July 2003

Dear Devoted Partners,

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. – 1 Peter 3:15

In preparing this Update, it became apparent we had not exhausted the theme of life lessons learned from Biblical characters; can we ever? Most of this month’s examples are from the New Testament. John’s writings have always been a favorite of mine, but I discovered something very simple about John. When he called himself the disciple whom Jesus loved, he was not being arrogant or exclusive. He was stating a fact he had learned…Jesus loved him! This is a concept completely foreign to the MNK.

We were excited to baptize an MNK believer in June. Pray for this young man as he relates to his friends, neighbors and family. Also pray that God will provide him with a believing wife. MNK men are “encouraged” to marry in their early 30s; this has always been difficult for MNK believers as they learn that it is not God’s plan for a believer to marry a non-believer.

Continue to pray for our friends and colleagues, the Kelly family, as they begin their one-year stateside assignment. Pray for rest, refreshment, and rejuvenation. Also, continue to pray for the new missionaries who are currently in language study, and those who are completing their deputation time in the US; all hope to engaged in full time MNK language study by the end of July.

I have received questions about the website…why not include pictures of the missionaries?… why not include names and address of missionaries…why not include pictures of believers…etc. While it is legal for us to share the Gospel among the MNK, and it is legal for MNKs to become Christians, we do not wish to endanger anyone. Given the current world climate it seems prudent to err on the side of caution. If you have any suggestions on new and/or improved web pages I would DEEPLY appreciate them. I have been remiss in working on the web site, but hope to remedy that situation within the next couple weeks.

I arrived back on the field June 14! Thank you so much for praying for all of us; my shoulder is doing well and I am gaining motion daily. Please continue to pray I will be diligent in my exercises; motivation wanes when pain is encountered!

If you have questions or comments, please let me know; my job is to communicate the needs of the MNK so that you can pray for effectively.

Your sister on the MNK field,

Tue, Jul 1: “This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.” – Daniel 5:12 As a young man, Daniel lived in captivity in Babylon; he was even given a Babylonian name. But Daniel remained faithful to God. Scripture tells us that he maintained his prayer time, as well as the kosher diet. Keeping his convictions, without being rude or causing conflict with his guards, earned Daniel the respect of his captors. Prayer and dietary restrictions are important to the MNK, but not in the same way. Prayer is perfunctory, repeated at specific times with specific words and specific gestures. Animals must be killed a specific way, and certain foods are taboo. Your personal relationship wit God is not pertinent. Pray for the MNK to desire to know God and serve Him personally, not just preserve their religious obligations and heritage.

Wed, Jul 2: “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the imagine of gold you have set up.” – Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were exiled to Babylon along with Daniel. Refusing to worship the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar, their punishment was death in a blazing furnace. The three found strength in standing for God together; their faith rested on God’s faithfulness, not His physical protection. MNK believers are few and far between. George, the fictitious name of a recent MNK believer, is the only MNK believer in a town of 10,000+ persons. Pray for MNK believers to share their faith; pray they will be able to stand firm and grounded, even though they may stand-alone for many years.

Thu, Jul 3: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” – Daniel 4:37 As a subjugator, Nebuchadnezzar was basically benign. He allowed the people he conquered to keep their gods and worship their idols while he took their lands, robbed their riches, and controlled their lives. Islam did fundamentally the same thing among the MNK; it allowed animism to be incorporated. When Nebuchadnezzar encountered the nation of Judah, he was faced with young men who would not relinquish their faith. God allowed him to suffer seven years of insanity before restoring him to health and his throne. God is always in control, whether we acknowledge it or not. Pray for the MNK who come to know Christ to be rooted in the truth of Scripture alone.

Fri, Jul 4: Because Joseph was a righteous man…he had in mind to divorce Mary quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 1:19-20 Pregnancy outside of marriage is just as unacceptable in Islamic MNK society today as it was in Jewish society 2000 years ago. Then, as now within the Islamic community, the punishment was death by stoning. Joseph knew he wasn’t the father of Mary’s child, and to consider what both Mary and the angel told him incredible! Nevertheless, in faith, he listened to the voice of God; God honored Joseph’s integrity and faithfulness. Pray for those who work among the MNK to heed God’s voice when seeking direction in ministry; pray we do not do what seems good in our eyes, but only what is right in God’s.

Sat, Jul 5: Joseph went to Bethlehem the town of David to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. – Luke 2:5 Scripture explains that when Jesus was conceived, Mary and Joseph were not yet married. Still, Joseph’s integrity and faith in God enabled him to keep going. Scripture does not tell us the kinds of insults and behind-the-back conversations that this young family endured; still, Joseph raised Mary’s son, Jesus, as his own, teaching him the Scriptures, as well as a trade. In MNK society, a bastard child cannot be married, nor given in marriage. The child suffers because of actions of the parents. Pray for young MNK men and women to keep the marriage bed sacred, desiring to honor God through their marriage.

Sun, Jul 6: When Herod (the Great) realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled. – Matthew 2:16-17 A teacher came by the house recently; he was asking questions about different Old Testament characters. He wanted to know the name of Moses’ mother. Apparently her name is very powerful in Islam, and that knowledge imparts power to the holder. Herod the great was very powerful, but not more powerful than God. His slaughter of the children was foretold by the prophet Jeremiah; no one can prevent God’s plans from being carried out. Power is God’s to give, not our to attain. Pray for those MNKs who are interested in Biblical knowledge to desire to know God, not just the words in the Bible.

Mon, Jul 7: As he walked along, Jesus saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. – Mark 2:14 In first century Galilee, tax collectors were despised individuals. When Levi followed Jesus, he gave up his profession, but gained acceptance within his new community. Still, he was known as the tax collector and was suspect. God used Levi’s record keeping and attention to details skills for a higher purpose than collecting taxes for the government. When an MNK accepts Christ as Savior they essentially separate themselves from their families, their neighbors, their friends. They are watched for signs of failure and their motives are questioned; they are ostracized and condemned. Pray for workers among the MNK to have wisdom in how to be supportive and encouraging, while not creating outside dependency among MNK believers.

Tue, Jul 8: Jesus said, “When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, whenever this gospel is preached through out the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” – Matthew 26:12-13 Mary’s forte was listening and learning. Still, Scripture records that she knew that action was often appropriate and necessary. MNKs are some of the most hospitable people in the world. They will fall all over themselves to serve you food and drink, make sure you are comfortable, provide you a hand-fan, etc. Pray for the MNK to desire to listen to the message of Jesus Christ over tending to the physical needs of those who share it.

Wed, Jul 9: Jesus said, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” – Matthew 16:18 Peter was an impulsive man. Jesus’ first words to him were “Come, follow me” and His last were “You must follow me.” Peter stumbled a lot in between those conversations, but he always continued to follow. MNKs are loud, gregarious, friendly and stayed. They listen politely to teachings about God, often agreeing verbosely, but privately, they are reluctant to accept this new teaching. Pray that MNKs will hear Scripture with new ears, ears that are not deafened by tradition and culture.

Thu, Jul 10: When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him. – Mark 6:20 Herod (Antipas) was drawn to truth even though he didn’t like what he heard. Herod’s ambitious nature did not appreciate his sin being drawn into public debate; John stated unabashedly that Herod’s marriage to Herodias was unlawful (sinful); his subsequent execution of John was gruesome. MNKs do not speak about sinful behavior among themselves; they would rather turn a blind eye than cause conflict or hurt. Why? Is it to keep peace? Is it because they don’t want their sins exposed? Is it because they do not recognize sin for what it is? Pray for MNKs to acknowledge sin as whatever separates us from God’s presence; pray for those who work among the MNK to teach the way to God’s forgiveness.

Fri, Jul 11: Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. – Luke 22:3-4 Worldwide Judas is known as the betrayer. But we often forget that he was also one of Jesus’ chosen twelve disciples and that while Judas betrayed Jesus, all the disciples abandoned Him. Judas’ motives in betraying Jesus are unclear; what is clear is that he allowed himself to be in a situation where Satan manipulated him. Was it his choice to betray Jesus? Certainly. Was the power available to him to overcome this temptation? Absolutely. MNKs refuse to accept responsibility for their sin; if God is sovereign, then He can either prohibit me from sinning or He will automatically forgive me because He made me this way…it’s not my fault! Pray for the MNK to grasp that we leave ourselves open to be used by Satan when we don’t acknowledge our own sin nature.

Sat, Jul 12: “What is truth?” Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.” – John 18:38 As the Roman governor of Judea, Pilate had to approve every death sentence. Three separate times Pilate declared Jesus not guilty; he could not understand why the Jews were so desperate to kill Jesus. But in order to keep peace, and not threaten his position in Rome, he handed Jesus over to the Jews for crucifixion. Truth was at the mercy of political pressures. Daily MNKs are faced with choosing right over wrong; unfortunately their plumb line is not Scriptural. Pray that the radio broadcasts currently enabling over 700,000 MNKs to hear the Word of God will be aired consistently and clearly; pray that the broadcast towers will be protected from lightening strikes during this current rainy season.

Sun, Jul 13: Both Zechariah and Elizabeth were upright in the sight of God, observing all the lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. – Luke 1:6 Zechariah was told before anyone else that God was setting in motion His own visit to earth (Luke 1:13-17). At that moment in the temple, when Zechariah was listening to the angel, he heard only that his wife would bear him a son; only later did he reflect on all the angel had said to him. Zechariah was old; Elizabeth old; they had long ago stopped asking for a child. After John’s birth, Zechariah disappears from the pages of Scripture. But his testimony lives on; God can do great things through anyone available to Him. The MNK have difficulty believing God is able to operate outside of human understanding and physical limitations; hence their denial of Jesus Christ’s divinity. Pray for those who work among the MNK not to neglect to teach God’s miraculous intervention in our daily lives.

Mon, Jul 14: Elizabeth said to Mary, “But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” – Luke 1:43-45 Elizabeth was too old to have a baby; Mary wasn’t married. Yet both women, and their husbands, believed God! Even in her barrenness, Elizabeth remained faithful to God. The lesson from Elizabeth’s life is that God honors faithfulness. An MNK woman who does not have children will have no one to take care of her in her old age. It is painful to not bear children when they are a necessary, and expected, part of a family. Pray for MNK women to learn faithfulness to God by experience and teachings from Scripture.

Tue, Jul 15: Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. – Joel 1:3 This verse is not specific to any one Biblical character, yet it epitomizes the way the Israelites passed down God’s miraculous activity in their lives. MNKs pass down the history of warriors and families in the same way. Griots (bards) sing of famous battles, brave soldiers, and important families. Pray that those working among the MNK will share the story of God’s activity throughout history with clarity, excitement, and conviction; pray for MNK ears and minds to be open to the Truth.

Wed, Jul 16: “How will this be since I am a virgin?” Mary asked the angel. The angel answered, “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 1:34,37-38 Mary was available to God’s service. She was entrusted with the care of God’s only son…what an extraordinary responsibility! MNK women do not believe God communicates with mankind, and He certainly doesn’t waste His time with women. An MNK woman’s access to heaven depends upon her husband’s character, not her own. Mary had a godly character and a personal relationship with God. Pray for three young women currently learning MNK in order to share the Gospel with MNK women; pray these women will be diligent and persevere through the trials of language acquisition.

Thu, Jul 17: It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. – Acts 12:1-2 James and his brother, John, were part of Jesus’ inner circle. They even asked Jesus to guarantee them a special position in His kingdom; they, along with the rest of the disciples, misunderstood Jesus’ purpose. It was after Jesus’ death and resurrection that James clearly understood. He paid a heavy price for following Jesus. Living and working within an Islamic society has its dangers, but then so does living in the West. Pray for people called by God to come and plant their lives sharing the Gospel among the MNK.

Fri, Jul 18: But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” – Luke 10:40 Martha was the quintessential hostess. Her desire was to make sure her guests were properly taken care of, often to the exclusion of being able to enjoy them. She made everyone around her, including her guests, feel uncomfortable. On every prayer day, MNK women of childbearing age are engaged in the overwhelming task of food preparation. They do not attend the “preaching” as it takes them away from the cooking; also, women of this age are not included in religious matters. They spend hours preparing the meal for their own family, more to share with visitors who have come, and more for visitors who will come later…they miss the significance of the day. Pray that as MNK women listen to the Word of God they will grasp that God’s plan of salvation includes them.

Sat, Jul 19: Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42 Jesus’ response to Martha’s complaint was clear. Mary had chosen to spend her time listening to Jesus. Martha did not recognize her gift of hospitality. Jesus needed to eat, and it was necessary for someone to prepare the food. She eventually found the balance between her desire to worship and her desire to serve. MNK women become so engrossed with the work of prayer days that they forget the reason for the prayer day. Religious matters are still foreign to them. Pray for those who work among the MNK to find a balance between the necessity of worship and personal devotional time, and the imperative to actively share the Gospel.

Sun, Jul 20: Jesus said, “I tell you the truth: 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’s life was not an easy one. No man ever fulfilled his God-given purpose better than John. But John saw Christ on the “before” side of Calvary; those of us who have come since know Christ and His finished work on the cross. John lived his life wearing odd clothes, eating strange foods, and preaching an unusual message to the Judeans. He was eventually executed for his stand for truth. MNKs who come to know Christ face persecution and hardships difficult for westerners to understand. We know intellectually that following Christ does not guarantee an easy or safe life; MNK believers know it experientially. Pray for MNK believers to stand resolutely for Christ; pray for western believers to know how, when, and if to help their brothers and sisters.

Mon, Jul 21: Nicodemus asked, “How can a man be born when he is old? Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” – John 3:4 Nicodemus came to Jesus under the cover of darkness. When he left that night, he had a whole new understanding of both God and himself. In the Jewish Council concerning Jesus’ arrest, he raised the pertinent question of justice. He joined Joseph of Arimathea in asking for Jesus body in order to provide for its burial. Nicodemus continually grew in his understanding and boldness for Truth. It wasn’t automatic comprehension. MNKs come to visit at night; whether it is because of convenience or fear of others immaterial. Pray that believing homes will be flooded with true Nicodemus’, honestly seeking the things of God.

Tue, Jul 22: Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” – John 11:49-50 As leader of the Sadducees, Caiaphas’ usual policy was to remove any threats to his power by whatever means necessary. He allowed nothing to threaten his personal position, nor his position with Rome. MNKs are slow to accept the truth of the Gospel for many reasons. They perceive it as threatening to their culture and their established way of life; Islamic leaders perceive it as threatening to their political acceptability. Pray for MNK religious leaders to yearn for true knowledge of God, and to teach that to others.

Wed, Jul 23: Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. – 1 John 2:7-8 The central theme of the Gospel of John and John’s other writings is love. He calls himself the disciple whom Jesus loved. His experience of Jesus’ love was strong and personal; he conveyed in all his writings that the One who is love loved others. MNKs do not talk about love. Marriages are arranged; a deep affinity and respect may grow, but showing love is a sign of weakness. Children are prized and cared for, but demonstrable affection is rare. Comprehending the vastness of God’s love is difficult at best; within a society that does not value nor demonstrate love, it is nearly impossible. Pray for those who work among the MNK to find avenues to demonstrate and characterize God’s immense love for mankind, including the MNK.

Thu, Jul 24: When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. – Mark 16:9 An early follower of Jesus, Mary of Magdala traveled with Jesus and his disciples; while not one of the twelve, she daily heard Jesus’ teaching and observed His actions. As a woman in the first century, her place was to be in the background; yet Jesus treated Mary, and other women, as equal reflectors of God’s image. It is not by coincidence that the resurrected Jesus appeared first to Mary. MNK women within Islam are not whole beings. An inheritance always goes to a male heir; their value is seen in their ability to work and bear children; they do not participate in religious activities, as their presence might be a distraction to the men. Pray for MNK to be made complete and whole through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Fri, Jul 25: Thomas said, “Unless I see…I will not believe.” Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” – John 20:25,27-28 Thomas doubted, but his doubting had a purpose – he wanted to know the truth. His skepticism was honest. According to one commentary doubt encourages rethinking; it poses a question, gets an answer and pushes for a decision. It is not meant to be a permanent condition! MNKs are full of doubts regarding religious matters. Men espouse only the answers they have been taught; they do not think as individuals. Pray for MNK men question honestly and seek in-depth answers to those questions.

Sat, Jul 26: While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. – Acts 7:59-60 Stephen asked God to forgive his executors, just as Jesus had. Stephen’s only crime was speaking the truth. Advocating any religion other than Islam is prohibited in Islamic states (i.e., Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, Iran, Yemen). The MNK do not live in Islamic states; their general nature is to listen politely, and correct any wrong teaching when the “teacher” leaves. Most MNKs do not really know what Islam teaches; they only know the standard arguments against Christianity. Pray for MNK men, as they listen to Biblical teaching, to have open minds and to consider something other than Islam.

Sun, Jul 27: Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. – Acts 6:8 What angered the Sanhedrin was Stephen’s clarity of speech and truth; they did not like their sins being publicly displayed – who does?! There are believers of other tribes that live around the MNK, especially in urban areas; their preaching is usually tolerated, though more and more opposition is rising. A mosque is always built next door to, or at least in the same neighborhood as, a church. Church leaders are shunned and looked upon suspiciously. Pray for MNK men to seek counsel of Godly men, full of God’s grace and power; pray for local believers to be filled with Holy Spirit as Stephen was.

Mon, Jul 28: Philip ran up to the Ethiopian eunuch’s chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. The Ethiopian eunuch replied, “How can I unless someone explains it to me?” Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. – Acts 8:30-31,35 The Ethiopian eunuch was ready to accept the Truth, but he needed some assistance. Philip was available to be used of God, and God brought the two men together. Very few MNKs are literate in Roman script, the only style MNK Scripture is available. Pray for the equipment and those working on the transcription of the MNK Bible from Roman script into Arabic script to be protected.

Tue, Jul 29: Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished. Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. – Acts 9:19-22 The Christians were afraid of Saul because he hunted them down for execution. The Jews became afraid of him because they couldn’t understand him. Saul’s (Paul’s) message is the same today as it was in the first century: forgiveness and eternal life are a gift of God’s grace received through faith in Christ and available to all people. The MNK believe only Muslims are on the right road; unfortunately, they live with abject hopelessness, no security or confidence in God’s love. Pray for MNKs to listen to the teachings of the Old and New Testaments, creating a whole picture of God’s grace and forgiveness.

Wed, Jul 30: A voice said to Peter, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” Peter replied, “Surely not, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice said to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” – Acts 10:13-15 For a good Jew, these were hard words to hear. Judaism had very strict dietary laws; adherents worked hard at not breaking those laws. This included not eating with Gentiles. Prior to this vision, Peter never would have believed that a Gentile could become a Christian. MNKs hold dietary laws, as well; these, however, are not nearly as restrictive as other religious customs to ensure they are “clean”. Pray for MNK men and women to seek clean and pure hearts before God, not just hands, feet, and food.

Thu, Jul 31: At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. – Acts 10:1-2 As a Roman officer, Cornelius shouldn’t have had anything to do with the Jews. As a Gentile, Peter should have shunned him completely. But he didn’t. Once Peter entered Cornelius’ house he became aware of God’s approval as “the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message…speaking in tongues and praising God.” Cornelius is a wonderful example of God’s willingness to use extraordinary means to reach those who truly desire to know Him. The MNK do not yet exhibit a true desire to know God. Pray for MNK men, women, children, religious leaders, peasant farmers and political leaders to desire to know the One True God and His plan to restore man into His fellowship.