April 2003

Dear Faithful Ones,

The Lord warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers: “Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your fathers to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.” – 2 Kings 17:13

This month we are looking at certain prophets and other personalities as described in both Scripture and the minds of MNKs. Scripture teaches us not only the prophecies, but also about the person. These men and women were not perfect, but chosen of God to accomplish His purposes. The prophets believed what they said; often they didn’t like what they said or had to do, but they certainly believed it! Our daughter in college sent me this:

When the prophets wrote about what was going to take place in the future, they wrote in prophetic-perfect, which is a form of the past tense. That's why some translations have certain passages in the present and others have them in the past. The reason the prophets did this was because if God spoke it, then it was as good as done. They had complete and utter confidence that He would accomplish all that he said, so they wrote as if it had already come to pass.

Mandinkas revere a many of the prophets, including Jesus; for them, Mohammed is the last, greatest one. But MNKs do not know the complete teachings of the prophets throughout history. They do not, cannot, will not – I don’t know which – believe the prophecies as recorded in Scripture. A major stumbling block to MNKs the Christian’s belief that God always fulfills all of His promises, without exception.

Please pray with us that the MNK will listen to the stories from the prophets, through radio broadcasts and individual storying groups, and grasp the truth.

Writing this has been difficult; maintaining my focus has been a challenge. The war in Iraq consumes our minds, the airwaves, the newspapers, and the Internet. Our son is there; a nephew is there; a good friend’s son is there, along with tens of thousands of others. But I finally was able to tell Satan, “Get thee behind me!” I cannot allow him even one corner of my mind or heart; for he is like cancer…he festers and grows if allowed to. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and His love never ends. We thank you for your notes of encouragement. But mostly let us resolve to pray for God’s peace and grace during these difficult times.

Your sister on the MNK field,

MNK Update April 2003

Tue, Apr 1: Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” – Genesis 1:26 God created Adam, in His own image; man was the last and most important of all God’s creation. Yet man broke fellowship with God when he ate the fruit of the only forbidden tree in the garden. MNKs believe that Adam did not swallow the fruit; they believe God sent an angel to rescue him from that fate; after all, it was Eve’s fault anyway (Genesis 3:12)! From the very first book of the Bible, MNKs don’t believe it. It’s easier to believe in a God who provides a way out for sin rather than to worship a holy and righteous God. Pray for MNKs to come to a true and complete understanding of God’s nature, rather than man’s assessment of His character.

Wed, Apr 2: The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” – Genesis 2:18 God created Eve, in His own image, just like Adam…not a lesser creature, but a companion for Adam. Unfortunately, Eve was seduced by the serpent and believed his lies. She was the first, but she certainly wasn’t the last. MNKs do not believe women have access to God; they do not believe that God is in the least interested in a personal relationship with mankind at all. Pray for MNK women to perceive their importance not only in the eyes of humanity, but most particularly through the eyes of a loving Father, who desires to have a personal relationship with each and every woman alive.

Thu, Apr 3: Noah did everything just as God commanded him. – Genesis 6:22 The story of Noah is well known in Christian circles as a children’s story. We learn about the animals, but not much about the dilemma of Noah himself. MNKs know of Noah; a child may be named Nuha; but they are unaware of the significance of Noah’s place among the prophets. There was a double flood during Noah’s life. The first was the fact that the world in his day was flooded with evil, and God had had enough. Aside from building an ark in a dry land, Noah preached repentance for 120 years. Pray for MNKs to comprehend the lengths God has gone to throughout history to restore fellowship with mankind; pray for MNKs to desire that restoration; pray it will be said of each of us that we did everything just as God commanded.

Fri, Apr 4: Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. – Genesis 15:6 God told Abraham to move…didn’t tell him where…didn’t tell him why…just told him to go. And Abraham went. Abraham is a pivotal personality to Muslims, Jews and Christians alike. Through the line of Abraham God fulfilled His promise of salvation, but not the way the MNKs believe. Abraham was a man of great faith, but even he sinned by not completely believing God. Pray for MNKs to accept and follow the salvation provided through the true son of Abraham.

Sat, Apr 5: The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent. Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” – Genesis 18:10-12 Sarah was Abraham’s wife when God called him out of Haran. When God announced to Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation, Sarah tried to help. She gave her maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham so as to build a family through her. Yet this was not God’s plan. Hagar and her son, Ishmael, were nothing but a constant thorn to Sarah. But God is always faithful. Pray for the MNK to see that God’s faithfulness does not depend upon man or our actions; He is faithful irregardless and not one of His promises has ever gone unfulfilled!

Sun, Apr 6: God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” – Genesis 21:17,18 Ishmael was Abraham’s first-born child. He was the product of Abraham and his wife’s servant, Hagar. Here is where the road divides Islam divides from Christianity and Judaism. Read Genesis 16:11-12 to discover Ishmael’s legacy. God made a promise to Hagar that her son would become a mighty nation, and so he did, but this was not the establishment of God’s covenant. MNKs believe Ishmael is the son God promised Abraham; Ishmael is the father of Islam. Pray for MNKs to discover the truth of the story of Abraham, Sarah, Ishmael and Isaac; Islam has it very confused.

Mon, Apr 7: The angel of the Lord found Hagar and said to her, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” “I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered. Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” – Genesis 16:9 Hagar was the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah. Sarah used Hagar to bear a child by Abraham. She probably had little choice in the matter. As the mother of the founder of the Arab nations, MNKs see Hagar as an important woman in history, though still, only a woman. Pray for MNKs to learn the complete story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael and Isaac; their understanding of this family is partial at best.

Tue, Apr 8: God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.” – Genesis 17:19 Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, was the fulfillment of God’s covenant with Abraham. MNKs believe that it was Ishmael that Abraham took up to the mountain to offer as a sacrifice. The Qu’ran does not name the son Abraham took; their belief is based solely on tradition. Pray for God to reveal the truth of the prophets to MNKs either through dreams or visions or Scripture or conversations with those working among them.

Wed, Apr 9: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” – Genesis 28:15 Jacob was the second twin son born to Isaac and Rebekah. His significance in history is not based on his personal character, but on the character of God. He wrestled with God, refusing to let go until God blessed him. MNKs do not believe God blesses an individual in any organized fashion; God blesses according to His own whims. Pray for the MNK to learn to trust and believe in the one true God who is constant, who never changes, and who desires to bless every living person.

Thu, Apr 10: Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. It was not you who sent me here, but God.” – Genesis 45:5,8 Joseph was the 11^th and favorite son of Jacob. The story of Joseph is replete with intrigue and hatred; yet when Joseph had the opportunity to exact revenge on his brothers, he did not. MNKs cannot fathom his reaction; revenge is absolutely necessary; how else will people know you are strong? According to the Qu’ran, Joseph said, “Make me to die a Muslim, and join me with the righteous.” Islam did not come into being as a religion until more than 2000 years after Joseph lived. Pray for the MNK to understand the true heart of God and that his purposes are much higher than man’s.

Fri, Apr 11: The Lord said to Moses, “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” – Exodus 4:11-12 Moses was the son of a Levite family, born into slavery in Egypt. His mother saved his life by allowing him to be found by Pharaoh’s daughter and raised in the king’s own home. Musa is a common name given to MNK children, but MNKs do not understand the significance of Moses: he was just a man through whom God did great things. Pray for MNKs to listen as God speaks to them and molds them into His desired creation.

Sat, Apr 12: Moses’ sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him…Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” – Exodus 2:4,7 Miriam was the older sister of Moses. She watched from the river’s reeds to see what would happen to her baby brother, and her quick thinking allowed her mother to nurse and care for Moses until he was weaned. The Qu’ran mentions Miriam; since the names are the same in Arabic, MNKs believe that Miriam, the sister of Moses, is the same Miriam (Mary), mother of Jesus. It becomes an impossible task to convince them otherwise. Pray for the scales to be removed from MNKs eyes and ears so they can see and hear the Truth.

Sun, Apr 13: Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron, the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you…He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him.” – Exodus 4:14,16 Aaron was Moses’ brother, a high priest of God in Israel and an excellent communicator. But he was not a leader. That is what made Moses and Aaron a good team. They needed one another, and God worked through both to accomplish His purpose of freeing the Israelites from the Egyptians. The MNK don’t really know much about Aaron; they are not interested in personalities who are not strong warriors and/or leaders. Pray for the MNK to see how God’s greatness and sovereignty allows us to be humble and effective in our given tasks through our God-given abilities.

Mon, Apr 14: The Lord said to Moses, “God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account.” – Deuteronomy 18:15,18-19 To the MNK religious mindset, these verses are a reference to the coming of Mohammed. But if these verses are taken in totality with all of Scripture and the prophetic utterances, it is clear they are a direct reference to the coming of Jesus Christ. His coming to earth was not an afterthought of God, but part of God’s original plan. Pray for MNKs to understand that all of Scripture points to the coming of Christ as God’s promised mediator.

Tue, Apr 15: But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15 Moses made an excellent decision when he chose Joshua as his assistant. God Himself later confirmed this when He instructed Moses to commission Joshua his successor. Joshua saw it all. He was a slave under Pharaoh; he wandered in the wilderness; he was one of only 2 adults who survived to enter the Promised Land. Joshua is not mentioned in the Qu’ran, but MNKs are fascinated by the stories of his heroic battles. Pray for the MNKs to accept the stories in the Bible as true accounts.

Wed, Apr 16: Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.” – Judges 4:4 Deborah was the fourth judge of Israel, and the only female. Deborah is not mentioned in the Qu’ran, and the MNK really don’t know anything about her. But when her story is told, women’s ears perk up. Can God possibly work through a woman? Deborah was not a feminist; she did not deny her position in her culture as a woman and a wife, but she never allowed herself to be hindered by it either. Her goal was to be obedient to God. Her story is a precious reminder that God loves, works through and blesses individual women! Pray for MNK women to find hope in the story of Deborah.

Thu, Apr 17: When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” “But Lord,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.” – Judges 6:12,15-16 Gideon was a farmer, warrior, and judge. God called on Gideon while being obedient to the tasks already given him. If MNKs know anything at all about Gideon, it is from a confused passage in the Qu’ran (2:250). Here the activities related in Judges 7 are attributed to the New Testament character of Saul (Paul). Pray that MNKs will look carefully and critically at Scripture, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance in finding truth.

Fri, Apr 18: David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied…All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” – 1 Samuel 17:45,47 David, a shepherd, musician, poet, soldier and king, is described by God Himself as a man after His own heart. David is a popular character in MNK religious knowledge, though he is not any spectacular. Mentioned in the Qu’ran, he holds no special title as all Muslims agree that he was not a lawgiver or the founder of a dispensation. They miss the part about being a man after God’s own heart. Pray for MNKs to desire the kind of personal, intimate relationship David shared with God.

Sat, Apr 19: Was it not because of marriages like these that Solomon king of Israel sinned? Among the many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel, but even he was led into sin by foreign women. – Nehemiah 13:26 Solomon was David and Bathsheba’s son. According to Scripture, he was the wisest man who ever lived. MNKs practice polygamy and thoroughly enjoy every recounting of Solomon’s 700 wives and 300 concubines. They are blind, however, to the verse that states: “and his wives led him astray” (1 Kings 11:3). He is written about extensively in the Qu’ran, always celebrated for his skill and wisdom. Pray for MNKs to hear the stories of the personalities in both Scripture and the Qu’ran in their completeness; not everything is easy to accept, but that doesn’t make it any less true.

Sun, Apr 20: “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” – 1 Kings 18:36-37 Elijah was the most famous and dramatic of all the prophets of Israel. He was fed by the ravens in the wilderness; he prayed for life to return to the only son of a widow who cared for Elijah; with his life threatened, he became afraid and ran away into the desert. God revealed Himself clearly to Elijah as he witnessed a windstorm, an earthquake and fire. But God was not in any of those powerful things; rather, God displayed His presence in a gentle whisper. The Qu’ran has brief references to Elijah, all taken from Scripture; none of them, however, shows his humanity, frailty, and utter dependence on God. Pray for MNKs to see God in the whispers they hear at night.

Mon, Apr 21: Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” Elisha replied, “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.” – 2 Kings 2:9 Elisha was the prophetic voice which directly followed Elijah, and he knew he needed God’s spirit in an unprecedented intensity. Scripture records 18 encounters between Elisha and needy people; every miracle that occurred during Elisha’s ministry put people in touch with the personal and all-powerful God. The only reference in the Qu’ran about Elisha is, “And remember Ishmael and Elisha, for each was righteous (Surah 38:48).” There is no mention of Elisha’s personal relationship with God. Pray for MNKs to desire to know God.

Tue, Apr 22: The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” – Job 1:8 Job was not a prophet; he was a wealthy livestock and landowner. He had 10 children and thousands of sheep, camels, yoke of oxen and donkeys. God allowed Satan to destroy all that to prove Job’s true character: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. (1:20) Job never completely understood the reasons for the calamities that came his way, but God revealed to him that it is better to know God than to know answers. MNKs know about Job; they know about all the things he lost. Scripture is clear as to how Job was restored (42:10-13). The Qu’ran, though, distorts the truth. In an attempt to explain the unexplainable, it states that Job’s wife became young and handsome again, bearing him 26 sons. Scripture tells us God blessed him with 7 sons and 3 daughters. Pray for MNKs to look to accept Scripture as true and complete, lacking for nothing, hiding nothing.

Wed, Apr 23: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'” – Isaiah 6:8 Isaiah is considered the greatest of Old Testament prophets. He is quoted at least 50 times in the New Testament; his messages focused on both judgment and hope. Isaiah is not mentioned in the Qu’ran; perhaps it was impossible to include him without his numerous references to the Messiah! The most pertinent lesson learned from Isaiah’s life is this: God is purely and perfectly holy, just, and loving. Pray for MNKs to desire to know the God that Isaiah served and worshipped.

Thu, Apr 24: The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.” – Jeremiah 1:5,7-8 Jeremiah was a prophet. From Scripture we see that before his birth, God destined him to be a prophet…all that remained was his obedience. Jeremiah taught that majority opinion is not necessarily God’s will, a teaching contrary to the community thought process of the MNK. Another lesson learned from Scripture about Jeremiah is that serving God does not guarantee earthly security. But probably the most important lesson taught by Jeremiah is that God will not accept empty or insincere worship. Pray for MNKs as they are confronted with the Truth of Scripture; not being willing to go against family and neighbors keeps them in Satan’s bondage.

Fri, Apr 25: The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel: “Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people.” – Ezekiel 12:1-2 Ezekiel is another prophet of the Old Testament not mentioned in the Qu’ran. A central theme running through all of Ezekiel’s messages was the importance of each person’s accountability before God. He taught the Israelite exiles that God expected personal obedience and worship from each of them. This is central to Christianity…personal accountability. This is exactly opposite of the belief of MNKs; they are not accountable; they are not responsible; they do not worship God, either corporately or individually. Pray for MNKs to grasp this central truth of God, that He created us for worship and desires to fellowship with each individual every minute of every day.

Sat, Apr 26: The king asked Daniel, “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?” Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” – Daniel 2:27-28 Daniel was a slave who became an adviser of kings. In many ways, MNKs desire the same characteristics Daniel had. He refused to give up his convictions; he limited his food intake to what he believed was acceptable to God, but he indulged in prayer. Nevertheless Daniel’s communication with God was of a personal nature. He is not mentioned in either the Qu’ran or the traditional writings, but Muslims celebrate his stories of his supernatural ability to interpret dreams. Unfortunately, they have become like many a fish tale…exaggerated. Pray for MNKs to look for truth in Scripture and accept the unexplainable and fantastic as God’s strategy to bring people unto Himself.

Sun, Apr 27: From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord.” – Jonah 1:8-9 Jonah was a reluctant prophet given a task he found offensive. He chose to run away from God rather than take His message of repentance to the Assyrians. By sending the storm upon his vessel and the fish to swallow him, God revealed to Jonah it is impossible to run from God. This is the aspect MNKs know of Jonah; they are admonished to “patiently then await the judgment of thy Lord, and be not like him who was in the fish and cried out in distress (Surah 68:48).” They miss the part that even the most wicked will be saved if they truly repent of their sins and turn to God. Pray for MNKs to seek God’s true forgiveness available through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Mon, Apr 28: The angel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. For nothing is impossible with God.” Mary answered, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. – Luke 1:35,37-38 Mary was a simple young woman engaged to be married. The angel Gabriel announced to her God’s plan to bring salvation to the world, and her whole life changed. Mary was the only human present at both the birth and death of Jesus. In Islam, Mary is characterized like this: Mary the Virgin, the daughter of Imran and his wife Hannah, and the sister of Aaron (and Moses). MNKs believe that Christians worship not one God, but three: God, the Father; God, the Son; and Mary, mother of Jesus. This is a belief gleaned from Catholic practices. Pray for the MNK to understand that God is God, and displays his personality to us in three ways: as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Tue, Apr 29: John said, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’” – John 1:23 John the Baptist was indeed a unique man. He wore odd clothing and ate strange foods; he preached an unusual message…repentance. Jesus said of him, “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” – Matthew 11:11 John understood his position and his task, even though his disciples often did not. Jesus understood John’s position and task. MNKs believe John had wisdom bestowed on him as a child; they also believe Jesus spoke from the cradle and used his “power” to create toys for himself. Pray for MNKs to accept that God understands what is in every heart and mind.

Wed, Apr 30: Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. I did not come to speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” – John 12:44-45,49-50. MNKs know about Jesus. In the Qu’ran He is called the son of Mary, the Messiah, the Word of God, the Word of Truth, a Spirit from God, as well as the Messenger of God, which is the same title Mohammed assumed for himself. But for the MNK the one title they cannot bear, and refuse to accept, is the Son of God. Pray for MNKs to accept the complete and pure Truth as represented in Scripture, not man’s interpretation in other writings.