Pray Network Forum

Expatriates (6)

PTAP: Pray for Kuwait amid coronavirus.

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on June 30, 2020 at 18:22
Weekly Prayer - June 30, 2020
 
This week, we would like to pray for Kuwait. 
Recently, the drive to redress demographic imbalance and increase the proportion of nationals in the country has gained momentum in Kuwait. This has been a part of wider efforts by some political leaders and lawmakers to curtail number of migrant workers in the country and further "Kuwaitize" the economy. 
In fact, this push has become heightened in recent months with several Kuwaiti public figures accusing expatriates, mainly the unskilled labour, of straining the country's health facilities and increasing the COVID-19 threat.
 
We do not know if these pushes and debates within Kuwait's parliament would lead to real changes for the wider Kuwaiti society--both nationals and expatriates. Nonetheless, we know that God is in control of the situation. Let us pray for the leaders of Kuwait, the migrant workers, and their local sponsors. 
Additionally, you can find out more about Kuwait and how to pray for Kuwait more generally in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw6_oIvbDm4

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PTAP: Qatar, National Day

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on December 16, 2017 at 14:00
QATAR (National Day: December 18)
Modern Qataris:
Qatar is a young country that gained independence from the British in 1971. It was initially unified in 1878 and this is now celebrated each year on December 18th. Qatar is under stress these days from the regional blockade from its neighbors, Saudi Arabia in particular. There is belt tightening from low oil and gas prices, as well as secularization and modernisation. Qatar is youthful, both the expat men and women brought in for labour and management, and the 4+ children born to its citizens. Qatar nationals are a minority, at most 12% of the population, and supported by the wealthiest state in the world.
Psalm 67:4 - May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.
Pray for the young Emir, Tamim Al Thani, and the nation's leaders as they guide policy and seek peace. Pray for the nation to rejoice in its sovereignty but to put their trust in the King of Kings. Pray Ps 67:4, that Qatar would rejoice in God and that He would guide and rule Qatar for the glory of His own name. Pray that Emir Tamim would submit to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!
Pray for modern openness to extend beyond tolerating expats and building new businesses to the hearing of the Gospel. Pray that the Gospel would spread rapidly and be honored (2 Thessalonians 3:1). This nation is hungry for money, not God. Pray that God would do the impossible and save the wealthy (Mark 10:24-27). Pray that the rich, young rulers of Qatar would not walk away from Christ!
Pray for the handful of local believers in Qatar - that they would grow in maturity and faith. Pray that they would get together regularly to worship with and encourage one another in Christ. Pray against the fear of persecution. Pray for boldness in their witness and outreach.
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PTAP: City Focus - Sohar, Oman

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on October 21, 2017 at 14:01
Sohar is the largest city in the north of Oman.

History records that the Bishop of Sohar was one of the delegates at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325.  At this council, the deity of Jesus Christ was affirmed.
 
In the past, Sohar served as a port and the capital of Oman. With one of the largest ports in the country now, the Omani government is investing in this area to strengthen the economy by looking to other industries besides oil.  Copper has been mined here for years and there is a growing steel and aluminum industry.  Any development brings jobs, expatriates, larger malls, hospitals and universities. This is all part of Sohar's growth.
 
Many Omanis love to claim that Sinbad the Sailor was born here.  But other cities claim him as well.
 
Prayer points:
 
- Pray that as Sohar grows in importance, the gospel would also grow and spread throughout the whole city (Col 1:6).
 
- Pray that God would build his church in Sohar among the Omani people and that the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matt 16:18).  Pray that there would be a church just like in the days of the Bishop of Sohar. 
 
- Pray that with more expats coming to Sohar, pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send more workers.  
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PTAP: November Prayer Focus: Ibri, Oman

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on November 10, 2016 at 9:27
Ibri is the capital of Al-Dhahirah governate in Oman.  For centuries, it has been a strategic crossroad between Oman and the other Gulf States.  It is located at a nearly equal distance from Muscat, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. Being midway between Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman, and the strategic Al Ain/Buraimi Oasis, Ibri has a long history of being a trade route for Bedouin caravans that would find water and shelter in its oases and numerous wadis that provide life-giving water.  In fact, the name "Ibri" means the "place of crossing".  Roads through the mountains have now made stronger connections with Sohar, a major port on Oman's Gulf coast.  Given its strategic location and continuing in the tradition of being a crossroads, the Omani government has recently built a major road from Ibri that heads off to Saudi Arabia, connecting the two countries.
 
With modern development, Ibri is growing into a major commercial center in Oman with an ever increasing population - over 100,000.  It is now the 4th or 5th largest city in Oman. There are colleges, hospitals, schools, and a tight connection with the oil industry. Fahud, where the first oil wells in Oman were drilled, lies in the wilaya (or province) of Ibri.
The Omanis of Ibri come from important Beduoin (nomadic) and Hadhar (settled) tribes known for their friendliness and hospitality.  They are strongly grounded in their traditions and yet are open to new developments as they arise.  They have a quiet pride about their city and are anticipating a bright future that showcases their traditions.
1.Jesus says: "Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."  (John 4:14).  Pray that Ibri would drink and find new life in Jesus.
2.There are few, if any, workers in Ibri as of today.  Pray that the Lord of the Harvest would send workers to Ibri.  Also pray for the Lord to inspire Indian and Filipino expats who already live in Ibri to proclaim the gospel to their Omani neighbors.
3.Ibri is a crossroads city.  Pray that the people of Ibri would stand by the roads and look and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and then to walk in it and find rest for their souls (Jer 6:16).
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ola0Ta0GCVk
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Please pray for a woman who is interested in meeting with a Christian worker to learn more about Jesus following a conversation over the Eid holidays about the meaning of sacrifice and Jesus. Please p

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on October 12, 2016 at 16:57
Please pray for a woman who is interested in meeting with a Christian worker to learn more about Jesus following a conversation over the Eid holidays about the meaning of sacrifice and Jesus. Please pray that His Spirit will open her eyes to the One True Sacrifice.  Pray, too, for her husband and children. Her husband travels frequently to the West, even though Leila always stays at home. Pray that he will meet other believers as he travels who can share with him as well.
An ADHD student has heard some aspects of the gospel, but has trouble staying focused on a topic. Pray for Christian workers to be able to share the Gospel in effective and easily accessible ways. 
A couple has been sharing the Gospel with an Arab expatriate couple. The husband has come to accept Jesus and is praying that his wife comes to know Christ as well. Please pray for continued witness of the couple and the husband. 
A local Muslim girl was married at age 11. After some years, her husband moved the family to a new neighborhood where she met a another Muslim lady who became her best friend. Since she moved, the young lady has been searching spiritually and have been wanting to meet a Christian but did not know how she would be able to meet one in her semi-rural town. She found out that her best friend in her neighborhood had become friends with a Christian and asked her friend for an introduction. The Christian woman had no knowledge of her intent, but felt led to bring Christian resources and materials with her. The young lady became a believer after talking with the Christian woman and requested more Bibles, audio Bibles, and Arabic worship music to supply to others who are seeking. Please pray for this young lady as she grows in her faith and becomes light to others in her community.  
A Muslim man who decided to trust in Jesus as the Messiah has been struggling both in the flesh and the spirit. Please pray for God to lead him and a others like him to greater freedom and spiritual maturity. May He provide each one with the knowledge and understanding they need so that His people do not "perish for lack of knowledge".
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PTA: Prayer during Ramadan for Oman

Posted by Merton J. Hershberger on June 18, 2016 at 21:00
Ramadan Prayer
As Muslims pray and fast during Ramadan, we pray for them.
June 18, 2016
 
Oman
"I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys.
I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs."
- Isaiah 41:18 (NIV)
 
There are only a handful of Omani believers in the country and the spiritual climate is described as hard, dry ground.
Pray that God will "soften" this hard ground and pour out His Spirit on the nation like rain on the dry desert.
 
There is a great deal of worry and fear amongst the people of this nation due to the fact that no one knows who will take over once the current Sultan dies. He has been very ill for a long time and the inevitable change and the unknown has really shaken the feeling of security that most Omanis have had for many years. There is also fear that the crisis in neighbouring nations could "spill over" into a place that has been known for peace. The people of Oman have placed their hope and trust in their country's security and stability, as much as in religion, and the thought of losing that security causes great fear in many of the people.
 
Superstition and fear of spirits and curses are very much present in day-to-day life. There is also the constant emptiness of trying to be good enough but not having the reassurance of salvation. Islam is a part of life from childhood, but many of the younger generation don't feel a connection with religion.
 
There is no known Omani church and the few national believers are isolated and live in danger and fear. Pray for the believers to have the freedom to connect with one another to grow and be encouraged.
 
Christian workers in Oman explain: There is great anticipation that God is on the move and many are feeling the need to pray with urgency. There is also an urgency to sow the seeds of the Gospel now abundantly while there is still the ability to do so. Please pray that God would pour out mercy and love on these people that have been known as peacemakers. Pray for the workers who, despite the risks, are still able and willing to share the Gospel in the hope of a thriving Omani church.
Source: Christians in Oman
 
Bless Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said of Oman and his government with continued leadership in negotiating peace between nations.
 
Bless the people with education and a desire to work and serve to make Oman a better country.
 
Bless the expatriate Churches with love for You and love for their neighbors.
 
Father, You say; "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Father, bless them with many coming into Your Kingdom. (Prayer based on Matthew 5:9, the Holy Bible)
Source: WIN International Network
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