In the Arab Gulf, fruitful conversations are continuing to take place. A Christian professor was surprised to see Alex (pseudonym)'s Instagram post from in stylish script, with a tiny reference to Matt. 19. The professor wrote to ask, "Do you know the source of your quote?"
Alex answered, "Umm. No." This exchange later led to a private explanation of the gospel, and Alex was delighted to take an Arabic New Testament home. Pray for his salvation and growth.
Pray the prayer of Samuel Zwemer over Gulf Arabs:
Samuel Zwemer (1867-1952), "The Apostle to Islam", wrote this prayer in 1923. It is still very relevant today. Pray this prayer with us for Muslims all over the world, especially for the local Arabs in the AP and those on summer holidays in Europe right now.
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who hast made of one blood all nations and hast promised that many shall come from the East and sit down with Abraham in thy kingdom: We pray for thy prodigal children in Muslim lands who are still afar off, that they may be brought nigh by the blood of Christ. Look upon them in pity, because they are ignorant of thy truth. Take away pride of intellect and blindness of heart, and reveal to them the surpassing beauty and power of thy Son Jesus Christ. Convince them of their sin in rejecting the atonement of the only Savior. Give moral courage to those who love thee, that they may boldly confess thy name. Hasten the day of religious freedom in Turkey, Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and North Africa. Send forth reapers where the harvest is ripe, and faithful plowmen to break furrows in lands still neglected. May the tribes of Africa and Malaysia not fall prey to Islam but be won for Christ. Bless the ministry of healing in every hospital, and the ministry of love at every church.... Strengthen converts, restore backsliders, and give all those who labor among Muslims the tenderness of Christ, so that bruised reeds may become pillars of his church, and smoking flaxwicks burning and shining lights. Make bare thine arm, O God, and show thy power. All our expectation is from thee.
Father, the hour has come; glorify thy Son in the Muslim world, and fulfill through him the prayer of Abraham thy friend, "O, that Ishmael might live before thee." For Jesus' sake. Amen.
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