Home: News Archive: October 2004

"They Burned Me With Acid and Cigarettes"
This is just a part of what "Mike" has endured through many ordeals of persecution. He tries to avoid his oppressors by moving from place to place, even disguising himself when going out in public. He is a man on the run because of family connections to extremist Muslims. "Mike" was born Muslim and is now a follower of Jesus Christ.

I have been asked by trusted colleagues to find a way for Mike to get to Canada, where he can find relief from the daily danger facing him. I am looking for a church or individual with the financial means to be responsible for Mike, for possibly several years. I am hoping to get a student visa for Mike, so he can study at a Canadian college. Pray for us as we work to provide Mike a safe place to live. Pray that God will save Mike from all his enemies. Please contact us personally for more information on how you or your church can help.

Muslims Fast, Christians Pray
In 2004, the Muslim Fast of Ramadan runs for 30 days from October 16th. Muslims hope to gain blessing from God by fasting, not knowing that they need to approach God through Jesus Christ. More and more Christians pray for Muslims in a special way during that time. If you would like to participate in a special prayer focus for Muslims during Ramadan, visit 30-days.net where you can sign up to receive prayer requests by email. To learn more about Fasting from both an Islamic and Biblical perspective, click here to read our article on the subject.

Togo-Time
In August, our son Aaron and I visited Togo, West Africa, at the request of ABWE missionaries there. They wanted me to advise them on how to go about initiating a new ministry in a majority-Muslim area. In preparation for that consultation, I travelled the entire length of the country, meeting with Togolese Muslim community leaders, various local officials, pastors, and others.

It has been said that Muslims have targeted Togo for Islamization. The same has happened in several other African nations. Frankly, I was shocked by what I discovered. Signs of the Islamization process are everywhere throughout the country. Our ABWE Togo missionaries and churches need our prayers now more than ever. In 10 years, they will be living in a different Togo than they do today. Pray for wisdom as they plan for future ministries.

Project in Birmingham
From October 18th to 23rd I participate in a planning meeting to consider the feasibility of establishing a permanent training and resource center in Birmingham, England. It is England's most populous city after "Bigcity" and contains a large number of Muslims from various countries. I meet with several other mission colleagues, as well as local church leadership to discuss the project. Pray that God will direct us into his will in this matter, and for him to show us what part we should play should the training center become a reality.

Family Matters
Karen does an amazing job as wife and mother. Her extra volunteer activities include teaching English as a second language, literacy, after-school Bible club, chronological Bible teaching in easy English, AWANA leader, and regularly singing on our church worship team.

Adam (22) is studying political science at Glendon College, York University in Toronto. He and his band, the False Heroics, keep up a regular schedule of concerts at churches, community halls, youth events, and other venues throughout the region. Amy (20) is working this year and making plans for the remainder of her college education. Alisa (18) commutes to her sociology classes at McMaster University in Hamilton each day. Aaron (17) is in his final year of high school and thinking about the next step. Angelie (15) is in grade 10 at the same school as her brother Aaron.

Thank you for your prayers and support. You are needed and appreciated.

George for all
October 2004