In the aftermath of Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States- and the U.S. military strikes that began Oct. 7- missionaries are calling Southern Baptists to pray with renewed urgency.
Among them:
A Baptist representative teaching English to children of Arab families asks for prayer that she will have opportunities to share the gospel. After the Sept. 11 attacks, she found members of one family crying. One of the children asked, “If there’s a war, will you still be our friends?” The worker reassured them of her friendship. She now has permission to bring a Bible with her to class and show them some of God’s Word. She asks Christians to pray that out of this tragedy, God will bring many more such opportunities for sharing his love.
A worker in a Last Frontier nation writes: “In light of the current events in the United States, some of our prayer partners may be concerned for our safety living among a people group that is more than 50 percent Muslim. We want to stress that we sense no danger. Many of our Muslim friends are saddened by what was committed by the terrorists and have expressed their sincere condolences. One friend even broke down in tears when he inquired if anyone we know has harmed or killed. Rather than causing a rift between us, this incident has brought us closer together. Please pray that God would glorify Himself as He strengthens our friendships with those who need to place their faith in Prince of Peace.”
From southern Asia, a worker writes: “In light of the recent attack on America, pray that [people considering missionary service] will still be able to respond to God and the call He has for them with a ‘yes,’ whatever that call may be. Also ask that even more people would see the desperate need of laborers to go forth and share the hope of Christ… going where He sends them.”
Another missionary writes: “With the recent tragic events that have devastated the United States, remember that what man intends for evil, God intends for good. All citizens are deeply hurt by such loss, but let us also remember that as Christians, we are Kingdom citizens. Our focus, our hope and our strength need to be correctly placed in the One who sustains us and who works in ways we can’t understand this side of heaven. At such time as this, how much more do we need to intercede on behalf of those… who are Muslim, in asking that they may come into a relationship with our King.”
The Baptist World Alliance also asks for prayer for a Baptist church in Pakistan.
Pastor Daniel Sardar said prayer is needed for believers in Pakistan because of the anti-American sentiment flowing through the area. So far the government has protected the church, Sardar said, but Christianity is seen as a western religion and that could cause problems.
(BP, BWA)
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