tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87105559499890386762011-09-09T10:02:33.825+03:00Christians joining those who celebrate Ramadan and Diwali in prayer - Prayer nudges with photos.Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comBlogger231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-29952436490903928652011-08-24T07:37:00.001+03:002011-08-29T17:06:33.827+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-19674534313489294532011-08-23T07:06:00.002+03:002011-08-29T17:14:42.116+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-36722396704347413492011-08-22T09:45:00.001+03:002011-08-22T09:45:16.892+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-2670939440748603332011-08-21T07:34:00.000+03:002011-08-21T07:34:00.242+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-49604362968393912011-08-20T07:12:00.000+03:002011-08-20T07:12:02.194+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-48724183983158523222011-08-19T07:12:00.004+03:002011-08-30T14:41:05.363+03:00

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 -

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-67846243948076895122011-08-18T07:50:00.000+03:002011-08-18T07:50:00.341+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-36990619041161288212011-08-17T07:30:00.004+03:002011-08-30T14:42:08.003+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-84703850126248863692011-08-16T10:13:00.003+03:002011-08-16T10:16:24.691+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-50995096743392412412011-08-15T10:53:00.004+03:002011-08-15T11:00:21.868+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-90261097431770642342011-08-14T07:48:00.002+03:002011-08-14T07:48:02.188+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-78660725395466447512011-08-13T07:40:00.003+03:002011-08-30T10:33:10.196+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-89846779752636140372011-08-12T08:01:00.003+03:002011-08-30T14:42:53.864+03:00

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)

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-50920022428446294562011-08-11T07:44:00.003+03:002011-08-30T14:43:44.265+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-71216768824825680162011-08-10T07:55:00.003+03:002011-08-30T14:59:50.884+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-18762722538129665842011-08-09T08:33:00.004+03:002011-08-30T15:00:51.591+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-57698353100358947292011-08-08T10:24:00.005+03:002011-08-30T15:01:33.649+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-42400299078839526742011-08-07T08:22:00.005+03:002011-08-30T10:40:32.905+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-38262396853015130352011-08-06T08:32:00.004+03:002011-08-30T14:47:52.553+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-62483685425610871192011-08-05T10:17:00.006+03:002011-08-30T10:49:03.069+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-67813208396776535212011-08-04T08:07:00.006+03:002011-08-30T11:06:26.793+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-57283667701248605322011-08-03T08:22:00.004+03:002011-08-30T15:04:21.085+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8710555949989038676.post-3666723779979076262011-08-02T09:47:00.008+03:002011-08-13T15:28:09.377+03:00

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

Omba4Kenya - Pray for Kenyanoreply@blogger.com