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A few years ago, Dave and I traveled to Turkey and Greece, two of the nations that receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Inspiration Network International (INI). We went to these countries to walk in the streets of the cities and cover the Lost in prayer.
It was both wonderful and overwhelming to be there, and my heart was especially overcome with love for the people of Turkey. When I learned that 99% percent of them are trapped in the darkness of Islam, I ached over their need to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
The Muslims’ Call to Prayer
It’s difficult for me to describe how I felt as we traveled in these countries. On one hand, I was hopeful as I saw all the satellite dishes on the rooftops…satellite dishes carrying INI and the Good News of salvation into Muslim homes filled with grandpas and grandmas, daddies and mamas, children and grandchildren, who desperately need the hope and promise of eternal life that only Jesus Christ can bring.
On the other hand, I was deeply saddened in Istanbul as we visited the Blue Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Though it’s such an impressive and beautiful building where Muslims go to worship, it was very distressing to hear the call to prayer resounding on loudspeakers from its minarets five times a day. It was heartbreaking because, as Believers, we know this Islamic call to prayer is really a call that leads Muslims toward eternal death.
The Believers’ Call to Prayer
God’s Word issues a “call to prayer” to us as Believers. And while praying for our loved ones is one of our highest callings, God also is calling us to pray for the Lost. Why? Because He loves them just as much as He loves you and me. In fact, He has commissioned us to go out to every nation and minister in His name.
Thankfully, because of modern-day technology, we are able to do this through media. We can reach the Lost in nearly every part of the globe through our ministry outreaches like INI and the Internet!
Jesus said He came to seek and save the Lost (Luke 19:10). In fact, saving sinners—like you, me, and these millions of Muslims—is the very reason He came into the world (1 Timothy 1:15). God wants to save whoever will come to Him (John 3:16), including Muslims.
But you and I must PRAY diligently for their salvation! And when we do, God promises we will Reap a great Harvest of Souls. Galatians 6:9 assures us, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”
I’m so grateful for the Seeds you’re Sowing into this ministry we share together. God’s Kingdom needs laborers like you to send your prayers and financial gifts into the Harvest fields. Jesus says, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).
Stir Our Hearts, Lord!
We have so much to praise God for, but let’s not stop bombarding Heaven with our prayers. Our work has just begun—there still is crucial spiritual warfare for us to wage over Turkey, Greece, Israel, Iran, Iraq, and so many other nations. We must not be discouraged nor underestimate the power of God to penetrate the darkness in this part of the world: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16). Praise God!
Join us in praying for the Light of Jesus to penetrate deep into the hearts of all who see INI! May the Holy Spirit guide these precious people to tune in to our network and watch our evangelistic programs, such as “A Muslim Journey to Hope.” Let’s ask Him to prepare their hearts to receive the truth of the liberating Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We also need to pray for people’s protection as they come to Christ. Most Muslims are rejected by their families when they convert to Christianity. Worse yet, they sometimes lose their lives. I’ve asked myself, “If that were my choice, would I have the courage to choose Christ?” My prayer is for the Lord to stir our hearts to a renewed passion and commitment to Him. Oh Lord, give us a heart for the Lost!
Keep praying, my friend. And may God bless, protect, and cover you and your family in His unending love and mercy.
In Christ’s love,
Click here to read David's monthly article, "Strengthening Your Walk".
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