August 24, 2100

The RUINS OF GEDI are a great destination for East African school groups - with bits of history (built/inhabited 13th to 17th centuries), religion (Islamic city) and even geography – excavations have uncovered “beads from Venice (Italy), coins (sign in lower right of photo) and a vase from China, an iron lamp from India, and scissors from Spain” (1). This appreciation for other cultures is not unexpected – those celebrating Ramadan today often invite non-Muslim guests to their special evening IFTAR break-the-fast meals (2). Like Christians who invite non-Believers for Christmas and Easter meals, the goal is both for fellowship and as a time to share one’s faith and holidays. Join me in praying today that as we relate to those searching for a true relationship with our heavenly Father, that we will boldly and cofidently “in (our) hearts set apart Christ as Lord” and “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that (we) have … with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). I'm praying also that I will be more alert to opportunities to relate to the EVERYONES around me in need of the hope I have!

(1) RUINS OF GEDI – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruins_of_Gedi

(2) IFTAR – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iftar

August 23, 2011

This 'pulpit' area found among the GEDI RUINS (1) on the the Indian Ocean coast was built centuries ago, but many current worship leaders would appreciate the built-in-acoustical abilities of this enclosure! Without any costly sound equipment or electricity, the prayers glorifying and exalting God spoken into this alcove are resonated with great strength and clarity! Join me today in claiming Ephesians 1:17-19 as a Prayer Nudge for those seeking the NIGHT OF POWER (2) during the last ten days of this Ramadan. Pray that our "glorious Father" will give them "the Spirit of wisdom and revelations, so that (they) may know him better ... pray also that the eyes of (their) heart(s) may be enlightened in order that (they) may know the hope to which he has called (us) ... and his incomparably great power for us who believe."

(1) http://www.museums.or.ke/content/blogcategory/22/28/

(2) http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/a/leyla_qadr.htm

August 22, 2011

The expert asked, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart... soul... strength... mind; and, Love your neighbour as yourself."(Luke 10:25, 27) Believers at this First Baptist on the East African coast sometimes become disgruntled when the calls to prayer from their neighbour's white tower (left) interrupt their times of worship! Pray that we will remember that our neighbours include those whom we disagree with, distrust and possibly even dislike! My prayer today is that my witness of my relationship with my heavenly Father will be as strong and bold as the call to prayers heard by those celebrating Ramadan. Pray that we will also remember that Luke 10:27 shares a clue to fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) - Many of our neighbours will not inherit eternal life IF we do not boldly testify of our love for our heavenly Father.

August 21, 2011

Centuries ago, possibly as early as the late 13th century, Ramadan was celebrated in the buildings now found in the Gedi Ruins (1) on the East Africa coast. On the 21st night of Ramadan a man may have removed a Qur'an from the large rectangular built-in shelf and read it by a light sitting in the smaller wall niche beside the oval-topped door. This special night is called Laylat al-Qadr or Night of Power, "the night Muslims believe the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad" (2). The exact date to be celebrated is not known, but tradition says it occured on one of the odd numbered evenings of the last ten days of Ramadan. As many celebrating Ramadan pray with extra zeal at this time, join them in praying that their prayer to truly know our Father and have an eternal relationship with Him will be answered!

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruins_of_Gedi

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laylat_al-Qadr

August 20, 2011

Many people think that all women who celebrate Ramadan are covered in all black when they leave home, but this is not true. Many are totally concealed in black, some wear black robes with colourful embroidery, while others wear colourful coverings with elaborate trims over the 'house' clothes (1). In East Africa, many women of this faith use local kangas(upper right) to cover themselves. There are also women celebrating Ramadan who wear no special covering over their clothing, only a special veil while worshipping. The use of veils (2) is also determined by their Islamic denomination (3) and sometimes by the laws of their country. Join me in praying today that as these women pray during Ramadan, their prayers to truly know God will be answered. Pray that "they may know the mystery of God ... Christ" which will allow them to "put on the new self" and "clothe (them)selves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentless and patience." Col. 2:3; 3:10,12

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hijab#Garments;

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niqab#Rationale;

(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam#Denominations

August 19, 2011

We often see trucks stopped along the East African roadside as the drivers buy fruits, vegetables, drinks, etc. for their own use or to sell along their journey. Yesterday in city traffic, I watched one trucker make a purchase from a banana-seller running beside his slow moving 18 wheeler! On our last trip to the coast, I spotted a truck parked along the side of the road for a different reason - on the off-road side of the truck, the driver was kneeling on his special MAT* for his afternoon prayers. My prayer today: That I will remember this prayer scene and use it to challenge me when I think I am too busy, tired, etc., to spend time seeking my Father with all my heart in His Word or in prayer (Jeremiah 29:12-13). Praying also that the praying driver will find the true relationship he desires with our Father. (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

* Muslim Prayer Mat - http://www.gcad-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/re/m_parry_carmarthenshire/arteffactau/mat%20gweddio.htm

August 18, 2011

While shopping in a store today, more accurately, while I was dreaming of shopping and enjoying the artistic and colourful wares in an Asian rug shop, I almost tripped over a man wearing a cap similar to these at a road-side shop near the Indian Ocean. The young man, a son of the store's owner, was kneeling on his special rug as he offered his mid-day prayers. I'm thanking God that I didn't trip or totally disturb the man's prayers. Join me in praying that as this man seeks to communicate with God, his eyes, heart and mind will be opened and he will recognize, acknowledge and understand what the Scriptures tell us of our Father's love and salvation (Luke 24:25-49). More on Prayer caps athttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taqiyah_(cap); more on this man's prayers athttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salah

August 17, 2011

EAST AFRICA: A world of contrasts and contradictions. Men wearing the SHUKA wraps of nomadic life in the city (1); a young woman wearing a pink shirt and traditional KANGA (2) over a pair of jeans; and a woman shopping for her evening break-the-fast Ramadan meal in her traditional BUIBUI/abaya covering (3). A simple handcart sharing the road with 18 wheel truck (just passed). A powerful communications tower hovering over homes and businesses which use candle light in the evening as they cannot afford electricity. Another current contradiction: Trucks unable to deliver food to those suffering from the Horn of Africa famine due to heavy rains making roads impassable! Pray for Believers in East Africa as they use their contrasting gifts and abilities to share their Father's love and salvation with the contrasting peoples and needs in their towns and cities.

(1) http://www.kenya-advisor.com/kenya-clothing.html

(2)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanga_(African_garment)

(3)http://www.islamicboutique.com/dresscode.asp

August 16, 2011

The roots of this fig tree have totally entangled, ensnared and entrapped this wall at Gedi Ruins*, an old Arab city along the coast of East Africa where Ramadan was once celebrated. Praying today that those who are entangled, ensnared and entrapped in their beliefs will come to know the truth and freedom offered by our Saviour. (John 8:31-32) Praying also that Believers will not allow anything to entangle, ensnare, entrap us which prevents us from being a strong ambassador of our Saviour's truth and freedom *GEDI RUINS -

http://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/kenya/mombasa/excursions/gediruins.asp

August 15, 2011

SOUTH SUDAN - the world's newest, one-month old nation! South Sudan is known as a Christian nation, but this simply means they are not followers of the faith that requires them to celebrate Ramadan like their northern neighbours. Praise God that there are some people who have chosen to have fellowship with Christ. Pray that they will bold ambassadors as they "walk in the light" and share their Savior's love and salvation. Claim 1 John 1:6-7 for the people of South Sudan today!

August 14, 2011

Coming around a corner of a road near the Indian Ocean, we spotted a blur of blue in the distance - drawing closer, we realized it was kids on their way to/from their Qur'an school. I'm praying today that I will be continually alert to my Father's desire for me to fix His words in my heart and mind and teach/share His words with the children (by age and spiritual development) in my life. Praying also that I will find more opportunities to touch the hearts and minds of those I encounter when I "walk along" shopping, exercising, running errands, etc. (Deuteronomy 11:18) For easy-to-understand answers to many questions that Christians have concerning the faith of these kids and their parents, go to: Islam for Children athttp://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/carolrb/islam/geography.html

August 13, 2011

Happiness comes from enjoying a new delicasy discovered at my favorite bakery yesterday, a special Anise Seed Bread baked during Ramadan.* Sorrow comes from talking with a friend of another faith who asks for prayers for a sick daughter and then says, "Your prayers are answered because you are a good person." Pray for opportunites to share our faith with others, especially for wisdom and opportunities to explain that Christians do strive to be good people, but it is not our 'works' that defines our relationship with our heavenly Father. * Recipe for Ramadan Bread - http://nz.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080214005632AAkMu6W

August 12, 2011

GATES, LOCKS, FENCES, BARBED WIRE and on and on ... Praying today that nothing ... FEARS, MISINFORMATION or LACK OF INFORMATION, UNCERTANTIES, UNKNOWNS, INSECURITIES, PREJUDICES, and on and on ... separate Believers ... ME, YOU, US ... from sharing our blessings with those separated from the love of Christ. (Romans 8:35)

August 11, 2011

A group of American nursing students were astounded yesterday by the animals roaming along the streets of Nairobi - hogs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, and lots and lots of goats! Being a Nairobi resident, I knew that the goat life increases around national holidays and the special days of many faiths. So, I came home and googled "goats, Ramadan" - which left me astounded - astounded by all the info I found! One site* describes the weight/age of goats needed to begin and end the Ramadan celebrations. Another site** shares how one "Business caters to Muslim immigrants seeking to fulfill ritual animal sacrifices." My prayer today: I'm thanking God for the times we have to celebrate, as I pray that I will be alert to how I can use these events to share my greatest source of celebration, my relationship with my Savior! *http://sheepgoatmarketing.info/PageLoad.cfm?page=education/ethnicholidays.htm**http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/16/AR2010081603263.html

August 10. 2011

Wikipedia* reports that "a distinctive architectural feature of Islamic mosques … Minarets provide a visual focal point and are used for the CALL to prayer." While editing this photo, I spotted on the horizon (left) another spire for CALLS - CALLS by cell phones and internet! I've also recently spotted East African newspaper advertisements for Ramadan subscriptions to Koran verses and quotes from Islamic leaders for one's cell phone or nasheeds** (Islamic vocal music) ring tones. I'm praying today that I will also find new ways to be reminded of my Father's Holy Word - which can strengthen my ability to "CALL on his name; make known among the nations what he has done" (Psalm 105:1). Wikipedia* also added, "Minarets also function as air conditioning mechanisms" - a reminder that many of those in East Africa facing famine are also those who listen for Calls to Prayer at mosques.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wi​ki/Minaret

**http://en.wikipedia.org/wi​ki/Anasheed

August 9, 2011

Our Savior told us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). While reading "How to Pray in Islam" last week I recognized anew the value of the gift of prayer, one way I find rest from my burdens upon my head and heart. I was challenged by the preparation made by those celebrating Ramadan before they pray. I recognized that I too often overlook that when I pray I am talking with our "great and awesome God" (Daniel 9:4), who deserves respect that I often fail to give. I was burdened as I read that my Muslim friends are not to take part in prayers if they are not "in good shape and pure condition." I'm praying today that they will come to know and accept the love and salvation offered by our Father who offers rest to all His children - His imperfect children whom he describes as "precious and honored in my sight" (Isaiah 43:4). "How to Pray in Islam" is found at: http://www.islamdoor.com/Prayers.htm

August 8, 2011

After reading the morning news, I decided that today's photo should be one that leads to a smile as we pray together! Today's Kenyan newspaper is filled with the usual politics, information on the suffering from the famine in our part of the world, and many greetings/ sales promotions related to Ramadan. Pray with me for wisdom for those making decisions related to the famine. Pray that the help offered will be true help and not empty promises. A large number of those facing famine are also people in need of "food that endures to eternal life" (John 6:27), so pray also that Believers will be strong ambassadors of their Savior as they minister.

August 7, 2011

One might wonder if this is a school for young comedians, but these boys become serious students when they return to class with their friends, many whose parents are refugees from another country. Claim Psalm 23 today for refugees who are displaced due to famine, war, or even religious beliefs. Thank God for the education that many refugee kids are receiving. Pray that those who have missed school will quickly 'catch-up' and become prepared for brighter futures. Thank God also for Christian teachers who share their Father's love and hope with their students - especially those from other faiths.

August 6, 2011

My first reaction to this scene along the road in a coastal town? Where is the prayer area? I quickly realized that the one likely praying nearby was a shoe saleman! Scenes such as this are also spotted in East Africa beside mosques and prayer rooms as followers of remove their shoes before entering their holy areas. In mosques, the devout will be found praying five times each day. One purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to allow more time and emphasis for prayer.Would you take time today at dawn, at mid-day, mid-afternoon, sunset, or dark to pray that the prayers offered by those celebrating Ramadan will be answered? Pray that God will reveal Himself to them and that they will come to truly know Him. (For more on Islam Prayer Times in your area, go to: http://www.jgiesen.de/astro/PrayerTimes/index.html )

August 5, 2011

Not certain if the man is with the kids or if he is the owner of this 'hotel' or if he and the kids are hungry, but many people in the Horn of Africa are hungry today. Once again, it will not be easy to read, but many specific Prayer Nudges can be gleaned from reading the two articles posted below about the drought. Remember as you read and pray that many of the areas in need of food are also in need of our Savior’s Living Bread as a large number of people in these areas are among those celebrating Ramadan! (Articles: "Bad roads derail bid for supply relief food" / DAILY NATION/ http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Bad+roads+derail+bid+to+supply+relief+food/-/1056/1213740/-/6gqx44z/-/index.html ; "Horn of Africa sees 'worst drought in 60 years'" /BBC News / http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13944550 )

August 4, 2011

I spotted this poster yesterday soon after reading "Muslims usher in Ramadan" in the DAILY NATION. The article in our local newspaper reported that "A group of Muslim youths on Sunday received the holy month of Ramadan in style by removing posters advertising withcraft activities in ... Mombasa town" (p.9). Pray today that Believers will be alert to shared views and beliefs which can be used as "bridges" or "open doors" for sharing their beliefs which are not understood or accepted by those celebrating Ramadan.

August 3, 2011

The artistry of this building rising on the coast of East Africa is astounding - especially the handiwork on the windows. Praying today that Believers will remember always that "we are God's workmanship" (Ephesians 2:10) and that those around us, especially those who are seeking to know God better during Ramadan, will see in us "the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God" (Isaiah 35:2), our creator!

August 1 - 2, 2011

Kangas, wraps worn by women throughout East Africa, definitely stand out in the gap between houses in a world of brown and green (when the rains appear). Pray today that Believers will "stand in the gap on behalf" (Ezekiel 22:30) of family, friends and coworkers who are celebrating Ramadan this month. Pray that they "will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and ... lead many to righteousness" (Daniel 12:3) as they boldly testify of their Savior. (Photo taken on a grey, rainy afternoon and the kangas definitely brightened their bit of the world!)

August 1, 2011 - Many people in our part of the world were waiting last night for the appearance of a crescent moon, not on a building, but in the sky - specifically the first view of the new crescent moon, which signals the beginning of Ramadan. Ramadan is a special month for Muslims "to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others." Would you join those celebrating Ramadan is praying that their prayers will be answered and they will find the "link" they desire with our Father. (Quotes from:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan)

(These Prayer Nudges are also found at 2011 PRAYER NUDGES FROM EAST AFRICA.)