Hutchens: North Africa

We have now passed the six-month mark in our new country and are also about one-third of the way through language study. We are preparing to give gifts to our principal language helpers as part of the Christian holiday tradition and hope to give something with spiritual significance.

As part of language study and understanding Islam (the majority religion here), we have been learning the “99 names of Allah.”  These names — most of which are found in the Koran — don’t so much describe God’s nature (which is unknown and unknowable according to Islam) but rather describe His actions in the world. Interestingly, among all the names — which include such titles as “The Merciful,” “The Pardoner,” “The Most Gentle” and “The Giver of Peace” — there is no title that describes God as the “Giver of Grace.” Grace, understood as unmerited favor, has no place in this belief system that emphasizes the need to earn God’s love, forgiveness and acceptance.

Please continue to pray with us that God’s grace — seen most clearly in the gift of His Son Jesus Christ — will be seen, understood and accepted by the Muslim people. Pray, too, that God will give us boldness and wisdom in our witness.

Rich and Susan Hutchens
North Africa