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The Berta on the border of Ethiopia and Sudan

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Day 24 for 6th October, coinciding with Ramadan 2007 / 1428

Berta is one of several names for a people group who live on both sides of the Ethiopian and Sudanese borders. Some 160,000 Berta live in Ethiopian side. On the Sudanese side of the border there are probably about the same number. Most of them live in rural areas and not in the cities and towns. Just 9.7% of the people are considered literate. More »

Tags: ramadan

A Testimony from Mauritania

Day 23 for 5th October, coinciding with Ramadan 2007 / 1428

Soon after coming to faith in Christ Bokar told his Christian friends that he wanted to do away with a special undershirt, inscribed with Koranic passages and interwoven with dozens of amulets. Several Mauritanians were afraid and said the shirt could not be destroyed, that if burned, it would jump out of the fire. This type of shirt makes the wearer impervious to any weapon. It is one of the most powerful enchantments known to the Hal-Pulaar (Fulani). After much prayer, Bokar burned his iron shirt, and the result was tremendous spiritual growth in his own life. Many who heard of the incident gained a new respect for the power of the Gospel. More »

Tags: ramadan

Muslims in Liberia

Day 22 for 4th October, coinciding with Ramadan 2007 / 1428

Liberia is a religiously and ethnically diverse country. Liberia is made up of sixteen principal tribes and 5% referred to as Americo-Liberians. The predominately Muslim tribes are the Mandingo, Vai, Gbandi, and Mende. In Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, many Muslims are from other countries. The Muslim presence is highly visible with many mosques, Islamic schools, and people dressed in the traditional robes and head-dress. Islam is growing in Liberia.

Many Liberian Christians know little or next to nothing about Islam. Some have bitterness towards Muslims because of the recent civil war. Charles Taylor’s government (1997-2003) encouraged Islamic practices. To further complicate matters, the current UN peace keeping force is dominated by Muslims. Mosques are being built and renovated around the country. Some of the visiting peace keepers have had children with Liberians and those children are automatically considered to be Muslims.

Pray God’s vision for Liberia:

* Charles Taylor’s civil war (ending in 2003) always had religious undertones. Pray that God’s true message of peace can be proclaimed.

* A large number of foreign missionary groups work in the country. Pray that the seeds of truth they have sown will come to bear mighty trees giving hope and refuge to many.

* The Poro and Sande secret societies teach young men and women to seek “supernatural power”. Pray for those locked into these societies to be freed from the chains of darkness.

* The beginning and ending dates of Ramadan cause conflict every year. Pray that the conflict would instead turn to a time to present the Gospel. “All things are possible, only believe.”

* The churches are not prepared adequately to reach out to Muslims nor to train those who are seeking to become disciples. God’s heart for the lost must be the vision of all Christians in Liberia. Pray for practical training for Christians and for those coming to the faith.

Statistics for Liberia

Population: 3,195,931 (July 2007 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: 40.39 years

Ethnic groups: indigenous African 95% (including Kpelle, Bassa, Gio, Kru, Grebo, Mano, Krahn, Gola, Gbandi, Loma, Kissi, Vai, Dei, Bella, Mandingo, and Mende), Americo-Liberians 2.5% (descendants of immigrants from the US who had been slaves), Congo People 2.5% (descendants of immigrants from the Caribbean who had been slaves)

Religions: Christian 40%, Muslim 20%, indigenous beliefs 40%

Languages: English 20% (official), some 20 ethnic group languages, of which a few can be written and are used in correspondence

Literacy: 57.5% - male: 73.3%, female: 41.6%

+ Google Map Link: Liberia, West Africa

+ YouTube Video Link: 3:26, Pray for Liberia

+ Download Gospel recordings for Liberia in several languages

Tags: ramadan

Muslims in Djibouti

Day 21 for 3rd October, coinciding with Ramadan 2007 / 1428

This dry, desert enclave on the Red Sea coast of Africa between Ethiopia and Somalia is reputed to be the world’s hottest country. Plagued by drought and limited natural resources and industry, this country suffers from at least 50% unemployment.

Djibouti is ethnically diverse, due to its strategic location at the crossroads of trade and commerce. Ethnic Somalis make up 60% of the people, 35% are Afar, with French, Arab, and other minorities making up the remaining five percent. The Somali and Afar tribes in this region were among the first in the Africa to adopt Islam.

Among the Somalis, there are a few small groups of Christians that meet together. They tell of wonderful dreams which they have had, about how the Messiah handed them His Word while giving them water to drink and fruit to eat, and telling them not to worry, that He will care for them. Dreams are very important to the Somali believers because they cannot read. God uses his own means to speak to them.

Let us believe together that united prayers will bring blessing to the city (Jeremiah 29:7).

Prayer Points:

* In the past, tribalism and factions and leadership struggles have split them apart the different ethnic groups. A civil war (1991-1994) officially ended in 2001. In order for this not to happen again mutual respect and vision for the future are needed.

* Pray that the city of Djibouti will become a haven of true peace, and a lighthouse, shining into Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Middle-East.

* Several Christians have been able to give practical help through education, literacy, agricultural and translation programs. Pray that these efforts will bear much fruit.

* Pray for the establishment of indigenous churches among the Afars and the Somalis. There are daily Gospel radio broadcasts in the Afar and Somali languages.

Statistics for Djibouti

Population: 496,374 (July 2007 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: 43.25 years

Ethnic groups: Somali 60%, Afar 35%, other 5% (includes French, Arab, Ethiopian, and Italian)

Religions: Muslim 94%, Christian 6%

Languages: French (official), Arabic (official), Somali, Afar

Literacy: 67.9% - male: 78%, female: 58.4%

+ Google Map Link: Djibouti

+ YouTube Video Link: 1:09, Short video of Djibouti downtown

+ Hear two Gospel programs in Afar for Djibouti

Tags: ramadan

Rich Brunei

Day 20 for 2nd October, coinciding with Ramadan 2007 / 1428

Brunei is very rich in oil and the sultan is one of the world’s richest men. The government collects no taxes, but provides health care, pensions, education, and, for those without the means, assistance in making the Hajj to Mecca. Brunei became a Muslim nation in the 15th Century after the conversion of Sultan Awang Alak Beter.

A number of Brunei Malays have believed over the years, but the very strict, conservative Islamic environment in Brunei makes it difficult for Muslim-background believers being open about their commitment. Indonesian Christian broadcasting is easily heard and understood in Brunei. Christian literature for personal purposes (not resale or distribution quantities) can be carried in from neighbouring Malaysia. It is not possible to buy Bibles or Christian books in Brunei. Two recognised churches exist. Both are closely watched by police with spies in nearly every meeting.

Prayer Points (from those ministering to Brunei):

* Pray for expatriate brothers and sisters who are serving in Brunei. Their situation is very sensitive. May their lives provide an example of Christ to those within their circle of influence.

* Pray for the Church throughout Brunei, that Christians will be a light to those within their immediate community. May the congregations welcome the presence of God in their worship and prayers. May they offer encouragement to all local believers while the Lord helps them to build meaningful relationships for the sake of the Kingdom.

* Pray for a stirring in the hearts among the people. May Jesus reveal Himself through dreams and visions. May God work in ways that only he can do to draw the people to himself.

* Pray for the royal family and their influence at every level: the Sultan’s ‘second’ wife, Azrinaz Makar Hakim, from Malaysia; Crown Prince Billah and his wife, Sarah. [Acts 16:31] The parliament is beginning to meet again after being closed for 20 years.

+ Google Map Link: Brunei

+ YouTube Video Link: 3:45, Brunei

+ Hear the Gospel recording for Brunei

Tags: ramadan