The Middle East uprisings have dominated world headlines these past several months. Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya, Yemen, etc. Japan and the effects of the Tsunami have been the other major world news item for many weeks. As you watch or read the news,(newspaper or online), do you watch or read prayerfully? Do you see the world with Kingdom eyes?
In all of these countries there are followers of Jesus. Some are foreigners and in International Churches, pastored by men here with me in Dubai. Others are nationals who may be in an open national church where that is allowed. They may meet in an “underground” church which is technically illegal. Or they may be secret believers who don’t meet with other believers but get their spiritual food from the Bible, the Holy Spirit and the internet, radio or TV.
When you see an uprising or a disaster in the news, pray for the followers in that country. They are Christ’s representatives, in whom and through whom God wants to expand His Kingdom. As we pray “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done” we need to pray for those in troubled countries. It may be for them a time of testing, of battling fear and worry. Or it may be time of opportunity when those around them are more open to the Good News about Jesus. Or it may be both at the same time.
I talked today with pastors from two of these countries. They and the people in their congregations face serious challenges and some unusual opportunities. Let us pray with them that through the difficult and dangerous times, Christ’s Kingdom will increase as more people respond to His call “Come, follow Me.”
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