Focusing Character Resources and Prayers to Those in Crisis
For Such a Time as This
It took only a few seconds of footage from Cairo’s Tahrir Square to show the televised world again that the Middle East is a spiritual, political, and emotional powder keg. Its fuse consists of intertwining character issues such as corruption and injustice.
Whizzing rocks, galloping horses, chanting crowds, and bleeding wounds made it clear that Egyptians want dramatic changes in their historic country.
The ripple effects of discontentment reached beyond their borders to Jordan and Lebanon. Throughout the Middle East, Christians met in prayer for their countries, their fellow believers, and their personal safety.
Two facts are irrefutable: Crisis is here, and change is coming. Their greatest fears concern their uncertain future: Who will lead after the dust settles on this crisis? What religious, economic, and social policies will emerge? How will relationships change with other countries? How will relationships change between non-Christians and Christians?
In a recent email, a key Egyptian partner observed, “Crisis is a unique opportunity to experience God’s hand at work . . . We therefore view crisis as an opportunity and not a threat; as a source of blessing. . . .” Then he noted that Christians must move forward without violating the values that govern critical relationships in such a time as this.
This is a time for Christlike character founded upon biblical values. It is a time for Egyptian, Lebanese, and Jordanian believers to let their light so shine before men, that others may see their good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Can we help them? If so, how?
God is showing us. Step by step He is leading us along a path that He prepared for Mission to Children: (1) Several times over the past six years He brought our Character Solutions training to seminary students in Jordan, future leaders who hail from the Middle East and North Africa. (2) During 2010 God opened unusual doors twice in Egypt to train Christian leaders. (3) Also in 2010 we were welcomed twice in Lebanon, training university students and meeting strategic potential ministry partners. (4) A key partner in Egypt translated our character curriculum into Arabic—at no cost to us. (5) A ministry in Beirut wants to print Character Solutions materials for Christians and for non-Christians in the region.
It will cost approximately $25,000 to prepare a Middle Eastern team of trainers as we did in India and provide Character Solutions materials for them. That is our next step.
Will you please be a prayerful, generous part of this mission? Every dollar you give makes a difference.
