November 2002

1 November 2002

Dear Faithful Ones,

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul years, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. – Psalm 84:1-2

A Christian’s view of eternity with God is a precious thing. As a believer, I look forward to being in God’s presence, to knowing Him more completely, to being perfected in His sight, and to seeing Him clearly. What a joy it will be to be in God’s presence, to be in His dwelling place!

This month, we continue in the 99 Names for God as followed by Islam. Remember that for the Muslim, memorizing the 99 Names for God guarantees you a spot in paradise. This has been an interesting study for me as I have looked into the True Names for God as given in Holy Scripture, as well as how the Muslim’s view of God’s character actually equates to reality. As you pray, remember the MNK are illiterate followers of Islam and need to know the Truth. The Qu’ran contains aspects of truth; but it is NOT truth. Some of the Bible is actually contained within the Qu’ran. But it also contains critical errors, both historical and theological, errors that cannot be explained away by the differences in languages or by the differences between Islam and Christianity.

The admonition by the Prophet Mohammed to memorize these names implies their veracity. And many sound like names that could be held by Christians. Unfortunately the way a Mandinka understands righteousness or holiness, for example, is not the same as portrayed in Scripture.

On a personal note, I just spent 6 glorious days at a retreat with about 130 other women from West Africa. We studied; we searched Scripture and our hearts; we learned; we were inspired; we cried; we sang; we rejoiced; we were filled to capacity! The day after my return my computer crashed – AGAIN – and I lost all of my stored data, including, once again, my address book. Fortunately I had saved it elsewhere; unfortunately the last time I did that was in June. So, if you still happen to have your October Update and could forward it back to me that would be very helpful. We continue to search for housing; please continue to pray with us.

Our Webmaster should have our updated website on line by the middle of December. Please visit it www.mandinkapeople.com and let me know what you think; also let me know if you have any suggestions or questions. Thank you for your support of our ministries among the MNK; please let me know how I can better serve you.

Your sister on the MNK field,

www.mandinkapeople.com

PS Bakary’s family will return early in 2003!

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Fri, Nov 1: For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. – Romans 15:4 The purpose of Scripture is to teach us and to encourage us, so that we might know God more fully and have a clear understanding of His perfect nature. Islam utilizes 99 names or characteristics for God to explain his character. But these characteristics have been adapted to fit man’s idea of God. Pray for the MNK to have an encounter with the reality of God’s person and character; pray for them as the encounter God through His Holy Word; pray for them to truly KNOW Him.

Sat, Nov 2: The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He will judge the world in righteousness. – Psalm 9:7-8 Al-Hakam, is the 29^th name for God in Islam. Translated it means the arbitrator, the Judge, His judgment is His word. God is indeed the ultimate Judge, but as Scripture points out, He judges in righteousness. The Islamic concept of God’s judgment is divided into two camps: those who follow Islam, and those who do not. MNKs miss the opportunity to know God by aligning themselves under a religion over a relationship. Pray for the MNK to seek out God’s righteousness and His grace; pray for them to be prepared for His judgment.

Sun, Nov 3: In all that has happened to us, you have been just; you have acted faithfully, while we did wrong. – Nehemiah 9:33 The 30^th name for God in Islam is Al-‘Adl, the One who is entitled to do what He does, the Just, the Equitable. In this passage of Scripture the Israelites were confessing their sins before God, acknowledging that God acted justly and faithfully while they did not. In other words, God was consistent. The MNK believe God’s justice is unpredictable, that he dispenses judgment with no rhyme or reason to his actions. Pray for the MNK to know that God’s actions are based entirely upon His consistency of character; pray for them to know that He does not change.

Mon, Nov 4: He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. – Matthew 5:45 The 31^st name for God in Islam is Al-Latif, the most gentle, the gracious, the one who is kind. Surah 22:63 in the Qu’ran states, “See you not that Allah sends down water from the sky, and then the earth becomes green? Verily, Allah is the Most Kind and Courteous, Well-Acquainted with all things.” As God created the earth, He established physical rules that govern the weather. While He is able to stop the rainfall and send it where He wills, He chooses to allow the weather patterns to follow His rules of science, sending rain on the righteous and the unrighteous, part of His gentle nature. As the time for the rice harvest draws near, pray for the MNK to see that God is gracious and kind, as it is He, and He alone, who cultivates and matures the rice crop.

Tue, Nov 5: I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right. – Isaiah 45:19 Al-Khabir, the one who knows the truth of things, the Aware is the 32^nd name for God in Islam. In Islam, God is known as the All-Knower, All-Seer of his slaves (17:30). Scripture, however, tells us that we are part of God’s family, children of God, joint heirs with Jesus…a much different picture than one who is a slave. Pray for MNKs to recognize God’s knowledge of all things, including truth; pray for them to know Him as the God of Truth, that in Him there is no darkness.

Wed, Nov 6: Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. – Ecclesiastes 3:15 The 33^rd name for God in Islam Al-Halim, the Forbearing, the one who delays the punishment for those who deserve it and then He might forgive them. Mandinkas believe God can be persuaded to change His mind. They believe that irregardless of their adherence to the laws of Islam, God might still send them to hell, if He feels like it! Yet Scripture teaches us that God’s faithfulness is never-ending, that He is consistent; Scripture also teaches us that there is only one way to peace with God. Pray for the MNK to experience God as one they can truly put their trust in, not just their hope, as a child hopes for a piece of candy.

Thu, Nov 7: Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. – Psalm 145:3 Al-‘Azim, the 34^th name for God in Islam, means the Incomparably Great. God is indeed Great! Yet for the MNK, they see God’s greatness not as a description of who He is, but as a description of His activity. For the Muslim, all of God’s activities focus on the destruction of those who do not follow Islam. Worship and praise of God Himself, for who He is, is not part of the Mandinka religious life. Pray for the MNK to worship God because He is God, not for what He can do.

Fri, Nov 8: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. – Titus 2:11 The 35^th name for God in Islam is Al-Ghafoor, the Forgiving, the one who forgives a lot, the pardoner. The message of salvation, and therefore God’s forgiveness in the Scriptures is summed up this way: the Old Testament and the Pharisees said “do right and you will be right;” but Jesus’ message is “be right and you will do right.” For the MNK, forgiveness by God is tied up in what you do, not in who you know. Pray for the MNK to know God and see that it is only by God’s grace there is any forgiveness of sin.

Sat, Nov 9: What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees for your own good. – Deuteronomy 10:12-13 Ash-Shakur is the 36^th name for God in Islam. It translates as the Appreciative, most ready to appreciate and reward, the one who gives a lot of reward for a little obedience, the grateful. This view lends full support of a works-based religion. MNKs believe they must earn God’s forgiveness and favor. Pray for the MNK to desire to fear God, to walk with Him, and to learn to love Him.

Sun, Nov 10: He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he will neither slumber nor sleep. – Psalm 121:3-4 The 37^th name for God in Islam is Al-‘Aliyy, the Most High, the Most Great. The verse in the Qu’ran that mentions this name for God is Surah 2:255. It talks about Allah sustaining and protecting all that exists, and that he feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving. The frightening thing about false religions is that truth is often contained within them. Pray for the MNK to know the True Most High God, the Omnipotent one who neither slumbers nor sleeps.

Mon, Nov 11: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. – John 1:1-2 The 38^th name for God in Islam is Al-Kabir, the Most Great. Interestingly, every place the Qu’ran references this name for God it is with the meaning that there is only one God. Islam prides itself on being a monotheistic religion. It asserts that Christianity is polytheistic, as the trinity signifies the worship of three separate gods: God, Jesus, and Mary. Pray for MNKs to see that God is indeed one; pray for them, above all else, to know that there is nothing greater than God, no religion, no preacher, no teaching.

Tue, Nov 12: The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous; in keeping them there is great reward. – Psalm 19:9, 11 Al-Hafiz is the 39^th name for God in Islam. It means the Preserver, the one who protects whatever and whoever He willed to protect. The inference from the Qu’ranic text here is that Allah keeps a record of every person and their deeds, and he will reward them accordingly. Psalm 19 teaches that keeping God’s law revives the soul, gives joy to the heart and light to the eyes. Being obedient strengthens our personal relationship with God. We do it out of reverence, not for the sake of a list. Pray for the MNK to find joy in keeping the laws of God; pray for them to know God through the gift of salvation.

Wed, Nov 13: Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you. – Psalm 55:22 The 40^th name for God in Islam is Al-Mughith, the Sustainer, the one who has the power. God is indeed the God who sustains. Scripture is full of promises like the one found in Psalm 55:22 – simply allow the Lord to sustain you in all areas of your life. It is His desire to do so, and what good does it do us to worry about those things? Pray for the MNK to place their whole lives in the hands of the One who truly cares for them and desires to Sustain them.

Thu, Nov 14: David speaks of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. – Romans 4:6-7 The 41^st name for God in Islam is Al-Hasib, the Reckoner, the one who gives the satisfaction. References in the Qu’ran suggest that as a reckoner, God keeps careful tally of all you say and do, so when it comes time for judgment, your account will be evident. But Scripture teaches us that righteousness comes apart from works, that our sins are forgiven and the debt completely paid by the work of God Himself. Pray for the MNK to find forgiveness of sin through God’s only Son, Jesus Christ.

Fri, Nov 15: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! – Psalm 8:1 The 42^nd name for God in Islam Al-Jalil, meaning the majestic, the revered, the one who is attributed with greatness of power and glory of status. In other words, the really important one. MNKs see God more as a powerful entity than as the Creator of the world whose name is considered majestic throughout the earth. Since they do not know God, they cannot truly grasp His majesty. Pray for the MNK to seek to know God, to marvel at His majesty, and to rejoice at the mere mention of His name!

Sat, Nov 16: For you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being. – Revelation 4:11 The generous, the bountiful, Al-Karim is the 43^rd name for God in Islam. The implication of this description for God is that he has everything, he needs nothing; therefore he can be generous. Scripture teaches, however, that God did create all things, and His greatest desire is to fellowship with His highest creation, man. Pray for the MNK to enjoy fellowship with God as He ordained in creation.

Sun, Nov 17: Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? – Job 38:4 The 44^th name for God in Islam is Ar-Raqib, the watchful, the guardian. After all the calamities befell Job, and his friends and wife encouraged him to curse God, God Himself began to answer Job in Chapter 38; and He began with where were you when…” Throughout the next several chapters, God gets Job’s attention by reminding Job who he is, and who God is. The Qu’ran gives Allah the name of “the watchful” in terms of God being aware of all you say and do, more like a spy. Pray for the MNK to come to know the One True God of the past, present, and future.

Mon, Nov 18: How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. – Isaiah 30:19 The 45^th name for God in Islam is Al-Mujib, the Responsive, the responder, the one who answers the one in need if he asks Him. Islam calls people to repentance by calling on the name of God. But this repentance is a superficial response in order to do what the Qu’ran requires. MNKs do not comprehend their need for repentance because they do not comprehend their accountability before God in regard to their own sin. Pray for the MNK to cry to God for help, with seeking hearts; pray for them to hear God’s answer to them.

Tue, Nov 19: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8 The 46^th name for God in Islam, Al-Wasi, translates as the All-Encompassing, the All-Embracing. In Surah 3:73, Muslims are told to “believe no one except the one who follows your religion.” The reasoning behind this is that Allah is aware of all his creatures’ needs. Our admonition in 1 Peter is to be alert, for Satan desires to steal and kill those who follow God. Pray for the MNK to listen and believe the Word of God; pray for them to one day resist the devil and follow God who desires to embrace all of His creation.

Wed, Nov 20: The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble. The King is mighty, he loves justice – you have established equity. – Psalm 99:1,4 The 47^th name for God in Islam is Al-Hakim, the All-Wise, the one who is correct in his doings. As with other names, this one is also meant for those who follow Islam. Allah is correct in his doings only when it comes to blessing Muslims and punishing non-Muslims. Yet we see in Psalm 99 that the Lord reigns over all the nations! And He will bless and punish every nation according to His Word. Pray for MNKs to see that God is correct in all His doings, but these doings are not always what man desires.

Thu, Nov 21: He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9 The 48^th name for God in Islam, Al-Wadud, means the affectionate, the loving one. This is often surprising to most Christians, for Islam does not lift Allah up as a god of love. But to the Muslim, Allah being loving means he loves the “pious who are real true believers of Islamic monotheism” (85:14). For the Mandinka the thought that God could truly love everyone, irregardless of religion, is beyond belief. Pray for the MNK to be able to recognize God’s holiness, His righteousness, His sovereignty, even when they can’t explain it.

Fri, Nov 22: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. – Psalm 105:1 The 49^th name for God in Islam is Al-Majid, the Most Glorious, the one who is with perfect power. Whenever an MNK speaks of God, or His works, or His character, it is always in the past tense. Theirs is not a living religion. God is not active in their daily lives. The Psalmist was commanding us to make known among the nations what God did yesterday, as well as what He did today! We serve a living God, one who is involved in our daily lives, moment by moment. Pray for the MNK to recognize a living joy, an active faith in those who follow the Lord outside of Islam.

Sat, Nov 23: The criminal said, “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:43 In Islam, the 50^th name for God is Al-Ba’ith, the Resurrector, the one who resurrects for reward and/or punishment, the raiser from death. Scripture is clear. Upon our death, we stand before God and are judged. At that point, only God’s holiness and justice will prevail. Pray for the MNK to seek God before their lives on earth come to an end.

Sun, Nov 24: I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death. – John 8:49-51 The 51^st name for God in Islam, Ash-Shahid, means the Witness, the one who nothing is absent from (doesn’t miss a thing!). In John’s Gospel, the Jews were angry with Jesus because they believed He was claiming to be greater than all the prophets. And yet, these words of Scripture are held by all of Christendom as truth. MNKs believe that Jesus was only a prophet, and that all witnesses are those who witness for Mohammed and Allah. Pray for MNKs to see the reality of Scripture and nature as true witnesses to God’s unchanging character.

Mon, Nov 25: I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge uprightly. – Psalm 75:2 The 52^nd name for God in Islam is Al-Haqq, the truth, the just, the one who truly exists. Mankind often is excited about God’s judgment when thinking about enemies, or those who annoy or persecute you. But we often forget that God will judge all mankind, the just and the unjust. From the beginning He has had a system in place to reward the just and punish the unjust. Pray for the MNK to come to know God so that His judgment will not be fearful to them.

Tue, Nov 26: My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. – 2 Corinthians 12:9 Al-Wakil, the ultimate trustee, the disposer of affairs, the one who gives the satisfaction and is relied upon, is the 53^rd name for God in Islam. The Islamic meaning here is that Allah takes care of his slaves, against all foes. But God declared to Paul that His grace alone was sufficient. The idea of power becoming perfect in weakness is abhorrent to Muslims. Weakness is unacceptable to a Mandinka. Pray for the MNK to acknowledge that apart from God we can do nothing, we have nothing, we are nothing; pray for them to allow their hearts to be opened.

Wed, Nov 27: The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. – 1 Samuel 16:7 The 54^th name for God in Islam is Al-Qawiyy, the most strong, the one with the complete power. Following the prescribed ways of keeping God’s laws for worship and living enables Muslims to determine who the true believers in Allah are. Yet Scripture is clear that God looks at our hearts; He knows the truth. Our actions must be an extension of God’s character. Pray for MNKs to allow their hearts to know God and to follow Him in truth.

Thu, Nov 28: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9 The 55^th name for God in Islam, Al-Matin, means the firm one, the authoritative, the one with extreme power that is uninterrupted and does not get tired. While it is not clear through the Qu’ranic reference, the implication for this name is that God is always strong, never tiring, an esteemed attribute of a warrior. As farmers, MNKs work hard, admonishing one another not to give up, but to keep going through the harvest. In Galatians Paul refers to a spiritual harvest, a time when our reward will be through our relationship with God. Pray that the MNK will desire to do good for God’s sake, and not their own.

Fri, Nov 29: “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” Abraham replied. “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” the angel of the Lord said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” – Genesis 22:11-12 The 56^th name for God in Islam is Al-Waliyy, the protector, the friend, the defender. According to Islamic tradition and not the Qu’ran, Abraham took his son Ishmael up the mountain to be sacrificed. Yet Scripture teaches that it was Isaac, his son, his only son. Muslims hold Abraham to be a great prophet, and they believe God protected him, defended him, by saving his son, Ishmael. They admire and revere Abraham, yet they do not know the truth of Abraham’s story. Pray for MNKs to be able to search the Scripture for themselves to find answers to the questions that clearly identify the differences between Christianity and Islam.

Sat, Nov 30: These words are trustworthy and true. – Revelation 22:6 Most MNKs are functionally illiterate; most cannot understand the Arabic language, though 50% can read the sounds of it. Consequently most MNKs have not read the Qu’ran for themselves; they simply accept what they are told as truth. When Scripture is given to them in Arabic script, they think it must be truth since it looks like what the Islamic teachers have. And when they begin to form the words with their mouths, a smile comes across their faces as they realize they can understand what they are reading, since it is in the MNK language. Pray for those working on the Arabic transcription program of Scripture; pray for opportunities to produce and distribute the Word of God to many MNKs so they will have the opportunity to read for themselves what God says.

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