Karachi

Eid al-Fitr

Across the world Muslims are starting to celebrate Eid al-Fitr today, and will continue to do so the next 3 days.

City of Light: Ramadan day 29

Thank the Lord for the love He has given you for the people of Karachi as you prayed for them to encounter Christ this Ramadan. Pray for Him to complete the good work he has begun in Karachi. Take time to listen to next steps God would have you take on behalf of the people of Karachi.

City of Light: Ramadan day 28

In many parts of the Muslim world, Islam is passed down more through tradition, family, and society than in formal education. Prayer, fasting, and going on the Hajj are mostly done in a communal context. Today we pray in faith for our brothers and sisters in Karachi to find spiritual community and family. We pray they would have vision for sharing what they are learning about Christ in their community, families, and networks.

City of Light: Ramadan day 27

Last night many Muslims celebrated the "Night of Power" hoping that God would show up miraculously to change their circumstances (health, financial, relational, etc.).  

City of Light: Ramadan day 26

On or around the 27th night of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the "Night of Power" as a special time that their prayers and good deeds count for more. They believe their chance of getting their prayers answered and miracles done are increased on this night.

City of Light: Ramadan day 25

The month of Ramadan is known as ‘the month of repentance'.

City of Light: Ramadan day 24

Muslims are encouraged to think about the poor during the month of Ramadan, to sympathize with them, and to make donations. Jesus loved the poor and said, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God" (Luke 6:20).

City of Light: Ramadan day 23

Muslims do not believe in the divinity of Jesus but in the Quran, Jesus is called the "Word of God". John 1 shares about the Word of God, the Word through whom all things were created, the Word who is God and the Word who became flesh to live among us.

City of Light: Ramadan day 22

Islam is very rules based with laws from the Quran as well as expected ways to live and act from the Hadith (recordings of their prophet's actions). Jesus cares about the heart more than the actions and He's looking for people who worship Him in spirit and in truth.

City of Light: Ramadan day 21

Today many Christians celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus from the grave. Muslims in Karachi may be aware of Easter either in the news or if they have interactions with Christians who may take Monday off as part of their celebration of Easter.  

City of Light: Ramadan day 20

Islam has a high reverence for God. One might compare their understanding of God to much of the Old Testament where God is all powerful, fully revered and only somewhat knowable by the most holy.

City of Light: Ramadan day 19

Muslims deny that Jesus died on the cross and instead ascended to heaven without dying. In their view such a death would be the shaming of a prophet and that God would never let such a thing happen. This belief denies the act of atonement foundational to our faith as Christians. Most Muslims have never had the opportunity for someone to talk to them about how this is the only way for man's atonement, the sinless for the sinful, the most honored one being shamed to cover our shame.

City of Light: Ramadan day 18

Cultural and religious conservatism while trying to protect values create distance between people. This can go both ways as Muslims in the west feel ostracized from people who view them as different and in Muslim countries as Christian minorities and foreigners can be viewed with apprehension and kept at arms length. Because of purity laws in Islam, Muslims can be afraid to enter a non-Muslims home (as their dishes may be unclean). This can create distance and lack of opportunity to hear other ways of viewing the world and of relating to God.  

City of Light: Ramadan day 17

Sadly Muslims are taught that the Bible we have today is changed and that they shouldn't read it. Even though the Quran says to read it the vast majority haven't seen a copy in their language. They will tell you that the Bible found during Muhammad's time was still true but that now there is only a corrupted version. What they don't know of course is that there are many copies of the Bible pre-dating Muhammad (who lived around 570 - 632 AD).  

City of Light: Ramadan day 16

Muslims acknowledge Jesus (Isa) as a prophet from God. The Quran gives Jesus many titles including: Word of God, Spirit of God, Speech of Truth, a Sign unto Men, and Mercy from God.

City of Light: Ramadan day 15

The fifth pillar of Islam is the Hajj (pilgrimage). Every Muslim is required at least one time in their life to visit Mecca, the holy city of Islam, during the Hajj time (once a year). Most years 2 million people attend from all over the world and for many Muslims its a highlight of their lives and something they save up to do for decades. Because of quotas many who want to go have to wait years to attend.

City of Light: Ramadan day 14

Another of the 5 pillars of Islam is fasting. This month Muslims around the world fast from dawn till dusk from food and water. Many don't know why they fast besides that it is a requirement. It can be hard especially when Ramazan is in summer (Islam goes by the lunar calendar so Ramazan moves each year) and for those who work in hard labor or outdoors. Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30)  

City of Light: Ramadan day 13

A third of the 5 pillars of Islam is tithing (zakat). Muslims are required to give 2.5% of their net worth each year to the poor. In Pakistan by default zakat is withdrawn automatically from peoples bank accounts (unless they opt-out) by the government. For many this is another obligation enforced on them. Because of the way the system is enforced there isn't as much a feeling of being generous but just another obligation. When zakat is automatically deducted, the person doesn't even have a say in what way the poor will be blessed by the money. In Karachi there is a huge disparity between the rich and poor. And more than 40% of Pakistanis live below the poverty line. Many Muslims choose to give their zakat during the month of Ramazan (the automatic deductions also happen this month). This can often mean lots of 'generosity' in Ramazan and the poor and beggars will be very active getting hand outs from the rich during this month.

City of Light: Ramadan day 12

Muslims pray Namaz (also called Salat) 5 times a day. These prayers are highly ritual and involve specific steps, physical positions (standing, bowing, etc.) and specific phrases. They are preceded by purification rituals and are encouraged to be done in groups. These prayers show great honor to God and doing them consistently requires dedication and devotion. At the same time they can simply be ritualistic actions done in obedience and are one way in nature. God does deserve reverence and devotion, but He is also the God who speaks. We are designed for relationship with Him and we are invited to share our hearts with God and to receive from Him.

City of Light: Ramadan day 11

The first of the 5 pillars of Islam is the shahadah. The shahadah is their statement of faith which says "There is no God but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God." Muslims state this declaration of faith 5 times a day during their daily prayer rituals and it is the basis of their beliefs, being monotheistic and following after their prophet's teachings.. There is a high veneration for Muhammad.

City of Light: Ramadan day 10

In Islam there are 4 holy books: the Quran, the Tawrat (Pentateuch/Torah), the Zabur (Psalms), and the Injil (the Gospels). Though 3 of these books are found in the Bible, most Muslims have never seen or read the Bible.

City of Light: Ramadan Day 9

Most Islamic cultures have authoritarian structures. This means that those with power have a lot of sway over what is acceptable and allowed in their society. Some times this is seen as a hindrance to the gospel but it can also open doors. With the Edict of Milan in 313 A.D. following Jesus went from being persecuted by the state to first allowed and eventually accepted as the state religion. This came of course with its own issues but it was this change of heart by the authoritarian system that opened the doors for the gospel to spread like it never had before. Today let’s pray for those in authority, in the government but also for tribal leaders and family elders to have a change of heart. That these leaders would encounter Jesus and doors would open for the gospel in Pakistan and across the Muslim world.

City of Light: Ramadan day 8

May each person in Karachi and beyond find the 'straight path', the one who said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  

City of Light: Ramadan day 7

Pray today for movements of the gospel to happen among families and especially among the youth. That the new generation would be completely changed by encountering Jesus.

City of Light: Ramadan Day 6

Pakistani cultures are classified as honor/shame cultures whereas most Western cultures are considered to be guilt/innocence cultures. This means that importance of how someone is perceived is often more important that what is truth. The Jewish culture that Jesus came into was actually an Eastern one. As such, a King in a manger, on a donkey, washing feet, all are pictures both counter cultural and perceived as weak. Some might even say humiliating. Jesus' life and teaching are a shock to this kind of a society where one honors the great and lifts high those with money, status, or power. Jesus deserves all honor but lowers himself willingly. He does so to lift us up. His actions aren't of shame but rather of lowering Himself to our level. He is most honorable yet humble enough to call us friend. Pray for Muslims in Karachi to wrestle with this contrast of someone so great being willing to be so low that they would grasp the audacity of God to reveal Himself through Jesus.

City of Light: Ramadan Day 5

Muslims believe in the God of Abraham (Ibrahim), Isaac (Ishaq), and Jacob (Yacoob). They know the God who sent a flood but saved Noah (Nuh), saved His people through Moses (Musa), and conquered nations through David (Daoud). However they have a different understanding of who Jesus is. There faith is like the faith of God's people in the Old Testament, having not experienced Jesus in who He is throughout the New Testament. Today we pray for Muslims to encounter Jesus and to really experience Him is that they can decide for themselves who He is.

City of Light: Ramadan Day 4

The majority of the culture in Pakistan would be viewed as very conservative in the way women are treated. On the one hand there is a culture of protectiveness and honor but often there is a deviation from the intent of culture, and women end up being surpressed instead of protected. Today we pray for both men and women in Karachi to see the value of women who are created by God.  

City of Light: Ramadan Day 3

City of Light: Ramadan Day 2

Choose to follow Him

City of Light: Ramadan Day 1

He has given us a spirit of power, of love, and of self-control.

Shalom, An African Movement Leader

Mashhad, Iran - 110 Cities

Pray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Mashhad, Iran and the surrounding regions.

NUMBERS 13:17, 21

Disciplemaking Scripture: PURSUE SPIRIT-LED RESEARCH

Pursue Spirit-Led Research

Disciplemaking Principle: PURSUE SPIRIT-LED RESEARCH

The Light of the Lord Draws People to Him.

ISAIAH 60:1-5

Thank You That You Are Always With US

MATTHEW 28:20, ACTS 1:8

Acts 1:4 - Waiting

We wait on you, Lord, to send your Holy Spirit to empower us to fully obey your great mission.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - 110 Cities

Pray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and the surrounding regions.

Betty Scott Stam, martyred in China - 110 Cities, in the 1930s

JOHN 16:13

MOVEMENT SCRIPTURE: BE GROUNDED IN THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

Be Grounded in the Authority of Scripture

MOVEMENT PRINCIPLE: BE GROUNDED IN THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

Yahweh's Territory is all of creation. The nations are your birthright.

PSALMS 46:10; 24:1; 82:8

This is Your Work, Your Harvest, We Praise You

1 CORINTHIANS 3:6

Acts 1:3 - The Kingdom of God

The Good News is that Jesus is King

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam - 110 Cities

Pray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and the surrounding regions.

Wesley Duewel

Colossians 4:2

Disciplemaking Scripture: ENGAGE IN EXTRAORDINARY PRAYER

Engage in Extraordinary Prayer

Disciplemaking Principle: ENGAGE IN EXTRAORDINARY PRAYER

God's Mercy, Generosity, and Forgiveness

PSALM 25:11