Waiting for my luggage to arrive in-country, I could almost feel the glare of every man’s gaze on me.  What were they thinking?  I had my head covered, but there was no way to disguise that I was a woman from the west.  It was a look I would have to get used to or simply turn around and go home.

I woke up in the wee hours of the morning to the call of the Muezzin, a prayer crier calling out the Adhan – the Islamic call to prayer.  As I lay awake I thanked God for the many freedoms we have in Christ including the one to pray to Him whenever and wherever we wanted.  That day the women went shopping, but not for souvenirs.  We purchased a ‘balto’, a long black robe and a ‘hijab’ to cover our heads.

The next day, the team formed two groups – one to visit the public schools and the other to go to the university.  At the English lab, we were all nervous.  We wondered if we could teach four hours of conversational English for five days.  Working with young women, most of whose faces we rarely saw was a challenge.  However, once we started speaking we realized that students were the same everywhere – curious.

“F.” and her sister invited us to their home.  I was excited when she asked about my family and I was able to tell her about the death of my sister and how God used that situation to draw me to Himself.  They listened intently to every word…. ”maybe God will use my simple testimony to stir their faith”, I prayed silently.

The team visiting the public schools had very good reception.  At a school they visited last year, the students were waiting for them outside and began to shout, “The Christians are coming!  The Christians are coming!”   It is our urgent prayer that God will use these acts of kindness to draw these precious young souls to Himself.

Later that week, our two hour journey into the mountains revealed a land, spiritually barren and thirsty for the love and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.  My heart ached for the missionary family serving in this country and I am moved to pray for them as God shows them the fruit of their labor in His time.  Will you join me in praying?

 

Submitted by: J. W. (excerpts from newsletter)

Photos: (Top: Members of the team in traditional dress of the local women); (Bottom: Student with Ty Beanie Baby)