Bible Ping-Pong

An interesting situation developed on a WEC Trek to a Middle Eastern country late last year.  The team were prayer walking in a city known to have only a handful of believers.  One believing family ran a gift store and tea house there, so some of the team entered looking for gifts to purchase. David retells the story, “After offering tea, the owner, in response to the difficulties of communication, brought out a parallel Bible in his language and our own.  He opened it at Romans 1:10-12. It says “One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you.  For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.  When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” We in turn encouraged his family with 1 Corinthians 15:58, “So my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.  Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” This method of communication carried on for 10 minutes with the Bible being passed back and forth.  “It was a huge blessing to be “encouraged in my faith” by one who needed much encouragement, as a persecuted believer in extremely difficult circumstances.”

Believers in this country have experienced a great deal of suffering over recent years.  Karen, another trekker, explains how attending a service there impacted her.  “We participated in prayers for the families of missionaries who had been murdered for their faith.  We also prayed for some of their church members who were embroiled in court cases for merely sharing the gospel. It wasn’t for someone far away but for those who were a part of them.  These possibilities are real for each of them and yet they stay – and more come. God is reaching Muslims as these precious people die to self to give to them.  What a challenge!”