RAMADAN

See Article below as taken from the:

Newstraitstimes

Thurs. Aug. 27, 2009.

Saturday first Ramadan for Saudi Arabia too

2009/08/21

Royal Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has quoted the Saudi Supreme Court as announcing that Saturday will be the first day of Ramadan 1430 H, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

In a statement, the Royal Court said the Supreme Court made the announcement following a special meeting this evening in Taif.

As per Prophet Mohammed's instructions when nobody reports to have spotted the crescent of Ramadan, and as nobody have made such a report Thursday evening, Friday will be considered the 30th of the month of Shaaban hence Saturday will be the first day of Ramadan 1430 H., the Supreme Court was quoted as saying.

The Supreme Court also congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defence and Aviation and Inspector General; Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz, the Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior; the Saudi government and people and expatriates on the holy month of Ramadan, wishing them easy, successful and acceptable fasting. - Bernama

***PzNPRa***

Please commit yourself to praying daily for these three. Pray that each will become Born Again. Pray that they will hear and accept the truth of JESUS and HIS Salvation!

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz

RAMADAN

LUNAR CALENDAR

New Moon Sighting/ Astronomical Findings

Yes the beginning of Ramadan is pronounced with the readings of Astronomy charts and the New Moon spotting. With the pronouncement comes the month of fasting.

In Saudi Arabia an Imam or a "Holy man" will make the announcement that Ramadan has begun. At this time the whole country goes into a legalistic fasting routine.
This is the ultimate of their practice in the phrase, " Watching your P's and Q's!"

The end of this practice will also be declared with the sighting of the next New Moon. Most likely this will be 30 days long.

***PzNPra***
Pray for all of the "Imam's" of Saudi Arabia. Pray that they will have miracle encounters with the LIVING GOD!

Pray that the traditions that bind and blind Saudi's will be broken and that the scales of their eyes and understanding will be removed.

Pray that they will become seekers of THE SON- not the new moon.

RAMADAN

THE ROUTINE
Practice should make perfect!

Saudi Practice
Up at 4:30, a meal is eaten. First prayer around 5:30 is given. Not even a piece of gum is to be enjoyed during the day. Second and Third prayers in the afternoon- one early one late are given. Fast is broken at sunset. Tea is prepared. A meal of dates is eaten, with other people who are invited to break the fast. These get togethers are called Iftar parties. These are important for piety's sake and unity. Before dinner there is the fourth prayer. After dinner the 5th and last prayer of the day is prayed. There is a recitation in the mosque. This continues for 30 days! During these 30 days work and duties continue as usual. The heat is brutal and days are long.

***PzNPra***
Pray that the eyes of the Saudi's will be opened to see the futility of this practice.

Pray that Saudi's will know JESUS.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11: 28-30 New International Version (NIV)

RAMADAN

THE FORMULA
(HTLF= MRx70)
Helping the Less Fortunate=More Rewards. 1=1x70=MORE

A time of generosity! A time of charity! A time to increase one's rewards!

During this time of Ramadan, Saudi's are doing their best to help the poor and needy. They are working very hard to help the less fortunate not only financially, but emotionally as well. The belief is that each and every help they give will be multiplied 70 times or more in rewards for them.

The fasting is to give each Saudi the feeling that comes for the poor on a regular basis. They can identify with the less fortunate. This is good! What isn't good is the lie that they must persuade God to accept them on their own. This FORMULA becomes critical in their behavior during this season. What they believe is gathered for them during this time will cover them and carry them through the next year, until it starts all over again. They have no confidence , only wishful thinking that it will all balance out.

***PzNPra***
Pray for the Saudi's that all FORMULAS will be replaced with understanding of GOD'S MERCY,LOVE, REDEMPTION AND GRACE!

Pray also for the less fortunate Saudi's that they will come to know CHRIST and the riches in that personal relationship.

RAMADAN

Carrying Their Own Burdens Carrying Their Own Burdens Carrying Their Own Burdens Carrying Their Own Burdens Carrying Their Own Burdens Carrying Their Own Burdens Carrying Their Own Burdens Carrying Their Own Burdens Carrying Their Own Burdens Carrying Their Own Burdens

Saudi's are required to observe Ramadan. What does Ramadan mean, anyway? In Arabic , the word is ramida or ar-ramad. This means severe heat or intense dryness, like from the ground. Also there is ramdaa that means cooked or "sunbaked sand".

To Saudi's Ramadan is burning out their sins, like the sun is burning the gound. They are struggling to rise early each morning around 4:30 to have a meal before the fast starts and then to go to their first of Five prayers for the day.
They are struggling with their own humanity and trying so hard to get God's attention. There is something similar found in the Bible in the book of Psalms.
Chapter 63 states :
O God You are my God ;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.

This passage comes from the Old Testament of the Bible. This is before Christ came and lived among men, sacrificed HIMSELF and Rose again. Even so there is a difference in the knowledge of God's love toward David in this case.
This is David crying out to GOD! The difference here is that David new full well that GOD knew him. David knew that he and GOD had relationship. Saudi's have no idea if God has relationship with them or not. They are completely clueless whether they are known by GOD or not and even so, if they are , Will they be accepted?

If you ask a Saudi, does GOD accept you now?
A Saudi will reply "God willing or I really hope so, but I don't know. I am not sure."
" INSHALLAH"- If God wants. This is a very fatalistic view of God, not the view of a LOVING, FORGIVING, REDEEMING, RELATIONSHIP KEEPING GOD!

***PzNPra***
Pray that Saudi's will understand that GOD has HIS eye on them.

Pray that they will know HE is seeking the lost and they are included in that list.

Pray that they will have opportunity to hear the truth about GOD'S love that HE sent JESUS and JESUS wants to know them personally.

Pray that they will become saved!

RAMADAN

Are You Fasting?

Are you? Have you? Ever?

Right now Saudi Arabs are fasting. They are doing without food, drink, smoke, and sex from the break of dawn to the dropping of the sun.
This is the month of fasting called RAMADAN. All Saudi's are required to participate in this fast. ( Children under 8 years old are dismissed from this)
This time of fasting for Saudi's is a time of writing wrongs, of seeking God for his mercy, and for pleasing him. During this time Saudi's are trying to seek forgiveness for their past sins and are seeking to capitalize on their "rewards" from God.
God is not a personal friend. He is far, far away, thus the struggle to execute this fast without flaws is harsh.

***PzNPra***

Pray for all Saudi's that they will come to know that GOD is close by, that HE cares about them, and that HE is not far, far away!

Profile 14

The Teacher

This teacher has her own children. She is known to ask many questions about various topics. This is a good sign in regards to the possibility of a religious conversation.

***PzNPra***
Pray that this teacher will have opportunity to ask believer's her questions. Pray that she will think and question deeply the practice of Islam and the premise that "Sharia Law" is founded on.

Profile 13

Number 5

Number 5 among his brothers and sisters, but number 1 in my eyes and the eyes of my home. He is wild, fairly destructive.
He's Number 5.

He is not in school just like the rest.
He is Number 5.

He can tear a house up with no understanding of what he has done.
He's Number 5.

He comes from a poor family. He's not the first.
He's Number 5.

He's not in school. He has no clue for a rule.
He's Number 5.

I can go on, there is so much more But..................
He is ONLY 4!!!!

***PzNprA***
Will you pray that he will become rich in the knowledge of the REDEEMER, CHRIST THE LORD!!!

Profile 12

Mr. Pool Table

I felt another Sad Amazement at "Mr. Pool Table" and his stories that are told to impress me with his Muslim faith. I had no proper way to respond to the following story.

"Mr. P.T. " was telling me that a well respected Japanese scientist has discovered, that due to the placement of the moon, the Arabic Calendar , especially days 13-15 has an effect on people all over the world. This effect makes people nervous. There are more mistakes made for example in traffic, etc.

The scientist also encouraged people to fast on these three days so that it would make them feel calm.

"Mr. Pool Table" has a Master's Degree that he obtained while living in the West. He lived there for 4 years.

***PzNprA***
Pray for Mr. Pool Table and his ability to think critically.

Pray for him and others who study abroad, that they will have opportunity to hear the truth of Christ and Freedom in HIM and HIM alone.

Pray that they will accept Christ while abroad.

Profile 11

"The Worshiper"

The first time I met "the Worshiper" I was at a friend's visiting. I found out that he belongs to the Shia which is the minority, while the majority is Sunni. I also found out that he is full of his faith.

He, for an hour non-stop relayed wonderful stories about the leader of the Shia, Ali. ( Ali the prophet is also the adopted son of Mohammed the founder of Islam)

It wasn't the time for me to share about my faith, so I just sat there amazed at his blindness. He was full of a prophet who had commited one violent act after another. With allegiance he is bound up in a faith system that poisons him to the point that he won't consider Christ. My heart goes out to him and those like him who are bound by these chains.

***PzNpr***
Pray that "the Worshiper" will taste the love that Christ has for him.

Pray the same for all who are blind and bound.

Pray that these chains will be snapped off and broken and the goodness of the Lord will be known and embraced.

Today's Martyr's!

I listened to a lecture about martyr's in the Early Church ( before the year 300). This and some material I have read made me think that the death of Christians in public places at that time was a kind of mass evangelism.

In those days and times they could not evangelize openly, just like in Saudi Arabia today; but their deaths in amphitheaters, and on the fire steaks were used as witnesses to all who were left.

In August 2008, the murder of the Saudi girl by her own Father became a public event due to the internet. You can Google the story.

***PzNprA***
Let's pray that the blood of today's martyr's will continue to cry out and cause more and more curiosity and discussion.

Pray that the discussions will lead into sincere search for the truth.

Pray that there will be believer's who will be able to share the word and their faith.

Profile 10

The Kind Father

He wants the best for his family boys and girls alike.

He takes time with his sons and is proud of their education and their jobs. He shares sports with them. He takes them to the mosque with him.

He allows his girls to travel with him and even goes shopping with them, being patient all the while.

The Kind Father is rare in his balanced treatment of both sexes.

He and others like him are constantly being watched by other members of his family and neighbors to see if he is living in accordance with the "sharia law" . Sharia law is the governance of life, including marriage, and divorce.
He is being watched by his own tribal members as well as his neighbors. If they see that he is living in an non-comformist Islamic manner, he can be cast out of his family of influence. He can be brought before a judge and sentenced. He can be flogged, punished , imprisoned, even killed.

It is interesting that I have heard numerous times the horrors of women who live in Saudi Arabia, but not much is looked at of the man's lot in Saudi society. Yes, he has more freedom's no question, but his every move is being observed, weighed against the level of "Sharia law" and ISLAM.

This Kind Father is always walking a tight rope. He is wanting tolerance for others and a peaceful , charitable way of life for his own as well as others, but if he professes his openess he may plummet to his own destruction or death.

***PzNpra***
Pray for this KIND FATHER and for all of those who are like him.

Pray for the chains of darkness over Saudi Arabia to be broken.

Pray that he/they will have the courage and enough freedom to hear the truth of the gospel.

Pray that they will be changed because of this truth and that they can share with their daughter's and son's ( the leader's of Saudi Arabia of tomorrow) this truth.

Pray that this will become a nation of not only kindness , but of power , truth and of sound
mind. For God has not given us a spirit of fear , but of power, love and a sound mind. 2Timothy 1:7

Profile 9

The Bible Taker

He asked me about my scripture. He asked me without me saying a word.

I gave him my Bible. It was sad that I was shocked that he had asked.

***PzNpra***

Pray that this Bible Taker will become a Bible Believing, Bible Talker!

Pray that he will become convinced that the Bible is the truth from God.

Pray that others will share with him about their own relationship with JESUS.

Pray that GOD'S word will work miracles in the Bible Taker's life.

Profile 8

The Watcher

The Watcher and I talked about a righteous life. A life acceptable to GOD and what that means. He was quick to admit that he could not walk on the straight and narrow path that was set before us. He admitted that he was afraid to meet GOD after his death; even so, he focused more on the " wickedness of the west" with all of its flaws.

This was sad since he seemed to gain some kind of comfort in contrasting his own sin with that of "THE West". He felt superior in his life's state, especially in comparison with Westerner's.

This expression of ideas is very common among Saudi's.

***PzNPra***
Pray that this nation will be permeated with the fact that only GOD ACCEPTS HIS SON'S SACRIFICE ON THE CROSS AS THE PAYMENT FOR OUR OWN SIN WHEN WE ACCEPT JESUS AS HIS SON AND AS GOD AND AS THE ONLY WAY FOR US TO GO TO THE FATHER. JESUS IS THAT DOOR.

Pray for the Watcher that he will see that JESUS is The DOOR, The WAY!

Pray that Saudi's will hear the truth through the media inside and outside of the Kingdom.

Pray that there will be a change in the national discussion especially in the Mosques. Pray that Saudis' will be set free to hear the truth of Salvation: "For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not die,but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Profile 7

Tribal Life

During a regular gathering of 20 men who share a meal, I asked about the Ramadan observance. I was told about the gathering they had as a tribe.

It gave me more insight into Tribal life. He told me that there is clear leadership, and organization.

Most tribes will have run an office from where telephone directories are made. These directories include information such as job titles, number of children and their ages. These serve so that members can keep in touch especially to ask for each others help. For example, if you need to obtain a driver's license you can call a family member who works in the office of the traffic police, who will contact colleagues to ensure smooth processing.

There are indisputable regulations as to who will be the leaders of the tribe. These leaders approve marriages and the like. Without this approval in important decisions, the tribe could turn against the nucleus family.

***PzNPra***
Pray that these 20 men and the families they represent will have opportunity to hear the truth of JESUS and HIS saving grace and that they will be drawn by the HOLY SPIRIT into the kingdom of GOD.

Pray that the tribes and their leaders will come to know the saving grace of JESUS.

Pray that the LORD will win whole tribes of Saudi Arabia!

Profile 6

Slave of God

5 minutes in the conversation had moved to a deep level. This "slave of god" loves to speak about religion, philosophy and has a very good background in both.
The guy is not the "Professional" religious he is a rare find Saudi who is a critical thinker. He is open enough to look at other belief systems.
Don't let me give you the wrong idea, He is very boastful about the truth in his Shia faith.

He loves staying up late and running over and over the tenets of Shia.

He was open to pray that God would show us the truth in a dream. The dream would have to show which is the truth the Koran or the Bible.

He asked to see my Bible.

***PzNPra***
Pray that the LORD will give him the dream that will show that the Bible is the truth .

Pray that he will have a hungering and thirsting for the Bible.

Pray that he will have other opportunities to read the Word of God.

Pray for the protection around him while he studies the Bible.

Pray that he will be won by the truth and that he will be surrounded with other believer's that will befriend him.

Profile 5

The Local Influence

She has a strong character. She visits others and influences them.

She will make you feel uncomfortable and will try to win you to Islam. You will feel repulsion to her ways with you and others.

She boasts confidently many times about strange things such as Jinn ( evil spirits). Somehow she has the ear of many and they ask her advice on religion.

When she tried to convert me there was a spiritual tension.

***PzNpra***
Please pray for her that God will touch and change her heart. Pray that she will have many opportunities to hear and discuss the truth with believer's.

Profile 4

The Neighbor Lady
She has had 3 miscarriages in her 12 year marriage. I found this out around the Easter season and I had the opportunity to share with her about the meaning of this Holy observance , as well as the concept of Christian marriage. I said it all short and sweet. The pain was real and in Saudi society there is a REAL problem for women who don't have children. Many times they are divorced for this reason alone.

***PzNpra***
Pray for Mrs. NL, pray that she will be able to have a baby. Pray that the message that was shared ; that nothing is impossible for my GOD will come back to her remembrance , and that this will be a witness to her that JESUS IS GOD!!!

Profile 3

The Conspiracy Theorist

Conspiracy theories are widely discussed on all levels of society. The other day I was in an hour long conversation with Mr. CT about his theories regarding the current financial crisis. Each event in the world is orchestrated by a small group of people ( most theories are thought to have to do with the Americans or the Jews) and the goal of the A's and the J's is to destroy Islam.

Someone has stated that the reason why Saudi's like conspiracy theories is that it gives a way to blame others for all of the woes in life.

***PzNPra***
Pray that Mr. C T and others like him will learn to critically evaluate themselves. Pray that he and others will be convinced of sin and set free from that sin.

Profile 2

Sunni and Shia

The protests in Iran do create tensions among the Saudi's and the two main groups, Sunni and Shia. Some wish the worst for Iran because of it's Shia Islam, while others will look at the protest with awe because it is thought that some are brave to oppose an existing regime and wonder if they would be able to do the same. The government looks in fear and wonders if a message will be sent out that Saudi's can stand up for their rights.

***PzNPra***
Pray that the outcome of the tensions in Iran will become a blessing for the Saudi peninsula.

Profile 1

Pray for all Saudi children.

The school system is saturated with Islam. The children are taught history, but this is Islamic history.

They have societal studies, but these instruct how to behave in an Islamic way.

They read English texts that are full of Islamic ritual content. For example, ritual washings are taught.

***PzNprA
Pray that students will not be brainwashed by their mandatory Educational studies. Pray that their Spirit's will be protected in order for them to hear the truth about JESUS. Pray that they will have a choice. Bind Satan from the lives of these children.

Getting to Know Them!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Not all Saudi's are terrorists. They have been hijacked by a terroristic religion. If you don't believe me just read: "WHY I AM NOT A MUSLIM" by IBN WARRAQ. As I have stated before, they are now living in a "kind of hell" and unless there is intervention they will live in HELL throughout eternity.

Most Saudi's are incredibly hospitable. Most want to know God and are on the "Hamster wheel" of legalism to try to accomplish this-"Knowing God ", to no avail, no way -no how! No matter how hard they try or how desperate they feel because they are schizophrenic in their actions before during and after Ramadan they are still not secure that they have relationship with HIM. They are always in fear that they will not be accepted by God. They always have that fear striking their mind's and heart's about their place before God. They are never sure. Never ever peaceful about eternity. They don't know where they will be after death. They, at best are only hoping-H-O-P-I-N-G, NOT KNOWING!

This again is where you and I come in. Some of us KNOW where we will spend eternity, even if we don't know exactly how that works out. We still have an assurance that God has accepted us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for our very own sin and sins. Like the disciples: WE the Forgiven , Cleansed and Known are to be about the King of King's business as HE said before he ascended," All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." MATTHEW 28:18-20

HE didn't say "some nations", HE said ALL NATIONS. Saudi Arabia is one of those nations! Again, this is where you and I come in , if you are also "BORN AGAIN" as I am. This is where we make a commitment to pray for the lost Saudi's of the world.
I am going to make this easier for you from now on. I will give a profile of a real Saudi whom you can pray for. Please make a difference with me for this "lost" nation.
Remember what this blog is about? Two Major things: PRAYER AND PRAYER FOR SAUDI ARABS.