Jesus can, but you must believe He can

"S, a forty-year old man living in a Muslim country, was filthy and had a long unkempt beard, urine-stained pants and fingernails over an inch long. He couldn't talk and was obviously not in his right mind. He was mentally disturbed, and constantly paced the streets. Everyone in the town knew of the 'crazy man'.

"The relatives asked one of the few Christian pastors in the province if he could do anything to help. He replied, 'Jesus can, but you must believe He can.' They said, 'If we didn't believe He could help, would we have come five hours to see you?'

"This was a good enough answer for the pastor, and he went up to the bearded man, gave him a big hug, and prayed for him. S then amazed them by becoming coherent and speaking for the first time in five years! A week later, the church got a phone call from his family saying he was now cleaned up, eating well, no longer wandering the streets, and still in his right mind.

Folk Islam...

"involves the wearing of charms, praying at shrines, tying cloths to 'sacred' trees, going to mediums and fortune tellers, and purchasing curses on enemies or rivals and 'blessings' on oneself and loved ones.

"Pray for the breaking of this spiritual bondage."

(from a Christian prayer bulletin, November 2010)

Islam clearly favors the desires of men over the needs of women

"In fact, the Kor'an actually sanctions the beating of wives. Although it's important to acknowledge that not all Muslim women are abused, many are. Reliant on the mercies of a religion that sees no worth in them, most face difficult trials and social obstacles because of their gender. They are in desperate need of hearing about a Saviour Who loves them so much He willingly died on their behalf. Pray that the message of Christ will reach Muslim women and free them from spiritual bondage and social injustice."

(from a Christian prayer bulletin, November 2010)