Guest Author: Dick Brogden
There is a wonderful Egyptian Mission agency active in Sudan that exists to give Christ’s living water to the last, least, and lost. One annual ministry they provide is a Book and Bible exhibition in the middle of downtown Khartoum. They sell Christian books and Bibles, show Christian films, and host lectures on aspects of the Christian faith. The exhibition is set up in an empty lot that opens on the major downtown avenue and is open to all.
Last month during the exhibition, five buses pulled up and 150 veiled-to-the-eyes Muslim women plodded out. They were the first year students from a local Islamic University. Their professor of comparative religion, Dr. Yathrub, decided they needed to interact with some Christians. The 150 women were respectful, participated in the events, and took home some free literature as a gift. Dr. Yathrub asked if she could return with the 4th year students.
A couple days later, five more buses, and 150 more Muslim women, most veiled-to-the-eyes showed up. One hundred of them marched right to the lecture tent and asked if the lecturer could address the issue of the unity of God and the Trinity. The staff obliged and a wonderful question and answer time followed. Again, all the students were kind, earnest, and respectful in their interaction. They too were given a free Christian book titled, “Did Jesus ever claim to be God?” and went home happy. Dr. Yathrub asked if she could bring the entire year 2 and 3 students, and of course the staff of the event agreed.
The next day Dr. Yathrub called to apologize. She could not make it nor bring the other students. Evidently, 300 veiled Muslim women marching around the campus happily reading, discussing, and sharing Christian material was too much for the administration and they opened an investigation of censure against Dr. Yathrub. To her credit she did not back down, insisting that in comparative religious studies you must be free to compare religions. A novel and dangerous idea.
Would you join us in praise and prayer. Praise God that 300 Muslim women were gracious and brave enough to visit the exhibition. Pray that the words they heard, and the literature they now posses, would be used of the Holy Spirit to delight their hearts in Jesus and unveil their spirits. Praise God for the courage for Dr. Yathrub. Would you pray with us that God would reward her with Himself and unveil Jesus to her. Praise God for the Living Water Team. Please pray that they continue to be bold and loving in witness and that as a result they too experience a mighty refreshing.
Craig T. Owens 