Religions and mission in the Arab world
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

Dear friends

As Christians, we believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When talking about the Trinity with other Christians, I have regularly detected a certain fatigue about the issue - as if it is problematic!

Well, maybe it is problematic, but could that be our own fault? The idea that we might have to think and study in order to comprehend even a fraction of who God is, seems hard to many Christians. In our cultures, we want everything easy, and we want it preferably now. Why would we expect truth about the very being of God to be easy to know and comprehend?

The articles in this issue 6:3 (June 2010) of St Francis Magazine have renewed my enthusiasm for our great God! Most of the articles are related to Trinitarian matters. You will enjoy reading them, I believe. And they might help you communicate this great Gospel to your Muslim friends.

I have often heard and read that we should avoid talking about the Trinity with Muslims as long as possible – as if we have to avoid the most beautiful part of our Christian faith! And as if Muslims do not know we believe in a Trinity.

The next issue, the one of August 2010, will focus on concepts related to community and mission in the Arab World. If you like to submit your article on issues like koinonia and ummah and how they relate to our mission work, please contact me as soon as possible! May our one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with us all.

John Stringer
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PRAYER: update on Somali Ethiopian BMB detained in Ethiopia

Posted on 8th March 2010

Greetings in the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace

 

In December we requested prayer for Bashir, a believer from a Muslim background (BMB), who was arrested in Jijiga, capital of the Somali region of in the east of Ethiopia, on 23rd May 2009. Bashir is ethnically Somali.

 

He had been distributing Bibles in the Somali language with oriental calligraphy on the covers. He was told he was arrested for distributing Bibles which “look like the Qur'an”.

 

Initially he was not officially charged. Various attempts were made through unofficial channels to secure his release, but high officials in the Somali region managed to ensure his continued detention.

 

In February news surfaced that he would be charged with a terrorism offence. However, he finally had his court hearing on 23rd February for a petty crime. Since he had been detained for longer than the sentence for that crime his release was ordered.

 

He was released on 4th March.

 

He was beaten up during his detention but stated he was proud to suffer for his Lord.

 

Christians supporting Bashir thank us for our prayers. They request our continued intercession that:

a.      Bashir will quickly adapt to normal life and remain faithful in his witness to Jesus

b.      Those who acted unjustly will know the Spirit’s conviction of sin, and the Father’s offer of forgiveness through the Son

c.       The Word of God will be made available to all Somali people who seek it

d.      All officials involved will hear the Good News of Jesus, and make the same decision as Bashir to follow Him

 

May be circulated to general mailing lists and quoted from freely citing "Middle East Concern" as the source of the information.
 
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