“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.”—1 Timothy 2:1 (NLT)

The past year, I found that the more news television I watch, the more fear/anxiety I have, so I try not to tune in too often. However, I started hearing and reading about the horrors in Afghanistan and knew that I could no longer bury my head in the sand and ignore it.  Seeing it on TV is much different than reading about it online.

I can’t help but think about Christians there that are truly taking up the cross for Christ. They are willing to die for not denouncing their faith. They share Jesus with unbelievers knowing how dangerous it is for them. This would not have crossed my mind had I not recently read a book written by missionaries that spend some time in the Middle East. They shared stories about women living in the Gaza Strip. These former Muslim women and their families found Jesus despite being surrounded by extreme Islam fundamentalists where Sharia Law is practiced. 

At the end of the book, when one of these women was asked what can those reading the book do, she responded, Pray for us. Pray for our safety. Pray for Muslims to come to Christ. The majority of Muslims are not terrorists. Look at how they are fleeing their homeland in Afghanistan. They don’t want to live in the midst of these extremists. Many are coming into the United States for asylum.

I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like to leave my country and live somewhere where I don’t have family or friends, am not fluent in their language and possibly have people treat me with hostility because of where I am from and my religious affiliation. What can we do as Christians to make refugees in our country feel more welcome?

For me, I saw on social media that our church started an Afghan Refugee Outreach where they are sponsoring several families who have assisted our military through translating and other services for the last 20 years. The Taliban would have killed them had they stayed in their homes.

After reading that book, my heart felt heavy. Now I have an opportunity right here in Texas to serve in some way as well as pray for these families. It’s not a coincidence I recently read that book and God stirred something in my heart. Right now donating items is what is needed, but God willing, there may be other opportunities for me once the families are set-up in their new homes. 

We were created to give and receive love. No matter where I am, if I look around me, there is always someone in need. True joy can never be found until you are involved in some kind of ministry that reaches out to other people. What are some ways you are or can be doing this in your community?

Am I shining God’s light in my life? How do I do this? Living and loving like Jesus. Reflecting His love through my words, attitudes, and actions. Christians all over are being watched by non-believers. How can you work for God this week?

One way is to pray; for the people in Afghanistan, Christians and missionaries that are in danger in terrorist run areas, Muslims fleeing their homeland; pray for your country, local, federal and world leaders…pray, pray, pray….that is something that all of us can do. Despite what we see on the news Jesus is alive and moving in our world!

Dear Lord, 

Help me to glorify You in all I say and do. Let Your light shine through me to draw others to You. I praise You that no matter how dark our world appears to be, we always have the light of Christ inside of us. Guide me on how to put Your words into action this week. I pray for Christians around the world that are in danger. Give them strength to continue to share the Gospel of Jesus to those that don’t know You. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.

August Memory Verse:

Memorizing Hebrews 10:24 is a reminder for me to be thinking of ways I can encourage others in my small groups.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”—Hebrews 10:24

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