Dear Faithful Ones,

Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. – Psalm 105:1

The Qu’ran is the holy book for Muslims. It, along with the Hadith, prescribes for a Muslim how he should live his daily life. The Hadith is a volumous collection of traditional sayings or practices, some ascribed to Mohammed and some to those who led Islam after his death.

The Qu’ran contains aspects of truth. When you read it, you will find much of the Bible contained within. But it is also has critical, historical errors, things that cannot be explained away by the different languages or by the difference between Islam and Christianity.

Contained within the Hadith is the following statement attributed to the Prophet Mohammed: Anyone who memorizes them (the 99 most beautiful names) will enter Paradise. Hence the 99 names for God are quite important to the Muslim. But in MNK society, the recitation of these names is a rote activity, one that can be done while walking down the street. Some carry on conversations while counting their prayer beads; others appear to be talking to themselves as they walk along; they acknowledge neighbors by the nodding of their head. But for all it is done in such a manner that true meditation on God is quite improbable.

For the next couple of months we are going to look at the 99 names for God in Islam. We are going to examine them in light of Scripture, how they compare and contrast with the truth contained in God’s Word.

We returned to the field August 29. Many of you noted the absence of the September Update. I do apologize for that, but it could not be helped. Please pray with us as we look for adequate housing. We are now in the process of locating to a new area of ministry and are anxious to settle and begin our work among the MNK once again.

I also hope to do some serious work on the website in October. Please visit www.mandinkapeople.com as you have opportunity. Let me know what you think, what you would like to see on the website, what would make it more attractive. This is a new area for me, and I lack expertise. Thank you for your support of our ministries among the MNK; please let me know how I can better serve you.

Your sister [BACK] on the MNK field,

Serekunda, THE GAMBIA

PS Bakary’s family will return early in 2003!

MNK Update October 2002

Tue, Oct 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 Scripture is timeless; Scripture is instructive; Scripture is true and unchanging. Islam has developed 99 names or characteristics for God. 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 to truly KNOW Him.

Wed, Oct 2: I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. – Revelation 22:18-19. A frightening fact of Islam: it has altered Scripture to fit Mohammed’s way of thinking. There is truth contained within the Islamic Holy Book, the Qu’ran; but it is NOT the Truth as given by God to mankind in the Holy Bible. Pray for those around the world who relate to Muslims to be faithful and accurate in presenting Scripture; there is only one Truth; pray it will not be adapted to suit situations, cultures, or man’s desires.

Thu, Oct 3: I am the Lord your God; you shall have no other gods before me. – Exodus 20:2,3 Allah. This is the first of the 99 names for God in Islam. According to Islamic tradition, the prophet Muhammad said, “To God belongs 99 names, 100 minus 1, anyone who memorizes them will enter Paradise; He (God) is odd (odd number, he is the Only One), and He loves odd numbers (such as 99).” This is a good place to begin with Muslims since they acknowledge the existence of one god, and the Qu’ran says (7:180): God has the Most Excellent Names. Call on him by His Names. Pray for the MNK to seek out the One True God as they recite these 99 names several times each day.

Fri, Oct 4: Therefore, son of man, speak to the people of Israel and say to them, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In this also your fathers blasphemed me by forsaking me.” – Ezekiel 20:27 Ar-Rahman. The Most Compassionate, the Beneficent, the Gracious. This is the 2^nd name for God given in Islam. By definition this means “the one who has plenty of mercy for the believers and the blasphemers in this world and especially for the believers in the hereafter.” Pray for the MNK to see that blasphemy is not merely speaking against God, but also forsaking Him; pray for true repentance in order to know the One who is Most Compassionate.

Sat, Oct 5: The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. – James 5:11 Ar-Rahim. The Merciful. The 3^rd name for God in Islam. For the Muslim, this means “the one who has plenty of mercy for the believers.” For the true believer, we know that God’s Compassion is part of His character, along with Justice and Mercy. Pray for MNKs to understand that God’s compassion extends to all who call earnestly on His name, the believers and non-believers.

Sun, Oct 6: I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King. – Isaiah 43:15 Al-Malik. The King, the Monarch. This is the 4^th name for God in Islam. They define this to be “the one with the complete Dominion, the One Whose Dominion is clear from imperfection.” Islam acknowledges that God is in control, but they deny the possibility of having a personal relationship with Him. Pray for MNKs to desire to know God, just as God desired to have that relationship with Israel; pray for them to declare God KING above all.

Mon, Oct 7: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. – Isaiah 6:3 Al-Quddus, The Most Holy is the 5^th name for God in Islam. Understanding what a Muslim means when he says God is holy is crucial to witnessing. For the Muslim God is “the one who is pure from any imperfection and clear from children and adversaries.” Muslims do not believe Jesus is the Son of God. Pray for MNKs to acknowledge God’s Holiness without putting human limitations on Him.

Tue, Oct 8: God of peace… peace of God… peace of Christ – Romans 16:20; Phil 4:7; Col 3:15 As-Salam. The 6^th name of God in Islam is the All-Peaceful, the Bestower of peace. To the Muslim this means “the one who is free from every imperfection.” In the Arab world, as well as the Jewish world, an expression of “peace be upon this home and those who dwell in it” is a common greeting. True peace comes only from the One True God. Pray for MNKs to know that peace with God comes from knowing Him, from a personal relationship with the One who is Peace, and that this peace can permeate every aspect of life.

Wed, Oct 9: The one who calls you is faithful. – 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Al-Mu’min, the Granter of Security, the Giver of Peace. This is the translation for the Arabic concept for the 7^th name of God. They define it as “the One who witnessed for Himself that no one is God but Him. And He witnessed for His believers that they are truthful in their belief that no one is God but Him.” Pray for MNKs to come to know the only God of Peace, the God of Security, the Faithful One.

Thu, Oct 10: The Lord will protect him. – Psalm 41:2 The 8^th name given to God by Muslims is Al-Muhaymin, the Protector, the vigilant, the controller; the “one who witnesses the sayings and deeds of His creatures.” In other words, the one who knows all you say and do. But in Islam, they believe that if you do or say something evil, you can counteract the consequences if you quickly do or say something good. Pray for MNKs to realize that God looks on the heart, and that He is aware of all things at all times, including our deepest secrets.

Fri, Oct 11: The Lord God says: I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. – Revelation 1:8 The 9^th name given to God by Muslims is Al-‘Aziz, the Mighty, the Almighty, the powerful; the meaning is “the Defeater who is not defeated.” They see God as a warrior, one who fights for them, and calls them to fight on earth on His behalf. Unfortunately they miss the significance that God does not need our help; by very definition of Almighty, He is able to do everything and anything according to His will. Pray for MNKs to know that God is unchanging; that the same God who was, still is, and will always be the Almighty, with or without man’s help!

Sat, Oct 12: He will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor. – Psalm 72:4 Al-Jabbar, the Compeller, the Oppressor; the “one that nothing happens in His Dominion except that which He willed.” These titles reflect the 10^th name given to God in Islam. While nothing happens without God’s knowledge, and He does allow all things, not everything that happens in the world pleases Him. His ultimate and final goal is that all people would have a restored relationship with Him. Pray that the MNK will hear the voice of God calling them to True Repentance.

Sun, Oct 13: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27 One of the challenges of working with Muslims is getting a handle on the English equivalent of an Arabic name. The 11^th name for God in Islam is one of those confusing ones. Al-Mutakabbir, Supreme in Greatness, the Majestic. Some sources say, the Haughty, the Imperious, the “one who is clear from the attributes of the creatures and from resembling them.” Genesis records that we are created in God’s image. God is supreme in greatness, but it is difficult to imagine Him lauding it over mankind, His most precious creation. Pray for the MNK to know that as part of God’s creation, they were made in His image and He loves them.

Mon, Oct 14: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. – Genesis 1:1 The 12^th name for God in Islam is an accurate representation of His true character as reflected in Scripture. Al-Khaliq, the Creator, the Maker, the “one who brings everything from non-existence to existence.” When speaking with Muslims, this is a good point to acknowledge, that God did bring everything into existence. Pray for MNKs to acknowledge God as the Creator of all things and all peoples.

Tue, Oct 15: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. – Isaiah 40:28 The 13^th name for God in Islam is Al-Bari’, the Maker, the Artificer. The term “artificer” is a 14^th century word meaning “a skilled or artistic worker or craftsman, one that makes or contrives, a deviser.” When we look at the diversity, creativity and majesty of God’s creation, it is easy to associate this term with God. Consider the various forms of precipitation: rain, snow, sleet, hail. Pray for the MNK to see that just as an artisan works carefully and diligently in his craft, God worked carefully and diligently in the formation of His creation.

Wed, Oct 16: And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky. Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” – Genesis 1:20,24 Al-Musawwir, the Bestower of Form, the Shaper, the “one who forms His creatures in different pictures.” These are the terms used for the 14^th name for God in Islam. Who, but God, could have imagined a world with birds, bugs, fish, land animals, reptiles, amphibians, and humans?! Pray for the MNK to see that God’s creation is an expression of His majesty; pray for them to know that He desires to relate to each man, woman and child in a personal way.

Thu, Oct 17: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9 The 15^th name for God in Islam is Al-Ghaffar, the Forgiver, the “one who forgives the sins of His slaves time and time again.” But for the MNK, forgiveness is a by-product of doing all the right things, not for being right in God’s eyes. Pray for individual MNKs to acknowledge themselves as sinners before God; pray for them to accept responsibility for their sins; pray for them to turn to the True Forgiver in repentance and love.

Fri, Oct 18: Is anything too hard for the Lord? – Genesis 18:14 Al-Qahhar, the Subduer, the Almighty, the Dominant, the one who “has the perfect power and is not unable over anything.” These are the definitions used by Islam in the 16^th name for God. The Qu’ran (13:16) says God is the creator of all things and He is the one who conquerors all things. Pray for the MNK to see that God’s ways are perfect; pray for them to see He does all things for our good and not for our detriment; pray for them to desire to know Him in His perfection.

Sat, Oct 19: The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 6:23 Al-Wahhab, the Bountiful Donor, the Bestower, the “one who is generous in giving plenty without any return; he is everything that benefits whether Halal or Haram.” This is the 17^th name given to God in Islam. Pray that the MNK will accept that the greatest gift God has bestowed on mankind: restored peace with Him through Jesus Christ.

Sun, Oct 20: If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! – Matthew 7:11 The 18^th name for God in Islam is Ar-Razzaq, The Provider, the Sustainer. God does provide; God does sustain; God also judges every heart. Pray for MNKs to know that their daily sustenance comes from God, both physical and spiritual.

Mon, Oct 21: No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain…but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. – Daniel 2:28 The 19^th name for God in Islam is Al-Fattah, the Opener, the Judge, the “one who opens for His slaves the closed worldly and religious matters.” When an MNK is sick, it is not important for him to know what caused his illness, as it is to know who caused his illness. To that end, they beseech the name of God, Al-Fattah. Pray for MNKs to allow their hearts and minds to be opened to the truth of God; pray that they will earnestly seek Him.

Tue, Oct 22: 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 Al-‘Alim is the 20^th name for God in Islam; the All-Knowing, the Omniscient, the Knowledgeable, the one “nothing is absent from His knowledge.” The Qu’ran (57:6) states that God has knowledge of the innermost thoughts of men. Yet this concept is neither widely taught nor acknowledged among the MNK. As with every other member of mankind, the MNK think they can hide their true selves from God. Pray for the MNK to be revealed before God in a manner that cannot be explained away.

Wed, Oct 23: The Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. – Psalm 84:11 Al-Qabid is the 21^st name of God in Islam. English definitions include the Withholder, the Contractor, the Restrainer, the Recipient, the “one who constricts the sustenance.” Yet we know that God does not take joy in causing suffering. He does not promise to give us everything we think is good, only what will enable us to serve Him when we are obedient. Pray for the MNK to desire to serve God and not the other way around.

Thu, Oct 24: Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. – Psalm 119:18 The 22^nd name in Islam for God is Al-Basit, The Expander, the “one who expands and widens.” Unfortunately it is difficult to ascertain exactly what is meant here since the only reference to this name in the Qu’ran is 2:245: It is Allah that decreases or increases (your provisions), and unto Him you shall return. The Word of God is not a puzzle; it is available to all who desire to know God. Pray that MNKs will be able to hear and understand the Word of God as they hear it on the radio, as they hear it from their friends, and as they read it for themselves.

Fri, Oct 25: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. – 1 Peter 4:6 The 23^rd name for God in Islam is Al-Khafid, the Abaser, the Humbler, the one who “lowers whoever He willed by His destruction.” God is able, according to Scripture, to humble us, to put us back in our place, as it were. Yet His desire is for us to submit ourselves to His desires so that when the time is right, He may lift us up, not for our glory, but for His. Pray for the MNK, a people of proud and rich heritage, to desire God’s recognition over man’s.

Sat, Oct 26: Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name…to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:9,11 The 24^th name of God in Islam is Ar-Rafi’, the Exalter, the Raiser, the one who “raises whoever He willed by His endowment.” When God exalts a man, he is exalted for God’s glory. As with Al-Khafid, there is no reference in the Qu’ran to this name. Pray for the MNK to know that when God exalts a man, a situation, or a nation, it is for His glory and not ours.

Sun, Oct 27: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and coheirs with Christ. – Romans 8:16-17 The 25^th name of God in Islam, Al-Mu’izz, means the Bestower of honor, the one who “gives esteem to whoever He willed, hence there is no one to degrade Him.” God does bestow honor on whomever He decides, yet His decisions are not arbitrary. Living within God’s parameters is an honor and a privilege. And what greater honor could we have than to be called His children, coheirs with Jesus?! Pray for the MNK to be able to call God Father!

Mon, Oct 28: It is God who judges; He brings one down, he exalts another. – Psalm 75:7 Al-Mudhill, the Humiliator, the Degrader, the one who “degrades whoever he willed, hence there is no one to give him esteem.” The 26^th name of God in Islam is a frightening one to consider. The idea that God humiliates your enemies is one thing, but what happens when He humiliates you? Is God’s idea of humiliation different from man’s? Scripture tells us God inhabits the praise of His people. Pray for the MNK to seek God in His perfect righteousness, learning to praise Him in Truth.

Tue, Oct 29: Assemble the people – men, women and children – so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. – Deuteronomy 31:12 The 27^th name of God in Islam is As-Sami’, the All-Hearing, the “one who hears all things that are heard by His Eternal, hearing without an ear, instrument or organ.” Since God is not a created being, He is able to hear all things at all times in all places. His admonition to His creation is to listen and learn to fear Him and to follow all His laws. We should not be afraid of God’s omnipresence. Pray for the MNK to listen to God’s Word, and to heed what they hear; pray for them to thank God for His everlasting presence.

Wed, Oct 30: And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. – Isaiah 40:5 The 28^th name of God in Islam is Al-Basir, the All-Seeing, the one who “sees all things that are seen by His Eternal, seeing without a pupil or any other instrument.” Nearly every one of God’s creations has eyes or some way of “seeing.” Just as God does not need ears to hear, He does not need eyes to see. Yet we do. And God admonishes us to have spiritual eyes. Pray for the MNK to have the ability to see the glory of the Lord!

Thu, Oct 31: How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness. May your unfailing love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. – Psalm 119:40-41 How many Muslims around the world believe that memorizing and repeating (several times daily) the 99 names for God in Islam will bring them into paradise? The MNK walk around with prayer beads repeating these names over and over every day, all while carrying out their normal activities. Pray for MNKs, as they perform this ritual, to search for and consider the true characteristics of God.

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