmed by discord, strife and immorality.
Wednesday - Pray
for the continued growth of a mission vision among the expatriate Arab
Christian churches. Pray that they will fulfill the Great Commission among
Arab Muslims.
Thursday - The
number of believers is growing among the local Arabs. Pray for those gifted
in pastoral leadership to gather and disciple the believers.
Friday - Pray
that the Lord would raise up believing spouses for the local believers who
are single. Pray that the children of new believers would come to faith in
Jesus.
Saturday - Pray
that the lives of local believers (mostly secret believers) would be a
witness to their neighbors. Pray for them to have wisdom about when to share
their faith.
Sunday - Pray
that local believers would grow toward maturity in Christ and overcome the
sinful nature that threatens to drag them back into their old lives and
sinful habits.
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