February 28, 2008
I cried out to you, O Lord, "Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me. Help me, O Lord." You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. Psalm 30:8, 10-12 NLT
When the war broke out in Lebanon during the summer of 2006, people suffered acutely. Many died. But in the midst of tragedy, Christ turned his ear and heard their cries for mercy. Believers all over the earth began to pray as news of the war circulated around the world. Initially, stories were filled with depictions of violence and destruction, but the daily reports of pain changed to accounts of thousands of Shiite Muslims arriving in predominantly Christian areas to seek refuge from the bombings.
Shiite families found shelter in schools and church buildings, and many believers responded quickly to their urgent needs by providing food, mattresses, blankets, and toys for the children. One little Lebanese Christian girl went around her neighborhood collecting toys to take to all the displaced Shiite children living in a school near her home.
During moments of shared grief, new friendships formed between Lebanese Christians and Lebanese Shiite Muslims. In the solidarity of walking together in the shadow of destruction, love was shared. These relationships provided fertile ground to share the Gospel in an environment of trust. Modeled after how Christ loves the one in front of Him, so these believers loved each one in front of them. From the living words of the Gospel, God watered the seeds, and faith grew.
Many more Shiites are now following Christ, led to His feet by the hands of His servants who responded to their dire needs during and after the war! Today these new believers are gathering to worship, pray and discover how to be followers of Jesus.
Though bombs fell on Lebanon and buildings and lives crumbled, God was, and is present, through His people, comforting those who mourn. Jesus is always in the midst of rubble, building households of faith, stone by stone. We cannot be silent: He turns our mourning into dancing!
The Prayer Request:
- CRY OUT for new Shiite followers of Jesus to grow in their faith and to understand and obey God's Word.
- CRY OUT for God to build communities of Shiite Muslim families who follow Jesus together.
- CRY OUT for the Lord of transformation to move in the hearts of Shiites, especially those who are grieving. Ask God to turn their mourning into dancing.
Seeing is Not Yet Believing
Volume 2 - Issue 1 Jan 5, 2009
Seeds Need Water
Volume 1 - Issue 24 - Dec 9, 2008
Paying The Cost
Volume 1 - Issue 23 - Dec 6, 2008
Waiting to Flower
Volume 1 - Issue 22 - Nov 30, 2008
No Issue
Volume 1 - Issue 21 - Nov 15, 2008
No Issue
Volume 1 - Issue 20 - Oct 30, 2008
Fasting for the Future
Volume 1 - Issue 19 - Oct 15, 2008
Faith Rewarded
Volume 1 - Issue 18 - Sept 30, 2008
Don't Grow Weary?
Volume 1 - Issue 17 - Sept 15, 2008
The Father's Dilemma
Volume 1 - Issue 16 - Aug 30, 2008
One Extra in Chapel
Volume 1 - Issue 15 - Aug 15, 2008
Rescued
Volume 1 - Issue 14 - Jul 30, 2008
Sacrifice
Volume 1 - Issue 13 - Jul 14, 2008
Finally Persuaded
Volume 1 - Issue 12 - Jun 29, 2008
Kingdom Workers Opposition
Volume 1 - Issue 11 - Jun 15, 2008
The Sowers
Volume 1 - Issue 10 - May 30, 2008
A Love Story
Volume 1 - Issue 9 - May 14, 2008
Who Healed You
Volume 1 - Issue 8 - Apr 29, 2008
Breaking Dividing Walls
Volume 1 - Issue 7 - Apr 14, 2008
Almost Persuaded
Volume 1 - Issue 6 - Mar 30, 2008
The Hunter
Volume 1 - Issue 5 - Mar 14, 2008
From Morning to Dancing
Volume 1 - Issue 4 - Feb 28, 2008
The Bonds of Brothers
Volume 1 - Issue 3 - Feb 14, 2008
Found
Volume 1 - Issue 2 - Jan 30, 2008
An Invitation to Join with Us
Volume 1 - Issue 1 - Jan 14, 2008
