20110801

destined awakening.

the supermarket was empty..of food that is. it was most definitely not lacking in bodies. i am crazy to be out buying food right now, but hey the apartment needs some food and household necessities. i catch my taxi, which i share with another gentleman. i didn't mind heading a little ways away from home to his destination before mine. as the taxi whizzes through town, its hard to not notice the hundreds of people up and down the street preparing for one of the most extreme and important practices of their religion. no the woman aren't on the streets, but all the men have already laid out their prayer mats in preparation for the long months journey. i stare in wonder. a millon thoughts racing, yet all i can express is a blankness. the devotion is astounding, but baseless, misguided. 


to talk about Ramadan in America seems like a fantasy or a novel of some sort that never really happens. to experience Ramadan first hand in a muslim nation is startling to the eye and inconsolable to the heart. as i sit out on my roof tonight, the air is filled with the smell of expensive meats and the buzzing of thousands of voices chanting to a god that is not even real. i can't begin to express to you the burden that lays heavy on my heart. i can't stop asking myself, 'what must be done or said or shown to these people to unveil their eyes from this facade and believe the truth of our Savior, of our Jesus who saved us from all wickedness in this world?' 

well i will tell you, i am sure i will still be asking myself that same question even after this month of Ramadan. so what can i do about this current situation? this is a spiritually 'high' time, if i may use that term, and the devil will sure to be at work. 
thus, i have not only decided to bathe myself in prayer, as well as my team and even the Muslims themselves, but i will take part in the fast as well. Fasting is a Christian spiritual discipline, mentioned multiple times in the Bible and to look at it from a cultural perspective, it is not wrong to do this fast, we simply have two different motives and two different 'gods' (which their is only one true God). 
not only will me partaking in this fast spiritually shield me and test and build my faith, but i see this time of fasting and praying as an opportunity to possibly enter into some Muslims homes and share an evening meal with them and their families. a chance to build relationships with these wonderful people. 

now you must be aware that this process is long and draining: physically, mentally and spiritually. so i ask you to join in prayer with me and for me. please remember the thousands of people sold out to an empty religion. Pray that during this time of exerting themselves that the Lord, our Lord, speaks to their hearts and reveals His love and grace to them and their families. i know it will be tough, but my God is mighty and sufficient and He will provide me with strength and discernment. please pray. 

tonight is the beginning of a destined awakening. 

2 comments:

carolyn marie said...

Amazing Chels!! Praying for opportunities for you...God is going to do amazing things not only just in this month, but in the many months ahead. Praying for you girl! Love you!

Ba(mom) said...

to our precious daughter who we love so very much. We love your heart, your mission, your passion and the most important Our wonderful Savior. He is with you always. Your steps are ordered by him. He knows the plan he has for you tomorrow. How amazing is that! He sees your sad heart . His heart is sad too. He will use you in a mighty way. We love you so very much, mom, dad and Johnny