Prayers for Zanzibar, Bittersweet Church Safari, and Luke 19

Zanzibar Islands

* Zanzibar is found in the Indian Ocean to the east of Tanzania. This tiny island is has a rich history and a beautiful landscape. There are 51 mosques on the island, six Catholic churches, one Anglican church, and 25 evangelical churches.  (wiki)

Although part of Tanzania, these islands are 97 per cent Muslim. The Muslim extremist element continues to grow and to oppress the Christian minority. Christians struggle to find employment and gain access to education. However, there were no reports of Christians being imprisoned, kidnapped or physically harmed for their faith in 2008, nor were any churches attacked. Churches can now officially register and the Church can work more openly. (Open Doors USA)

Population: 1 million

Christian Population: “Few”, as compared to Islam

Leader: President Amani Abeid Karume

Prayer Requests:

1) Praise God for the presence of Catholic, Anglican, and Evangelical churches in Zanzibar. Also, praise God for the growing unity among church leaders. God IS working here.

2) Pray that Bibles and Christian materials will be able to be distributed throughout the island.

3) Pray that the churches here would effectively minister to the Muslims around them.

4) Pray for the little Children of Zanzibar, that they could grow up and choose Christ as their Savior!

Bittersweet Church Safari

Today was an unfruitful safari. I went to the Oasis and they were having a farewell service for their pastor. It was so crowded I couldn’t find a seat, so LJ and I left. 😦 Also, even though I am praising God for my new job, I am sad because I know that I can’t join the Oasis due to my Sunday work schedule. So the hunt continues. I have to find a church that has a Friday evening service (Shabbat Service). I think I found one and am excited because I may get to tap into my Jewish roots, as well as grow in faith in Christ. So…this Friday a new sort of Church Safari begins. Hopefully, this is the place for me.

LUKE 19

I haven’t done this in a while so I am going to do a chapter summary because there are lots of important points for Luke 19. I’ll keep it brief…well, I’ll try.

Salvation for the Sinful- Zaccheus

“Zaccheus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Savior passed him by, He looked up in the tree and He said, ‘Zaccheus, you come down. For I’m going to your house today. For I’m going to your house today.” This is an old song of childhood. There are cutesy motions to it and its a fun song to sing. But there is a serious message of this little song. Zaccheus was a rich tax collector and not a very nice man. However, he heard of Jesus and desired to hear him speak. Jesus picked him (the bad guy) out of the entire crowd and chose him of all people to have dinner at his house. Zaccheus joyfully let him in and Jesus said that salvation has come into this house because “the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Jesus picks the bad guys out of the crowd and says, “You’re my guy.” Another example of grace.

Being Faithful Until Jesus Comes

Jesus told a story at Zaccheus’ house about a rich man who had to leave his servants and gave them all money. Some made great investments of their monies and others did not. They were lazy and didn’t make investments. Jesus said that you have to be faithful in the little I gave you, make the most of it, be faithful to me, and I will bless you when I return. So, use you talents for God and let him find you faithful.

Before Crucifixion Events

Luke 19 is starting to lead up to the crucifixion. Generally, the Gospels recount that before Christ is crucified he is first honored as he rides into the city on a donkey. People lay down palm branches and their coats in the road and cry out “Hosanna”, thinking that Jesus was about to overthrow the Roman government. But this is actually a symbol of spiritual peace to come. It makes me sad that so soon, the crowd who cried “Hosanna” would soon cry “Crucify Him”. After this, Jesus goes to the temple and cleanses it of the dishonest businesses located there. Jesus says that the temple is to be a house of prayer, not a business endeavor.

Prayer Requests:

1) PRAY FOR KHLOE!!!! She had to be air lifted to the hospital because she couldn’t keep up her oxygen levels. I’m sure this is such a disappointment for the Sassmans because she just got to go home. God knows what is best. Pray that the doctors figure out the problem and fix it!

2) Pray for the needs of our brothers and sisters in Zanzibar.

3) Pray for me as I search for a church that has a Friday Night Service.

Dear Lord, Tonight I lift up Khloe. I pray that you heal her body and keep her from harm. Please remove the sadness and disappointment from her parents’ hearts. Give the doctors wisdom and allow them to fix whatever is causing the oxygen problem. Lord, be glorified in Khloe’s healing. I pray for the Christians in Zanzibar. I thank you for the growth of evangelical and other Christian churches here. I pray that the churches would be able to effectively minister to the Muslim community and make an impact for Christ on the island. Please allow the churches to unite in their mission to bless Zanzibar. Also, please allow the sweet children to be able to choose to follow Christ here. Speak to their young hearts and show them the way. Also, continue to bless the many African nations and the Christians here that need protection from persecution, encouragement, and Christian supplies (especially Somalia and Mauritania). Lord, lead me as I try and find a church home. Direct me to the right place. I do not want to forsake the assembly of believers. I want to go to your courts with praise and not miss out on the blessings of fellowship. Reveal this plan. And use me at my new work place for your honor. Help me to be a beacon of kindness, help, strength, and joy. I don’t want to shame you. Use me, Lord. Amen.