Making Disciples of All Nations

A Profile of Ramadan

August 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment

 

(AP Photo/Wally Santana)

ONE of the 5 main pillars of Islam is fasting (sawm) during the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a special time for Muslims as they fast, seek God, and spend lots of time gathering with friends and family. The notion of fasting is encouraged in the Qur’an, “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint” (Surah 2:183). As one might expect, Muslim countries tend to take Ramadan very seriously and will even arrest those who refuse to observe the fast in public. With that brief description, I want to share a little more about the details and practices concerning Ramadan.

Who? – All Muslims are expected to fast. There are a few exceptions for those who are pregnant, traveling, or participating on the 2012 Summer Olympics (London) during the month of Ramadan. But, it is widely understood and expected that those who postpone the fast will make up for lost time by fasting at some point in the near future.

What? – Fasting from sun up to sun down. Fasting includes refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and sex. The goal is to seek only the pleasure of Allah during the month. One important note concerning the fast, it only lasts while the sun is up. Once the sun goes down, Muslims begin to feast and celebrate “breaking the fast” with their family. In fact, more food is consumed during the holy month of Ramadan (month of fasting) than in any other month of the year.

When? – Fasting occurs during the holy month of Ramadan. It was during this month when Muhammad is believed to have started receiving revelations from Allah. The Muslims follow the lunar calendar (as opposed to solar) and so Ramadan occurs about 2-3 weeks earlier the subsequent year. Currently, the month of Ramadan will last from Thursday July 19 to Saturday August 18.

Where? – Fasting occurs all over the world during Ramadan. In most Muslim countries restaurants and shops close down or have abbreviated hours during the day. The fast is often broken in homes with a large gathering of family there to celebrate.

Why? – Muslims observe Ramadan because it is required of them and because they believe it will help them gain favor in the sight of Allah.

Ramadan is a sobering reminder that there are over 1.6 billion Muslims around the world who are blinded by a false religion. These people are trying to do enough good things (fasting, praying, etc…) to earn Allah’s favor. Yet, these futile attempts only bring emptiness and frustration.

Ways to Pray:

- Pray for God to open the eyes and hearts of Muslims during this last week of Ramadan and show them the beauty of Christ and the necessity of the cross for their salvation.

- Ask the Father to reveal himself as the one true God.

- Over the next few days Ramadan will come to an end and they will celebrate the end of the fast.  Pray for missionaries working among Muslim peoples to have opportunities to be in the homes of those they have met and for meaningful conversations with those the Father has placed in their lives during this time.

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10/40 Spotlight: Algiers, Algeria

June 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The 10/40 Window = a term used to describe those regions of the eastern hemisphere located between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator. This general area was named the 10/40 Window in 1990 by Luis Bush, because it represented the highest level of socioeconomic challenges and least access to the gospel on the planet.  This band of countries include Northern Africa as well as almost all of Asia (West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia and much of Southeast Asia).  Roughly two-thirds of the world’s population lives in this window. The people in the 10/40 Window are predominantly Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Animist, Jewish or Atheist and most governments are formally or informally opposed to Christian work within their borders.  This area is significant when we look at making disciples of all nations. Following is a spotlight on one city in the 10/40 Window:   

 

ALGIERS, ALGERIA


Algiers is the capital and largest city in Algeria. Known for its picturesque views of the Mediterranean and its whitewashed buildings, Algiers is one of the most influential cities in all of North Africa. Over 4 million people live in metropolitan Algiers and the cost of living is one of the highest in all of Africa. Within the city, is an interesting mixture of Arabs and Berbers, with Arabic, Berber, and French being the primary languages spoken.

Until 1962, Algeria was under French rule. Since their independence, there have been several civil wars throughout the country. The ethnic distribution of the city of Algiers is 53% from an Arabic speaking background (mostly Arabized Berbers), 44% from a Berber speaking background, and 3% foreign born. This diversity has resulted in some conflicts throughout the country. Nonetheless, with a country population of over 35 million, Algeria is a very strategic city within the 10/40 window and across North Africa and the Middle East.

Best estimates suggest that there are several hundred believers in the city of Algiers between the Arab and Berber population. With that said, there are over 24 million Algerian Arabs and very few believers among them. Algeria is over 97% Muslim. The church does exist among some of the Berber people groups in the country, but among the Algerian Arabs, the church for the most part does not exist. In 2006, the government passed a law that forbids any Christian evangelism efforts. As a result, there are few workers and few believers among the 24 million Algerian Arabs.

Pray for the millions of lost people in Algiers and throughout Algeria. Christians are persecuted. The workers are few. The need is great. Pray for the gospel to spread in Algiers and for the church to be established and multiply among the 24 million Algerian Arabs.

Facts:

  • Many people in Algiers can speak Berber, Arabic, and French.
  • Algiers is home to the largest port in Northwest Africa.
  • 80-90% of the country of Algeria is covered by the Sahara desert
  • Algeria has the highest cost of living in all of N. Africa.
  • During WWII Algiers was the base for Charles de Gaulle’s French Army as well as the headquarters of British and American war planners.

Prayer Points:

  • Pray for more witnesses among the people in Algeria.
  • Pray for the believers among the Kabylia Berbers.
  • Pray for the believers to be bold in sharing their faith.
  • Pray for the Berber church to reach out to their Arab neighbors.
  • Pray for the persecuted believers in Algeria

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10/40 Spotlight: Delhi, India

June 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The 10/40 Window = a term used to describe those regions of the eastern hemisphere located between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator. This general area was named the 10/40 Window in 1990 by Luis Bush, because it represented the highest level of socioeconomic challenges and least access to the gospel on the planet.  This band of countries include Northern Africa as well as almost all of Asia (West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia and much of Southeast Asia).  Roughly two-thirds of the world’s population lives in this window. The people in the 10/40 Window are predominantly Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Animist, Jewish or Atheist and most governments are formally or informally opposed to Christian work within their borders.  This area is significant when we look at making disciples of all nations. Following is a spotlight on one city in the 10/40 Window:   

 

DELHI

One could argue that the most influential city in all of India is Delhi. In 1911, the capital of India was moved from Calcutta to Delhi.  Delhi is the center of power and finance in India. Based on metropolitan populations, Delhi is the 8th largest city in the world with an estimated population of over 22 million. It is a vibrant melting pot with many distinct ethnic groups and languages spoken.

In Delhi, there is a visible intersection between poverty and lostness. More than 52% of the people in Delhi live in slums. This means that a majority of the people in the city lack water, electricity, and basic daily needs. As for religion, more than 82% of the people in Delhi claim to be Hindus. That is followed, by 11% Muslim, 4 % Sikh, 1.1% Jain, and less than 1% Christian.

According to Operation World, there are around 130,000 Christians in Delhi. There are over 3,000 churches. Many of the Christians in Delhi are migrants who have moved into the city from another province or country. Increasingly, it is difficult for Hindus or Muslims to “convert” to Christianity in Delhi and other parts of India. In fact, there are “anti-conversion” laws that have been put in place by the Indian government to prevent people from becoming followers of Christ.

Delhi is a key city for gospel advancement in India and throughout all of South Asia. As India continues to emerge as a world power, Delhi will increasingly play a crucial role on the global stage. The gospel is there, the church exists there, but there is much spiritual darkness that remains. Pray for the church in Delhi. Pray for God to raise up more leaders, disciples, and churches to see this influential city turned upside-down for the kingdom of Christ.

Facts:

  • Delhi has not always been the capital of India. Under the British, Calcutta had the honor for a long time until Delhi was reinstated in 1911.
  • The literacy rate in Delhi is over 81%.
  • Delhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world.
  • Another 10 million people are expected to move into Delhi by 2021.
  • There are over 3,000 slums in Delhi.

Prayer Points:

  • Pray for the millions of slum dwellers who have no hope apart from Christ.
  • Pray for the more than 589 people groups found in Delhi.
  • Pray for the local churches in Delhi to teach sound doctrine.
  • Pray for the more than 2 million Muslims in Delhi.
  • Pray for the ethnic communities in Delhi (Balmiki, Sindhi, Punjabi, and Burmese).
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10/40 Spotlight: Kuala Lumpur

March 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The 10/40 Window = a term used to describe those regions of the eastern hemisphere located between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator.  This general area was named the 10/40 Window in 1990 by Luis Bush, because it represented the highest level of socioeconomic challenges and least access to the gospel on the planet.  This band of countries include Northern Africa as well as almost all of Asia (West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia and much of Southeast Asia).  Roughly two-thirds of the world’s population lives in this window. The people in the 10/40 Window are predominantly Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Animist, Jewish or Atheist and most governments are formally or informally opposed to Christian work within their borders.  This area is significant when we look at making disciples of all nations. Following is a spotlight on one city in the 10/40 Window:   

KUALA LUMPUR

by:  Paul A.

The city of Kuala Lumpur, popularly known as “KL,” has in the last decade become one of the most vital cities in all of Asia. Founded in the 1850’s as a mining village, KL today is home to more than 7 million people (metro population). Along with being a business hub, it has developed into one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in all of Asia. The city is clean, safe, modern, and has everything one would want in a “world city.”

KL is an ethnically diverse city with well-educated, multicultural, and multilingual inhabitants. Ethnic Malays, Chinese, Indian migrants, and British colonials have all played a crucial role in the development of the city. In fact, a recent demographic study estimates that 47% of the people are of Malay descent, 40% Chinese, 10% Indian, and 2% other. Another exciting trend is that there are an increasing number of college students coming to KL from Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. In one respect, the nations are coming to KL.

Yet, with the diversity, Malaysia is still very much a Muslim country. Over 62% of the people in Malaysia are Muslim. As a Muslim country it is illegal to openly “witness” and share the gospel with a Muslim. Among the large population of Chinese in the country there is a growing Christian presence, but it has not spread to the ethnic Malay peoples, and only 3% of Peninsular Malaysia is Christian (Operation World). A history of conflict between the Malay and the Chinese remains a significant barrier for the 15 million Malay (Joshua Project) to hear and receive the gospel. In fact, recent estimates suggest that there are only a few hundred believers among the Malay people. Pray for the salvation of the Malay people and that the gospel would spread through them to the surrounding peoples in Southeast Asia.

Facts:

  • Kuala Lumpur was recently voted as the 6th most visited city in the world.
  • Kuala Lumpur is home to more than 60 shopping malls.
  • Kuala Lumpur claims the distinction of being home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers.
  • Foreign residents make-up more than 9% of the population in Kuala Lumpur.
  • The residents of Kuala Lumpur have a literacy rate of 97.5%.

Prayer Points:

  • Pray for the more than 15 million Malay who have limited access to the gospel.
  • Pray for the Chinese church throughout the country to be active in crossing cultural and linguistic barriers to share the gospel with their Malay neighbors.
  • Pray for the Church in KL and around the country to not disconnect the blessing of God from the purpose of God.
  • Pray for Muslims in Malaysia to come into contact with the Christian Scriptures.
  • Pray for Malay believers in KL and around the country to be bold, faithful, and confident as they proclaim the excellencies of Christ to their unbelieving friends and family members.
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10/40 Spotlight: Istanbul

March 9, 2012 by 2 Comments

The 10/40 Window = a term used to describe those regions of the eastern hemisphere located between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator.  This general area was named the 10/40 Window in 1990 by Luis Bush, because it represented the highest level of socioeconomic challenges and least access to the gospel on the planet.  This band of countries include Northern Africa as well as almost all of Asia (West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia and much of Southeast Asia).  Roughly two-thirds of the world’s population lives in this window. The people in the 10/40 Window are predominantly Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Animist, Jewish or Atheist and most governments are formally or informally opposed to Christian work within their borders.  This area is significant when we look at making disciples of all nations. Following is a spotlight on one city in the 10/40 Window:   

ISTANBUL

by Paul A.

Often described as the bridge between Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a modern city with a noted historical heritage. Originally founded as the new capital of the Roman Empire (Constantinople) in 330AD.  Istanbul was later captured by the Ottoman Turks in 1453 and remained the capital city of the Ottoman Empire until the early 1920′s. Once a base for Christianity, Istanbul is now home to more than 10 million Muslims. Though, difficult to confirm, many believe there are more Mosques in Istanbul than in any other city in the world (over 3,000).

Istanbul is a global city with great diversity, but the majority of the people in Istanbul are ethnic Turks. There are an estimated 70 million Turks around the world. According to Operation World over 96% of the people in Turkey are Muslim. In fact, a common phrase in Turkey is, “To be Turk is to be Muslim.” Most Turks are Muslim, but are often described as more “secular” or practicing a more liberal form of Islam. Nonetheless, according to Operation World, the Christian population in Turkey has declined from 22% to 0.21% since 1900.  In 1960, there were an estimated 10 believers in the entire country. By the grace of God, that number grew to more than 4,000 in 2010.

Istanbul is the most influential city in Turkey and a strategic city for the spread of the gospel among the Turkish people. In many ways, Istanbul is a gateway city into all of Central Asia. It is an international city that is home to a great variety of peoples. Pray for the Gospel to advance, for disciples to be made, and for churches to be planted in Istanbul and throughout Turkey for the glory of God.

Facts:

  • Istanbul is the only city in the world that stands in two different continents, Europe and Asia.
  • Istanbul was considered the most crowded city of the world in 1502, and then London took this title in 1840.
  • The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is the largest, old covered bazaar in the world, with over 3,000 shops.
  • Istanbul has been capital of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire.
  • Napoleon Bonaparte once said: “If the earth was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.”

Prayer Points:

  • Best estimates are that there are around 4,000 known believers in the entire country of Turkey.
  • Only 0.008% of the people in Turkey are evangelical.
  • Few of the 73 million Muslims in Turkey have ever heard the gospel.
  • Persecution and hostility to the gospel are on the rise in Turkey.
  • Over 60% of the population in Turkey is under 28 years old.
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10/40 Spotlight: Chengdu

February 29, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The 10/40 Window = a term used to describe those regions of the eastern hemisphere located between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator.  This general area was named the 10/40 Window in 1990 by Luis Bush, because it represented the highest level of socioeconomic challenges and least access to the gospel on the planet.  This band of countries include Northern Africa as well as almost all of Asia (West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia and much of Southeast Asia).  Roughly two-thirds of the world’s population lives in this window.  The people in the 10/40 Window are predominantly Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Animist, Jewish or Atheist and most governments are formally or informally opposed to Christian work within their borders.  This area is significant when we look at making disciples of all nations.  Following is a spotlight on one city in the 10/40 Window:   

CHENGDU


Recent estimates suggest there are over 75 million evangelical followers of Christ in China.  This is an amazing development considering that there were only 2.7 million evangelicals in China in 1975 (Operation World). However, much of that growth has taken place along the eastern seaboard in places like Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin. What most people do not realize is that Western China is still very much unreached and for the most part without a significant Christian presence.

Perhaps, the most influential city for the whole of Western China is Chengdu. Chengdu, which literally means “land of abundance,” has a city proper population of 4.3 million and a metro population of greater than 11 million. It was recently named China’s 4th “most livable city” by China Daily Newspaper. Chengdu is an ancient city that is most known for being the birthplace of paper currency. It is the capital of the Sichuan province in Western China.

There are a wide variety of religions practiced in Chengdu and throughout the Sichuan province. Buddhist and Animistic beliefs heavily influence the majority of the people in this area. In fact, Sichuan has the lowest Christian percentage of all the Han-majority provinces in all of China. The stark reality is that there are literally millions and millions of people in Chengdu and throughout the Sichuan province with little to no access to the gospel. Though the church does exist, there are many people without a Christian witness or access to the gospel. Pray for God to use Chengdu as a gateway city to see the gospel spread throughout Western China.

Facts:

  • Forbes magazine recently named Chengdu one of the “fastest growing cities in the world.”
  • Chengdu is the 5th most populated city in China.
  • 80% of the world’s Panda Bears are found in the Sichuan Province.
  • Chengdu is home to a large number of teahouses. One saying goes, “In Chengdu…sunny days are rare, but teahouses are abundant.”
  • The native language in Chengdu is Sichuanese, otherwise referred to as the Sichuan dialect or more precisely, the “Chengdu Dialect.”

Prayer Points:

  • There are an estimated 130,000 believers out of a population of 11 million people in Chengdu (Operation World).
  • There are large people groups in and around Chengdu with no gospel witness.
  • Pray for the Han Chinese believers to catch a vision to reach out to the unreached groups around them.
  • There is a great need for Bible translation. Most minority groups in the area do not have the scriptures in their own language.
  • The dominant religion in Chengdu is Buddhism. Pray for the gospel to penetrate into the hearts of those walking in darkness.
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