I had an unexpected opportunity to visit with Nick recently (see part of his story here). Things with his family have not improved; actually it seems they have gotten worse. He is facing mounting pressure from many angles to abandon his faith and return to his old ways. The pressure comes in the form of veiled threats from officials and family as well as job offers contingent on his return.

As Nick and I sat together, I listened to him recount the struggles of recent days and months. He didn’t try to hide or minimize the possible consequences of ignoring the pressure. But Nick wasn’t concerned about himself. “I’ve made my decision. There’s no turning back. Even if they cut off my head, I’m continuing on with Jesus.” It didn’t strike me at all as a rash, unconsidered, heat-of-the-moment declaration. No, it carried the tone of a calm, resolute intent born from a comprehension of the infinite worth of what he has been given in Christ.

Nick’s primary concern was the consequences for his immediate and extended family members, even though none of them are followers of Jesus. Bad guys don’t play fair, and neither does the evil one. Nick seems prepared to suffer himself, but, understandably so, he’s struggling with the idea of others suffering because of his decision to follow Jesus. For most of us from the West, things like this never even cross our mind, except when we read the stories of believers in distant lands. But this is not uncommon for this part of the world, actually for many parts of the world.

When we parted, Nick didn’t know what to do–stay and endure whatever may come, escape for a while and see if things settle down, relocate permanently, or something else? I’m encouraged–and challenged–by Nick’s faith. I pray for God to give him great wisdom. But most of all I pray that God will sustain Nick’s faith and testimony, and Nick’s life will demonstrate the infinite value of Christ. Will you join me in that prayer?

My neighbor came over the other day. She does that often, usually trying to help me do something, or show me how to do something “correctly.” This time it was about cleaning my roof.

In years gone by, roofs were the place where Kurds slept during the summer. You’d take your mattress up to the roof after dark, but make sure you were back in the house, out of view, by dawn. This was a pleasant respite from the sweltering heat inside the house, as the wee hours brought cooling temperatures! Some even took blankets, though I’ve been told foreigners never did that! Culturally, however, it’s very inappropriate to actually look at anyone else on their roof!

So my neighbor and I traipse up to my roof with broom, hose and squeegee in hand to begin the task. As we begin cleaning the dust, dirt and remaining construction debris, I asked her, “Now, tell me again? Why is this important? Why do we clean the roof – where no one goes and/or sees?” She begins by telling me stories of her childhood and how she looked forward to those nights when she and her siblings would have their parent’s permission to sleep on the roof. She knows I love to entertain and love having guests in my home – “Where are you going to have your guests sleep in the summer? They can’t sleep inside – it’ll be too hot!” So we continue sweeping, spraying and pushing the water down the drain.

She then takes me by the hand and has me look over onto a neighboring roof – something culture still dictates is extremely shameful. She says, “You see that house? You see how dirty that roof is? They’re foreigners.”

Am I a foreigner? Yes. Am I making headway into being an insider, at least with this young woman? Apparently! Please ask that this young wife and mother of two will come to know the One who sees the dirt in our souls and wants to cleanse us. Also, please ask that my language skills will rise to the task.

NOTE: The following story comes from a worker living in a city with no existing church…yet.

I have been sharing the gospel with M for the past few months. We have had conversations covering just about every topic under the sun, and most of them seem to come back to spiritual things. M is very interested in what I believe and how it is different from what his religious teachers are telling him each week at the mosque he frequents.  

One evening a few weeks ago, we were again talking about spiritual things and M called his three brothers to come to his shop and hear these things I was saying about Jesus and my relationship with Him. His brothers had never heard the gospel before and M wanted them to hear, if for no other reason than mere curiosity.  

After I finished sharing the good news of Jesus, we talked for another two hours about scriptures from the Bible. It was clear they had NEVER heard what I was telling them. After this time of sharing they all asked me if I would come to their mosque to share these same stories about Jesus. This visit never took place, but only because M first arranged for his teachers to come to his shop and discuss what I was sharing.  

This was the first time any of them had ever heard the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of responding in anger, they were more intrigued by what I was saying. Since this is the first time they are hearing the gospel, I have been encouraged and fully believe that God could go from using us to pick up rocks in this place to sowing seeds, to seeing fruit sooner rather than later. Please pray for M, his brothers, and his teachers–that God’s Spirit would empower His word and grant them repentance and faith.

Note from TheKurds.net Team: The following post from a friend living in a predominantly Kurdish area describes one of the more difficult realities that many Kurdish women face. We love the Kurds, and believe their culture reflects many beautiful aspects of God’s common grace, positive values such as hospitality, generosity, loyalty, etc. However, as with all societies and cultures, including the West, Kurdish culture also reflects the sinfulness of fallen humanity that must be redeemed by the good news of Jesus Christ.

Domestic violence is still a huge issue within Kurdish society. There’s really no telling what goes on behind those gates – much like anywhere in the world! Women may be semi-smiling at the gate, but crying within the house. There are women walking around in public, with their husbands, children and mothers-in-law, with black eyes. There are women who can be heard screaming from within the gates surrounding their homes. Interestingly, when this is heard, a hush comes over everything happening outside; however, only a direct, close neighbor dare intervene. Everyone else will walk by saying, “Oh, that’s bad,” or “Oh, he shouldn’t do that” but they are powerless to approach the situation.

A survey among Kurdish women asked the question: “When is it okay for your husband to beat you?” Not IS IT okay, but WHEN is it okay. Reasons men give for beating their wives (or sisters, or sisters-in-law, or even mothers) vary: “She burned the rice.” “Lunch was late.” “She looked that man in the eyes.” “My cousin saw her talking to a strange man in the market yesterday (i.e., not a relative, not someone the family knew).” “She has a man’s phone number on her mobile.” Some married women are continually abused by their brothers-in-law and/or their father-in law after they move into the husband’s family’s home. In many cases the husband just turns a blind eye. Regrettably, this is deemed normal; unfortunate – not rational – but nonetheless, normal! Honor killings, though becoming less common, still occur, especially in the more rural areas. A high ranking official stated, “Honor killings are still killings! But they will be someone else’s battle – I have other things to deal with.”

Walking by women on the street is an opportunity to share a smile, lend a sense of hope to the abject hopelessness most Kurdish women endure day in and day out. Culture dictates they walk with their heads down, rarely gazing up (even to cross the street!), and with a scowl that could freeze the summer wind of 125^oF! But a smile, a “How are you?”, a playful gesture towards their child, whatever, opens these women’s eyes and, with time, their hearts, towards something new – something different. The foreign, believing women who live and work among the Kurds need wisdom, encouragement, language skills and the heart to engage these women in order to “declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Pe 2:9) and to be “a light shining in a dark place” (2 Pe 1:19).

As another volunteer worker and I picked our way past the debris of collapsed mud brick houses, we arrived at the makeshift tent we were trying to reach.  Inside, a family of 7 was living while subfreezing winter temperatures mercilessly seeped through the thin canvas.  The roof on their previous dwelling had caved in a few weeks before when 2 severe earthquakes rocked the city where they lived.

This family was like many of the other Kurdish families I had met during our earthquake relief trip – poor, anxious about the future, and yet extremely hospitable.  The one stark difference, there was a 6-day-old baby in the tent with them!

Our job was to bring good news… this particular family had been selected by our team to receive a shelter that we were building for needy people in the area.  They rejoiced at our words!  Later that day, we returned and constructed an insulated shelter warm enough to protect them from the elements and big enough for all of them to sleep comfortably.

While our team finished up, the oldest son in the family showed me the remains of their crumbling home.  It was so cracked and shattered, it looked like an egg the moment before a baby chick breaks through its shell.  The young man was visibly discouraged by the aftermath of the disaster.  I prayed for him and wished I could give him more good news, but it was time to move on to others in need.

Although this encounter did not end in explicit gospel witness, many followers of Jesus have been involved in meeting practical needs. As a result, many have heard the good news, not just of physical shelter, but of the gospel of Jesus. Pray that many would seek spiritual refuge under the shelter of Christ.

“Let me dwell in your tent forever!  Let me take shelter under the shadow of your wings!” Psalm 61:4.

In March of this past year a new network was formed in El Salvador with several churches coming together to focus on Central Asia, particularly the Kurds. Not only did these churches form a new network, but they have produced their own prayer materials, and have a special commission that goes from church to church, promoting prayer for the Kurds. They also have produced their own web site: www.loskurdos.com. You may not understand Spanish, but you will see their commitment to promote prayer for the Kurds on this site! Recently this group took its first ever exploratory trip to Central Asia. The group consisted of nine people: several pastors from the network and three candidates. They are planning another medical trip with doctors and dentist from the network next year. A few months ago they held their fist ever Kurdish Festival. You should have seen the Kurdish dress, Kurdish food, and dance in El Salvador! They have taken their commitment of adoption, and prayer for the Kurds very seriously! 

In October a similar network was formed in Venezuela in which sixteen churches came together and raised significant funds for prayer materials, web development and some initial projects. Even though several churches in Venezuela have individually been involved, and even taken exploratory trips, this is the first concerted combined effort. Among this network three groups were formed: one focusing on a prayer strategy, another developing communications, and the other on project development. This is the newest network and they are very encouraged by their two “older brother” networks (in El Salvador and in the US). They will be taking their first exploratory trip as a network in the spring.

We look forward to hearing more good news from our Latin American brothers and sisters in the future. Please pray for God’s blessing on their labors.

I have been trying to form a closer relationship with, “Mahmut,” the young dad from a Kurdish family who lives in our apartment building. One afternoon as we were sitting outside in the shade, talking and watching our boys play in the parking lot, we discussed the possibility our families picnicking together at a nearby park some Saturday. Before we called our boys to go in for dinner, I also invited him to church at our house the next day. I had no idea if he would come or not. The next morning, I was almost surprised when he, his wife, his two toddlers, and his 10 year old nephew rang our doorbell. Our church normally shares a late breakfast together before worship. So, we invited them in and served them the typical local breakfast fare of bread, pastries, cheese, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers. While finishing his glass of hot tea, “Mahmut” commented that it was really neat the way we got together every single week to eat a meal together and worship God.

“It is a very good thing that you do,” he said, “but it is not something that we do. It is like a holiday every week.” My team mate “Brad” and I were then able to explain to “Mahmut” that for Christians, every week is like a celebration. Because Jesus rose from the dead on a Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection and the fact that he is STILL alive every single Sunday! We began a time of worship shortly after breakfast, with singing, prayer and Bible teaching. By God’s design, the lesson “Brad” taught that day was about the resurrection and ascension of Christ. Afterwards the believers who were present celebrated The Lord’s Supper, along with an explaination of the significance of it.

“Mahmut” walked away that day having clearly heard the whole gospel message, probably for the first time ever. I do not yet know what he thinks about all that he saw and heard that day, but I believe God brought him to our home that Sunday morning for a reason. Please pray for “Mahmut.” Pray that we will have further opportunities to share Christ with him. Pray that God will bring to his memory the Scripture we read that day and open his eyes to believe it is true. Please pray for the salvation of “Mahmut” and his whole family.

I feel blessed to have the privilege of serving overseas with children. They often open doors to meet neighbors and other members of the community. I believe many local women find me more approachable as a foreigner because of our common position as wives and mothers. Currently, my children (ages 8 & 10) are participating in a local sports club. They love the chance to exert some energy and make friends, and I am enjoying the fellowship of local women. 

Over the course of a month, I noticed an elderly woman occasionally waiting with the other parents. She sat withdrawn from the other waiting moms, and she never joined in the chatter and fellowship. Truth be told, she has a very sad and somewhat mysterious presence about her.

One Saturday, as the Lord would have it, she entered the club and decided to sit on the bench right next to me. I began small talk with her and even shared a plate of cookies passed out by the staff. After about an hour, she asked me to point out my children. I thought it was pretty obvious, but continued pleasantries by indicating which two belong to me. She then very gravely informed me that several weeks ago she felt compelled to put a hex on my children “so that their foreign souls would not harm her grandson, and so that they would not succeed and do better than her grandson in karate.” It is common for women of all cultures to deal with jealousy; however it seems to be especially prevalent in this society. It is also just as common for women in Central Asian cultures to dabble in folk religious practices. However, I must say that my initial response was shock. Thankfully, the Lord gave me His words to share. In short, I told her my family loves her and her grandson and we intend her no harm. I also explained that my husband and I pray in the name of Jesus over and for our children daily. Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord over all. Nothing happens without His permission. At that point, her face changed from the grave sadness to a strange grin, and she replied, “We know of Him and He is greatest over all.”

I cannot quite wrap my mind and hands around what might be going on in this woman’s life, but I do know that the Father desires her heart and fully desires that she proclaim Him Lord of all. I am praying that the Lord gives me more opportunities to share truth with her as well as the other moms.

Please continue to pray for those in the earthquake affected area of Van, Turkey.

After the second earthquake there, more than 70% of the population has left town to stay with relatives or wherever they can.  Pray that God would guide relief workers to those people who have been overlooked in parts of Van and Ercis and the surrounding villages. Pray for the church in Turkey as a whole.  They desire to be used but the church is not large and resources are limited.  Pray that the churches will be generous and that the Lord will multiply what they give and provide. Pray that this time of coming together to serve Van will bring lasting unity among the churches in Turkey.

New clothes for everyone in the family, especially the children? – check!
House cleaned from top to bottom, inside and out? – check!
Old carpets cleaned? – check!
Cleaned and/or new carpets put down on the cold tile floor for holiday guests? – check!
Sacrifice prepared (purchased meat or chicken or goose or a whole cow, goat, or sheep)? – check!
Small sweet cakes of dates and raisins baked? – check!
Chocolate candy for guests purchased? – check!
Enough tea, sugar, coffee and cocoa to offer every guest all day long? – check!
Enough juice to offer every guest all day long? – check!
Since it is cold, kerosene heaters cleaned, prepared and filled? – check!
TV’s readied to have on for guests to watch while visiting? – check!
Driveways and outside steps scrubbed? – check!
Small money readied to give to beggars and children? – check!
Occasional thoughts of the Hajj in Mecca? – check!
Men attend the mosque early in the morning on The Day? – check!
Return home for family breakfast of rice, meat, soups, stewed vegetables, apricots? – check!
Another thought given to the sacrifice of Abraham? – Nope!
True understanding of the significance of Abraham’s obedience? – Nope!
Any thought of how this story should impact life? – Nope!

There are five basic obligations within Islam:

Repeat the creed – There is one God, Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.
Give alms to the poor.
Pray five times every day.
If possible, perform the Hajj, the month long trip to Mecca.
Keep the annual month of fasting, Ramadan.

Islamic holidays follow a lunar calendar. The feast just recently celebrated, comes 70 days after Ramadan and occurs during the time while pilgrims are in Mecca. A portion of this obligatory trek to Mecca includes the sacrificing of an animal, in remembrance of Abraham nearly sacrificing his son.

In the Qur’an, the story of Abraham’s sacrifice of his son mentions no name. Earlier verses in that chapter speak of Isaac, but Islamic tradition holds that it was Ishmael, the son of Abraham with his wife Sarah’s maidservant, Hagar.

Scripture teaches, however, that the sacrifice Abraham offered was Isaac, his son by his wife Sarah.

In Genesis 22:1-14, God speaks to Abraham: “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering(v2)… Now I know you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son(v12).”

Among the Sorani, this holiday is called The Sacrifice, or The Big Feast! It is one of the major holidays in Islam, and its significance is being lost in the hustle and bustle of preparations. Sound familiar? It happens all the time in every society.

As the Christian community worldwide begins to prepare for Christmas, we must guard against allowing the preparations to supersede the worship of the One Holy God. We must never forget the sacrifice of God, the Creator of the Universe, in giving His Only Son, whom He loves, for the restoration of our relationship with Him!

Pray for the Sorani to be able to hear Truth, understand it, and the courage and strength to accept it!

More information on this Muslim holiday can be found here.