Hajj and what it means to you

In Christian, Islam, missions by Keegan

Did you guys know that the Hajj starts today? I didn’t (until I saw a reminder on G+), but it’s a great opportunity to pray for Muslims around the world!

I first learnt about the pilgrimage while in high-school, and it fascinated me back then as much as it does now. The amount of tradition, symbolism, and personal sacrifice to habits and culture involved is absolute proof that Muslims all around the world are seeking after God, and seeking a way to be set free and be rid of their sins. As a Christian, and in particular one that so desires to see my Muslim friends come to know Jesus, there is no better proof that they are seeking after a loving Father!

Did you know that women Hajjis don’t cover their faces while on pilgrimage? Even if they’d wear it in their home country?

Anyway, so would you guys join us in praying during this period? Prayercast.com has a pretty good overview of the situation if you’d like to find out more, but really, the question often is;

Why does this matter to me? Why pray now?

Well, a few reasons!

  • Because Jesus loves Muslims and died for them!
  • Because the Hajj is an incredible opportunity for Jesus to reveal Himself to pilgrims taht are praying more than ever that God will speak to them
  • Your prayers could change someone’s eternity.

The above video had some awesome information in it’s description, so I’ll leave that below too, in trusting that it will be okay with the original writer, it was written by the guys over at Prayercast!

“Despite birthing many of the earliest Christian churches, the Middle East and North Africa have endured centuries with little or no access to the Gospel. Today, four of every five Muslims — 20% of the world’s population — have never heard the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is estimated that only 10% of missionaries are working among Muslims, with some estimates as low as 1%. This translates to roughly one missionary for every 1 million Muslims. And yet despite all this, recent decades have seen an unprecedented Christian witness among the Arab world. More Muslims have become followers of Jesus Christ in the last 25 years than in the previous 1250 years!

As Jesus reveals Himself across the region through visions, dreams, and miracles, and as over 350 ministries work together to disciple new believers, an amazing movement of the Holy Spirit is taking place. Families and marriages are being healed. A Spirit of love and freedom is taking root and bringing redemption and hope for the first time.

It has been reported that hundreds of former sheikhs and imams — now Christ followers — are leading many out of Islam, with multiple cases of entire mosques coming to faith in Jesus. These leaders and other former fundamental Islamists make up 20% or more of new Christian leaders in the region. Tens of thousands of Muslim background believers are becoming dedicated intercessors who fast and pray for the Gospel to penetrate neighboring communities. People groups who have never before had one church now have more than 50 or 100 after just two years of engagement.

Despite ongoing persecution and loss of possessions, homes, and loved ones, these new believers are boldly continuing to serve Jesus. They have truly counted the cost, and they know the worth of their newfound faith.”

 

So what do you guys think huh? Quite an interesting time we live in hey!?

Blessings,

Keegan

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