Dear friends and colleagues,
One of the highlights of every Institute is hearing from seminary leaders about what God is doing in their midst – in their seminaries, but more broadly among believers and the churches they serve. Last year, for the first time, we heard stories of the remarkable revival that is taking place in a closed Muslim country, where thousands have come to know the Lord in hundreds of villages. The church is growing faster in this country, compared to any other country in the Muslim world. Today we heard an update from a representative, and now from two other countries which are represented at the Institute for the first time.
The story from this country remains incredible! Several months ago we heard by email from our brothers and sisters there that the government had issued a decree informing the churches that an older law forbidding Christian activity and forcing the closure of churches was going to be strictly enforced. Many of us prayed for the Christians, and for God’s hand to work in the government. But I confess, I didn’t pray along the lines of this remarkable turn of events: this afternoon we heard that three weeks ago, completely unexpectedly the Evangelical fellowship there received a letter that the government is now ready to recognize Christian churches! These Christians are quite positive about this change of posture on the part of the government, and despite some reservations, believe that this new situation will be much more favorable for the sake of the Gospel.
From another country, we heard the stories of harsh repression of believers, particularly during the last three years. Now the political situation is in the midst of a dramatic transition. While this might point to a greater measure of freedom and protection of rights for Christians, as in Egypt, it may swing in the opposite direction if extreme Islamicists fill the power vacuum. There is a spirit of fear among some Christians in the face of the uncertainties and these unfavorable possibilities. But God is working! Before the revolution, each week saw perhaps one new believer; now the church is growing four times faster!
A brother from yet another closed country shared similar stories of government oppression, also in the last three years. Recently there has been a significant deportation of foreigners who have been suspected of Christian activity. Our brother asked for prayer for their training program which started two years ago and now has 15 students meeting for intensive courses in homes. Pray, he said, that national leadership will be built to replace the foreign workers who have been expelled. Pray for protection for these national leaders in face of continued oppression.
What an incredible privilege to hear how God is working in the Middle East and North Africa, in situations where there is repression or persecution, but where the Lord is at work, building His Church!
Continue to pray with us this week as we come alongside the programs and schools in these countries which are forming leaders for the Church to become even more effective and increasingly sustainable.
Warmly in Christ,
Scott
