Prayer and Ramadan - MAGAZINE - ISSUE 1, 2020 - MECO Global
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MAGAZINE - ISSUE 1, 2020
Prayer and
Ramadan
Partners in mission with Middle East Christians
Christian Prayer
During Ramadan
B
eginning on 23 April, 1.8 One year, during Ramadan, Mushir, a
billion people around the devout Muslim, was fasting and praying.
world identifying as Muslims He was in a room in his home, crying
will begin their annual month out to God and asking to really know
of prayer and fasting. During Him.
this month (it finishes 23 May) of Suddenly a picture fell from the wall
Rev Richard Coombs Ramadan, Muslims also use it to and smashed into pieces. It was an old,
mark the first revelation of the traditional painting that had been on
Quran given to Muhammad. the wall for years. But behind it, was a
Contents Many Christians use this month to focus
prayer specifically on the Muslim world
(see later - 30 Days of Prayer for the
picture of Jesus Christ on the cross.
“I was speechless, shocked, and in my
heart, I knew this was the answer to
3 A Day in the Life of Muslim World). Testimonies abound what I asked for,” Mushir said. “I knew
a Christian in Egypt of God revealing Himself to searching that I had found God. God had shown
during Ramadan Muslims during this time. me who He was - Jesus Christ was His
Can I ask you to spend time across answer.”
4 What Is Ramadan? this period of prayer and fasting to We pray for God to work through His
6 We must not forget focus prayer specifically for both the people around the world to share the
Christians in the Christians and Muslims of the Middle truth of Jesus with Muslims during this
East region? time.
Middle East
Here are some reasons why we should 3. Jesus Tells Us to Pray for Our
8 5 Ways to Pray for the pray for them at this time: Persecutors
Middle East 1. Christians Face Increased Islamic extremists, such as Islamic State,
Persecution During Ramadan are some of the worst persecutors of
9 Call to Prayer for the Christians worldwide.
Muslim World Believers who live in Muslim-dominated
countries say that persecution is often Jesus tells us how we should respond:
more intense during Ramadan. If they “But I say to you, love your enemies
Editor: Richard Coombs decide not to fast, they stand out in and pray for those who persecute you.”
©2020. MECO Issue 1, 2020 their communities. (Matthew 5:44)
Printed by: The Wizarts
“As much excitement as the Islamic holy One believer made the following
Australia Office: MECO Australia month brings to Muslims, it does carry comment: “Many secret believers like
PO Box 136 Kerrimuir Victoria 3129 a great deal of burdens and concerns to
t: 03 9898 0077 | e: office@meco.org.au me dare not reveal our faith because if
w: www.meco.org.au the Christian community,” says a local we are caught we will be sent to Islamic
Egyptian believer. rehabilitation centres. I’ve heard stories
For further information, contact the MECO of brainwashing, torture, and mental
Australia office, or your nearest “It is a very long 30 days during which
State representative: Christians in schools, work or public abuse to make believers from Muslim
spaces will receive harsh looks and backgrounds recant their faith in Christ.”
New South Wales
John and Magda Ackad Ph: (02) 9822 2303 verbal harassments from extreme “Our Muslim friends are living in
Email: mackad@optusnet.com.au Muslims because of their faith. They are darkness,” says a Christian leader from
ridiculed for not fasting like Muslims. the Middle East. “According to their
Queensland
Joshua Aylward Ph: 0439 567 484 There have even been some cases faith, they have to earn grace. This is a
Email: joshaylward_18@hotmail.com where Christians have faced physical heartbreaking fact. If we depend on the
violence because they were caught Lord God, we will start to see the rules
South Australia eating their lunch by their fasting
Anna Shepherd Ph: (08) 8356 9317 and restrictions imposed during this
Email: annashep@bigpond.com Muslim co-workers or neighbours.” period as opportunities to testify to the
2. We Desire for Many Muslims gospel.”
Territories, Tasmania, Western Australia
National Office Ph: (03) 9898 0077 to Come to Faith in Christ During As you read through this magazine will
Email: office@meco.org.au Ramadan you join me in prayer for our brothers
MECO is an interdenominational, Many Muslims fast during this month in and sister that they will be strong in
evangelical, Protestant mission agency the hope of getting closer to Allah and their faith and trust in Jesus? Pray
founded in 1860.
are often more open to those sharing also for the ‘powers of darkness’ to be
MECO Australia is a member of Missions the truth of the gospel. overthrown in the lives of Muslim men
Interlink Australia and is a charity, and women that ‘the light of the gospel
registered in the name of Middle East There are countless stories of Muslims might shine.’
Christian Outreach (Australia) Inc finding Jesus during Ramadan. In
some countries, a high percentage of Your brother in Christ,
believers come to faith as God reveals Rev Richard Coombs
Himself through dreams or visions. Australian Director
2
A Day in the Life
of a Christian in Egypt
during Ramadan
W
hile Quran out loud - especially some time from the long hours
Ramadan is when it comes to reading before Muslims can go home
a passage about Christians to prepare for the sunset
a celebration and Jews - those infidels who breakfast.
for Muslims, for many will go to hell, according to
Christians, these days some Quranic verses. A keen The End of the Fast
are a struggle. This Muslim believes that by doing The call for the sunset prayer
article illustrates this, they may be earning announces the permission
the day in the life of additional points from Allah. for fasting Muslims to eat
a Christian in Egypt The Christian man stands and drink after a long day of
during Ramadan. listening, submissively, until his fasting. The first hour after the
stop comes. There is nowhere sunset prayer call is always
During Ramadan, all Muslims a silent hour throughout
else to go.
become stricter and less the country. Streets are
tolerant towards Christians. On the other hand, a Christian
woman is screened by the nearly empty; no public
The daily life challenges transportation, all shops
of a Christian in Egypt in majority of the travellers on
the same bus. Because she are closed and every public
Ramadan are not new. The activity is put on hold until
practical implications differ is not covered under the
hijab, she stands in the bus, everyone has had their long-
from one setting to another, awaited meal.
yet the spirit of a strict helplessly, as she receives
religious attitude governs the despising looks. Although Seeking God in Prayer
atmosphere, no matter where courtesy dictates that a Sometimes I use this time to
Christians live. woman is usually invited by go out to our small balcony to
men to take their seats on enjoy the rare quiet moments
Christian men and women
the busy bus, as a Christian of the overpopulated busy
notice the presence of
woman, such a courtesy is capital. This is when I enjoy
Ramadan without any doubt
denied her. the evening air, and I look
- not only by the louder
speakers of the mosques but Both Christian men and around and pray for the
also, by the glaring looks of women finally arrive at their millions of Muslims - that
fasting Muslims. workplace, already exhausted God may listen to many of
from the rough start to the them who are truly searching
The Christian Commute day. They can’t escape the to know and serve the true
Yesterday, a young Christian heavy thought that this is yet God. I pray that those who
woman from my church told another day where they will have a true heart’s desire to
me she felt so uncomfortable sit in an office with Muslim reach out to God will find Him
with all those dirty looks in colleagues who are hungry, reaching out to them through
the bus. thirsty and not interested in the love of Jesus reflected in
A Christian man rides a public any conversations - unless the lives of shining Christians
bus, and here is what he sees it includes criticizing the throughout the country of
… unlike normal days, during Christian faith. After all, Egypt.
Ramadan, many Muslim provoking and intimidating a From a worker in Egypt (Open Doors)
men and women read their Christian is a good way to kill
3
What Is T
he beginning of each new
Ramadan?
month in Islam is marked
by the observance of a
new moon. Millions of Muslims
around the world will mark the
start of Ramadan on 23 April. It
will be a month of intense prayer,
dawn-to-dusk fasting and nightly
feasts.
Here’s a look at some questions and
answers about Islam’s holiest month:
Why Do Muslims Fast?
The fast is intended to bring the faithful
closer to God and to remind them of
the suffering of those less fortunate.
Muslims often donate to charities
during the month and feed the hungry.
Fasting is an exercise in self-restraint.
It’s seen as a way to physically and
spiritually detoxify by kicking impulses
like morning coffee, smoking and
midday snacking.
Ramadan is a time to detach from
worldly pleasures and focus on one’s
prayers. Many Muslims dress more
conservatively during Ramadan and
spend more time at the mosque than
at any other time of the year.
Fasting during Ramadan is one of
the five pillars of Islam, along with
the Muslim declaration of faith, daily
prayer, charity, and performing the hajj
pilgrimage in Mecca.
How Do Muslims Fast?
Observant Muslims abstain from eating
and drinking from dawn to dusk for the
entire month of Ramadan, with a single
sip of water or a puff of a cigarette
considered enough to invalidate the
fast.
Muslim scholars say it’s not enough
to just avoid food and drinks during
the day, though. Spouses must abstain
from sexual intercourse during the day,
and Muslims should not engage in road
rage, cursing, fighting or gossiping.
Muslims are also encouraged to
4
observe the five daily welcoming of others around Increasingly common are
prayers on time and to use them who are not observing Ramadan tents in five-star
their downtime just before Ramadan. They also are not hotels that offer lavish and
breaking their fast at sunset expecting shorter work hours, pricey meals from sunset to
to recite Quran and intensify as is the case in the public sunrise. While Ramadan is
remembrance of God. sector across much of the Arab a boon for retailers in the
To prepare for the fast, world during Ramadan. Middle East and South Asia,
Muslims eat what is commonly However, non-Muslims or critics say the holy month
called ‘suhoor,’ a pre-dawn adult Muslims who eat in is increasingly becoming
meal of power foods to get public during the day can be commercialised.
them through the day. fined or even jailed in some Scholars are also disturbed by
Middle Eastern countries, such the proliferation of evening
How Do Muslims Break as Saudi Arabia and the United television shows during
Their Fast? Arab Emirates. Ramadan. In Pakistan, live
Muslims traditionally break Meanwhile, minority Chinese game shows give away gifts
their fast like the Prophet Uighur Muslims complain promoting their sponsors. In
Mohammed did some 1,400 of heavy restrictions by the the Arab world, month-long
years ago, with a sip of water Communist Party, such as bans soap operas starring Egypt’s
and some dates at sunset. on fasting by party members, top actors rake in millions of
That first sip of water is by far civil servants, teachers and dollars in advertising.
the most anticipated moment students during Ramadan,
of the day. How Do Muslims Mark The
as well as generally enforced End Of Ramadan?
After a sunset prayer, a large bans on children attending
feast known as ‘iftar’ is shared mosques, women wearing The end of Ramadan is marked
with family and friends. Iftar veils and young men growing by intense worship as Muslims
is a social event as much as it beards. seek to have their prayers
is a gastronomical adventure. answered during ‘Laylat al-
Across the Arab world, juices What Are Some Ramadan Qadr’ or ‘the Night of Destiny.’
made from apricots are a Traditions? It is on this night, which falls
staple at Ramadan iftars. In Typically, the start of the during the last 10 nights
South Asia and Turkey, yogurt- month is welcomed with of Ramadan, that Muslims
based drinks are popular. greetings such as ‘Ramadan believe that God sent the
mubarak!’ Another hallmark Angel Gabriel to the Prophet
Across the Muslim world, Mohammed and revealed the
mosques and aid organisations of Ramadan is nightly prayer
at the mosque among Sunni first versus of the Quran.
set up tents and tables for the
public to eat free iftar meals Muslims called ‘taraweeh.”’ Some devout Muslims go into
every night of Ramadan. In Egypt, a common sight reclusion during those final
during Ramadan is a lantern days, spending all of their time
Can Muslims Be Exempted called the ‘fanoos,’ which is in the mosque.
From Fasting? often the centrepiece at an The end of Ramadan is
Yes. There are exceptions for iftar table and can be seen celebrated by a three-day
children, the elderly, the sick, hanging in window shops and holiday called Eid al-Fitr.
women who are pregnant balconies. Children often receive new
or menstruating and people In the Arabian Gulf countries, clothes, gifts and cash.
traveling, which could include wealthy sheikhs hold ‘majlises’ Muslims attend early morning
athletes during tournaments. where they open their doors Eid prayers the day after
Many Muslims, particularly for people to pass by all hours Ramadan. Families usually
those who live outside the of the night for food, tea, spend the day at parks and
Middle East, are accepting and coffee and conversation. eating - now during the day.
5
We must
not forget Christians
C
hristians in parts of They are survivors. They grew Recently, a Christian leader
the Middle East are up under Roman persecution, commented that the Christians
facing the threat of dealt with invasions in the of the region are facing the
severe persecution - we wars against the Persian worst situation since the
must pray and speak Empire, endured conquest by Mongol invasions of the 13th
up for them, writes Islam – and yet found ways Century.
Archbishop Justin Welby. to live together in peace and
for each other’s benefit. By Christians in the Middle
About 15 years ago I sat in the East do not need to be in
the 12th century, they were
home of an elderly Palestinian the majority to survive and
producing some of the best
Christian man in Galilee, on a prosper. They have learnt
scholars and theological
hillside where Jesus himself to do that as equally valued
thinkers to be found in the
may have walked. citizens. But they do need
Islamic or Christian worlds.
And they flourished amongst freedom to worship – and
Foolishly, I asked, “How
warm toleration. security for themselves, their
long has your family been
children and grandchildren.
Christian?” The man – who
To this day, in countries in They need to know they are
was as vibrant as someone
the region where Christian not forgotten by the world,
half his age – gave me a look
communities are free and or treated as an irrelevant
and replied, “Since about the
flourishing, they are essential minority, a societal optional
time of Saint Paul, I should
to society. Alongside others extra, or even a threat.
imagine.”
they are teachers, doctors and
lawyers. They own businesses There is no uniform experience
Christians have been in the
and run them well. They hold of life as a Middle Eastern
Middle East for nearly 2000
the memory of times past Christian. In some places they
years - for much of that time
and land they have lost. And live in peace and stability. In
at the heart of its life. They
at the heart of their faith is a Lebanon and Jordan, they
are the original Christian
profound belief in the victory are not simply welcomed and
communities, already old
of Christ over the power of tolerated, but are an integral
beyond memory when Islam
death, demonstrated in his part of society, with a Christian
arrived in the region. Over
resurrection from the dead. holding the Presidency. In
the centuries they have tilled
They are community minded, some countries they face daily
land, built towns and formed
counting their number by the threats of violence, murder,
large, fruitful and productive
total of families more than the intimidation, prejudice and
communities.
total of individuals. poverty. In the last few years,
6
in the Middle East
they have been slaughtered Church now face the threat of unimaginable horrors and
by so-called Islamic State, imminent extinction. threats of so-called Islamic
and in many countries, they State, is to impose a choice
find themselves squeezed Even where Christians are that we would not accept
between the upper and lower secure in physical terms, for ourselves, and which we
millstones of pressure on them tensions in the region make should not judge too easily.
within society and of conflicts life difficult for them. Israeli
that afflict the region Arab Christians are impacted Third, we must support and
in everyday life because their help them in every way we
But the presence of Christians families and communities are can. Where they wish to
is good – no, essential for the broken up by the dividing lines leave, they will be refugees
region as a whole. A healthy of Israel, the West Bank and in need of asylum. Where,
Christian presence is a sign Gaza. This leaves them feeling courageously and by the
and a guarantee that religious vulnerable, insecure and grace of God, they choose to
freedom is preserved for all looking abroad for the promise remain, they need publicity
citizens. of greater wellbeing. and external, visible support.
Whether in large and
Many, though, have left. What needs to be done to flourishing communities, such
Hundreds of thousands have address this deeply alarming as in Lebanon or Egypt, or
been forced from their homes. situation? smaller, struggling Churches,
Many have been killed, they need the protection
enslaved and persecuted First, everyone can remember
Christians in the Middle East and encouragement of
or forcibly converted. Even governments and people at
those who remain ask the and pray for them. During this
period of Ramadan, it’s a time home and abroad. Without
question, “Why stay?” The this they cannot live out their
Christian population of Iraq, to pray with special focus and
dedication for these Christian vocation as citizens of their
for instance, is less than native lands in co-operation
half what it was in 2003 communities. God is faithful
and hears our prayers. with other religious groups.
and their churches, houses
and businesses have been Second, we must understand Let’s renew our commitment
damaged or destroyed. The their plight and not present to remember, pray for and
Syrian Christian population has it as simple or with obvious speak out for the Christians in
halved since 2010. As a result, solutions. To ask Syrian the Middle East.
across the region Christian Christians to choose between Justin Welby
communities that were the President Assad, under whom Archbishop of Canterbury
foundation of the universal they were tolerated, and the
7
5 Ways to Pray
for the Middle East
Pray For:
L
earn how to diverse platforms in the 1. Peace. Ask God to end the
pray for the Middle East to share the violence. Pray for political
love and peace found leaders and structures to
Middle East, in Scripture. Through
one of the most bring peace to the region.
satellite television,
dangerous regions Scripture can now be 2. The Church and Believers. Ask
in the world. shared in a way that God to protect those bringing
The Middle East does not pose a risk God’s Word in different
continues to be one to the safety of those ways and those engaging
of the most turbulent engaging it; Christian
satellite television is
with it, especially amidst the
regions in the world.
The frequent violence, bringing a message of threat of persecution and
including acts of terror, hope to millions, right in strict restrictions against
bloody civil wars, and their homes. Children’s proselytising.
religious oppression, has Bibles, published
3. Wisdom. Pray for effective
an enormous spiritual in Arabic, bring the
good news of Jesus, collaboration among Christian
and emotional effect
on the people who encouragement and leaders and organisations in
experience it. strength to those who the Middle East that provide
have experienced support and resources across
As a result, there is a emotional and spiritual different nationalities.
great need in the Middle pain.
East for the hope and 4. Open Hearts. Ask God to
comfort found in God’s As this important work open people’s hearts to both
Word. continues, here are five the workers and the messages
ways you can pray for of Scripture, even in the midst
MECO has joined with the Middle East:
local ministry partners, of chaos.
to produce and use
5. Current Efforts. Ask God to
multiply the impact of current
ministry efforts so that people
living in that region can find
refuge and strength in Him.
8
Call to
Prayer
for the
Muslim
World
Please join millions of
Christians around the world
for 30 Days of Prayer, an
international movement that
seeks to reach out to Muslims
during Ramadan from 24 April
– 23 May.
Ramadan, a key month of
religious observation on the
Islamic calendar, gives us, the
body of Christ, a prayer focus
for compassion, understanding
and respect for our Muslim
neighbours, so that they may
know God.
The 30 Days of Prayer for topics and people groups living “Devote yourselves to prayer
the Muslim World booklet around the world. with an alert mind and a
is now available to support thankful heart.” Colossians 4:2
intentional prayer for Muslim Distributed by OM Australia,
families, providing context. you can order your copies 30 Days of Prayer is an
The booklet contains daily online at www.30days.org. opportunity to show God’s
articles, photos and prayer au, or if you have an enquiry, love and share our faith. We
points highlighting different please call OM on (03) 8820 can make a difference through
3200. prayer.
9Arabic Literature
Projects
W e were delighted to Not only did the children This book is to be
be able to forward enjoy putting the puzzles distributed to parents
the costs for printing together and reading the through schools, national
5000 copies of the first stories but it also brought day events, and parents’
two books in a series the whole family closer as it focus groups. The tips will
of six. The books were was an opportunity for all of impact and create healthy
titled 100 Days of School them to take part together. parenting styles in the
and The Lion Story. This He also said that after parent-child relationship,
series is part of our completing the puzzles they character development,
support to the church often opened their Bibles healthy habits, emotional
in Middle East. and read the whole passage expression, discipline, social
together, something they skills, anxiety, learning
The response to these had rarely done previously. strategies, fostering
books has been very autonomy, sexual wellbeing,
positive and work is We are looking for support and self-care. The cost of
beginning on Books 3 of $7,500.00 so that we translating and publishing
and 4, which are expected can help support the this resource is $7,500.00.
to be published in the next publication of books 5 and 6
2-3 months. to complete the series. If you would like to support
these two projects, send
This series of six books A second project that we your gift to MECO Australia
is for children aged from have committed ourselves earmarked for ‘Arabic
5-7 and 7-10. While each to is the publication of an Literature Projects’.
is written from a Biblical Arabic book for parents -
perspective, they are Wise Parenting Book: 60+
suitable for children from ideas for tackling common
any religious background. childhood challenges. This
The less overt approach to book is a culturally sensitive
sharing our faith means a pocketbook which includes
wider prospective audience tips that parents can read
for these important topics in one minute about any
and will allow our partners challenges they might face
to distribute in countries with their children including
normally closed to Christian boosting the child’s self-
resources. esteem, responding to grief,
bullying, stuttering, poor
A parent commented how academic performance, and
blessed they had been by many more!
the children’s Puzzle Bible.
10Australian
Workers
Darren is enjoying his Rebecca is teaching at the As mentioned previously,
teaching and ministry role at ‘School of the Constant Perry and Karen are now
the ‘School of the Constant Lighthouse’ in Lebanon. She residing in Sydney. Continue
Lighthouse’ in Lebanon. is continuing to develop to pray for them as they
With the recent ‘lock-down’ relationships with the settle back into Australian life.
of the country because of mothers of the children Perry is working with Morling
Caronavirus, he has used in her classes. With the College for 40% of his time
the opportunity to continue school closed because of the and will continue to consult
discipling and also distributing Caronavirus, Rebecca is able and travel to Theological
food and other necessities to to have more time in learning Seminaries in the majority
Syrian refugee families. Arabic. world. Karen is looking for
pastoral opportunity in west
Vicki has recently been Noel and Ros Uebergang Sydney. They are continuing
speaking with government (Perth) continue to have as Associate Members with
officials in Europe with regard excellent opportunities in MECO Australia. Phoebe
to our persecuted brothers their ministry among people is engaged to be married
and sisters in the Middle East. from the Middle East. Folk later this year. Chris is back
She has had very positive can help with their support by in Melbourne with new
responses from a number forwarding gifts to our office. employment.
of Parliamentarians. She is
currently living close to the John and Magda Ackad
MEC (Middle East Concern) (Sydney) are continuing their PLEASE NOTE:
office in Luton, UK. ministry to Muslim people. Due to Victorian Government
They can be contacted stage 3 restrictions in place
Ivy is in Jordan and continuing on (02) 9822 2303 or due to coronavirus, the office
her language study as well 0404 058 569. Folk can is not open and there will
as engaging in ministry to help with their support by be a delay in responding
women and families. forwarding gifts to our office. to donations and phone
messages.
Donations and Support
MAGAZ
INE - ISSU
E 1, 202
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We have a variety of ways in which our work and
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Send request for notification to
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Legacies – Legacies are a significant way for Christians to continue support of
taking the gospel to the people of the Middle East. You can have an “ongoing
support” of MECO and its ministries by remembering MECO in your will 11Why Pray
During
Ramadan?
God loves Muslims. He LOVES them! He
loves them SO much that He came to the
earth as a baby, lived a perfect life, gave His
own life as the perfect sacrifice for their sins,
and then raised Himself from the grave!
And He wants all Muslims “to be saved and to come
to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4)
Jesus said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one
comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Praise God, that is exactly what is happening today! More
Muslims have turned to follow Jesus in the past 15 years than
in the previous 1400 years combined!
But our hearts are still heavy because 1.8 billion Muslims are still
living without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.
And so we PRAY!
• Prayer Points – monthly Prayer
Points for the Middle East are
• Prayer for the Persecuted Church
through our partnership with Middle
distributed by email and print. We East Concern (MEC) we get regular
would be delighted to add your up-dated prayer requests for people
name to our list – please forward in the Middle East who are in difficulty
an email to: office@meco.org.au with the authorities. If you wish to
requesting the Prayer Points and be part of this prayer ministry, please
specify how you would like to receive request to be placed on the mailing list
them (email or print). – office@meco.org.au
12 MECO Australia – www.meco.org.auYou can also read
