Network update
Mahabba Network
Ramadan - A time for opportunities

The Islamic month of Ramadan runs from 10 March to 8 April this year (2024). Ramadan is a great time to start conversations with Muslim friends and colleagues and to focus on praying for Muslims in our local community and across the UK. These next few weeks are full of opportunities!

Ramadan - A time for opportunities
Action & impact
Mahabba Network
Something to Celebrate

In the kingdom of God there is always lots to celebrate, but this month we are particularly thankful for the successful face-to-face meeting of Mahabba Coordinators, for answered prayer and for new volunteers.

Something to Celebrate
Network update
Mahabba Network
New Ways to Connect

Did you know that we have a Mahabba prayer group just for millennials? It was launched in January. It is for anyone aged between 18-40. This month we’ll learn a little more about the group and the volunteer who leads it as well as looking at the Support Circle and inviting you to be part of our face to face – virtually.

New Ways to Connect
Action & impact
Mahabba Network
More to Mahabba

We’re excited to tell you about a Mahabba event that happened in Croydon last weekend called the Hope Event. This regular gathering is designed for people to bring a friend from another faith background. This time they had an African theme, celebrating God’s diversity and creativity. We also want to highlight some of the other things that Mahabba is involved in such as Millennial and Juma prayers.

More to Mahabba
Network update
Mahabba Network
Faithfulness and Perseverance

We hope that you were one of the many who joined our bi-annual prayer meeting last Friday. It was an encouraging time with music, testimony and prayer. Have you ever wondered what the Mahabba circles are all about? They’re part of our vision of being a grassroots organisation.

Faithfulness and Perseverance

2019

Lovefast 30: Offering hospitality

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 30 of 30

By Phil S from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“And the Lord appeared to him (Abraham) by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, “O Lord, if I have found favour in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on...”
— Genesis 18:1-5

Thought for the day

Offering hospitality

St Francis of Assisi and a companion, Illuminato, crossed enemy lines and entered into the Sultan's camp during the 5th crusades 800 years ago

He met with Sultan Malik al Kamil (and Sufi adviser Fakhr al-Farisi) in 1219 in Damietta, Egypt.

He came with a simple message, ‘Peace be upon you,’ which echoed the Muslim greeting, 'Assalam Walekum' and the response 'Walekum Assalam.' Maybe that is why he was accepted and given an opportunity to proclaim his faith in Jesus to the Sultan himself.

St. Francis never spoke against Muhammad or his Message or said that the sultan was wrong in his beliefs. The sultan was therefore willing to listen to Francis speak of why he followed his Saviour, Jesus Christ.

That space of kindness, respect, and new friendship was maintained throughout their time together. St. Francis of Assisi is warmly remembered by Muslims as “The Monk” who came to visit.

Gentle conversation, mutual respect, being honourably received, and eating together. These were all hallmarks of the encounter. Francis even brokered a peace agreement, resulting in a ceasefire (although it was not long lasting it nonetheless prevented bloodshed).

This encounter between Sultan and Saint represents a vibrant model of interfaith engagement and faith-sharing that is highly relevant in these times of conflict. And it is symbolised in the act of meetings and eating together.

Prayer for the day

St. Francis of Assisi's prayer in praise of God (probably influenced by his encounter with Al Kamil) given to Brother Leo:

You are holy, Lord, the only God, and Your deeds are wonderful.

You are strong. You are great. You are the Most High. You are Almighty.

You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.

You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.

You are Good, all Good, supreme Good, Lord God, living and true.

You are love. You are wisdom. You are humility. You are endurance. You are rest. You are peace. You are joy and gladness. You are justice and moderation. You are all our riches, and You suffice for us. You are beauty. You are gentleness. You are our protector. You are our guardian and defender. You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope. You are our faith, our great consolation.

You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord, God Almighty, Merciful Saviour.

Daily action

ind out more about the Sultan and the Saint by watching the trailer to the film: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OOLOD8tQ8U&t=19s. and read more about it www.sultanandthesaintfilm.com

Known as Dolmas in the Middle East, this is a dish that Sultan Malik al-Kamil may have actually offered to St. Francis of Assisi. Vine leaves, filled with spiced meat or grains and vegetables.

Try making 'Dolma', stuffed vine leaves, to serve to Muslim guests. Then you can invite them to your home and host them for a 'peace-meal', or take as an Eid gift https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUCgBaQe1g8

You can read more about it here..... https://saintsandrecipes.com/st-francis-of-assisi-and-the-sultan-stuffed-grape-leaves/

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 29: Language of hospitality

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 29 of 30

By Jonathan from Welcome Churches

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
— Matthew 25:35-36

Thought for the day

Language of hospitality

The door opened into a sparsely furnished room. Some nervous and curious faces greeted us as we said “Hello”. They invited us in, giving us the best seats, then there were smiles and laughter as we tried to communicate with Ahmad and Fatemeh; using simple English and hand signals while they did their best to respond.

The shy kids clung to their parents, eyeing up the strangers who had just arrived. They gratefully received the little gifts we had brought in our Welcome Box, thankful that someone cared enough to visit them in this strange land.

They were soon serving us hot sweet tea from small glasses along with a side serving of nuts and dried fruit.

Here was an opportunity to speak the language of hospitality that they know so well, that has been part of the rhythm of Middle Eastern life since the time of Abraham.

As we drank tea with them, they received our visit as an honour. Hospitality is such a deeply held value in Middle Eastern Culture, and a way that Muslim asylum seekers feel able to give back to their Western hosts.

We can learn much about hospitality from people like Ahmad and Fatemeh, even if they have had to flee and leave everything behind, if we will only take the time to sit and drink tea with them.

Prayer for the day

Prayer for Refugees (Church of England):

Almighty and merciful God,
whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own;
look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger,
homeless and hungry.
Bless those who work to bring them relief;
inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;
and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Daily action

Welcome Churches vision is for every refugee to be welcomed by the local church. This year, we are building a Welcome Network, a national network of churches committed to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers into their communities, reducing the isolation of thousands of refugees each year.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 28: Valley of Imams - Sufis

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 28 of 30

By Ted from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus...”
— 1 Timothy 2:5

Thought for the day

Valley of Imams

imagine for many users of 30 days, this is the first time they have heard of Yemen’s “Valley of Death.”

I first heard about it some time ago from some of my Muslim neighbours.

They call it the “Valley of the Imams.”

They speak of Tarim, its main city, with reverence.

It is seen as a place where an extremely pure and mystical form of Islam has been preserved.

The teaching of the Sufi masters of that region are currently gaining a following among British Muslims.

They major on Muhammad as the great intercessor.

Before the war made Yemen inaccessible, a steady stream were going to Tarim to study.

The Sufi masters of the Hadramawt are gaining a following because Muslims in Britain are looking for more than they find in their mosques.

Let’s pray that they find Jesus, the mediator, our advocate and our intercessor before God.

Prayer for the day

Lord, reveal yourself to those seeking within Islam. May they discover that the Lord is their shepherd, and when they pass though the valley of the shadow of death may they discover you are with them to deliver them from evil and guide them to truth (Psalm 23).

Daily action

Find out about Sufism. Look online.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 27: Nomad

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 27 of 30

By Georgina from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”
— John 17:16

Thought for the day

Perpetual nomads

Once you start thinking about it, the Bible is really built around nomads.

Abraham is called to the Promised Land but takes a lifetime to get there; the Israelites wander for 40 years and are not long settled before they are taken into exile.

Jesus has no place to lay his head and St. Paul's life is characterised by travels, even in captivity.

These are examples of people who were physically nomadic but there are also those who are mentally nomadic.

Peter took years to move from his Jewish culture to the freedom offered in Christ.

Acts 10:9-16 shows that Peter struggled with Jewish food laws long after his walk with Christ as disciple.

In the same way, believers from Muslim background may stay in one geographic place but they traverse different worlds.

They may settle quickly into a new Christian 'culture' or they may take the rest of their lives to settle, always negotiating two identities.

In the same way, refugees, exiles and immigrants may be perpetual nomads.

Perhaps we can learn from them what it is to 'not be of this world' and yet to be sent to the world (John 17:14-19).

Prayer for the day

Lord Jesus, help us to find our full identity in You, and help us to share you with others so they too can discover who they really are…

Daily action

See if you can host the course, Joining the Family, in your congregation or home group.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 26: Night of Power

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 26 of 30

By Phil G from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8

Thought for the day

Night of Power

Why is this night so special? Muslims believe that on this night particularly God will hear and answer their prayers. It is said that praying through this night is better than praying for a thousand months and that if they pray without rest until dawn God is more likely to forgive their sins.

It’s also called the Night of Destiny. Many Muslims believe that on this night God determines what will happen to them and their family in the coming year, so it’s worth making extra effort in praying.

Many of our Muslim friends will be trying their best to please God and earn his forgiveness and blessing tonight. How we long for them to know that they don’t have to do all these things to be right with God. How we need to pray that God will open their eyes to see the forgiveness that Jesus freely offers.

Prayer for the day

Pray for the Muslims you know, that tonight they would have dreams and visions of Jesus.

Daily action

Explain about the Night of Power to your Christian friends and ask them to pray for Muslims tonight. How about going in pairs and prayer walking your street to pray.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 25: Alive - Iranians

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 25 of 30

By Mohjde from ELAM Ministries

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.”
— Acts 1:1-3

Thought for the day

Alive

God is doing amazing things among Iranians. This entry is based on Elam's Easter Newsletter

Mojhde writes: "One of my favourite verses in the whole Bible is Acts 1:3 where, ‘after his suffering,’ Jesus ‘presented himself alive’ to his disciples.

To that first generation of his followers, Jesus tangibly and powerfully showed himself to be alive – risen from the dead! What a glorious Easter truth.

Another glorious truth is this: Jesus is still ‘presenting himself alive’ to people today. All across Iran, Jesus is presenting himself alive to ordinary people in extraordinary ways, and many are surrendering their lives to Him.

By God’s grace, this recent Easter many thousands of new Iranian believers celebrated the risen Jesus for the first time. Praise God for His amazing work.

And its happening in Europe too ......

The pictured Bible belongs to Sanaz, a new Iranian believer in a refugee camp in Europe. As you can see, she has a real hunger for the Word of God! Sanaz has loved studying her Bible ever since she came to faith. Devouring sermons and books that help her to understand God's Word, she takes careful notes. So when other refugees ask questions about Jesus, Sanaz is ready to share. Many now want their own copies of the Scriptures.

Prayer for the day

Pray with ELAM: That Jesus continues to present himself alive to many more in Iran and beyond (especially here in Britain); That more lives will be transformed through encounters with the resurrected Christ

Daily action

Find out more about ELAM and what is happening among Iranians in Britain and Europe.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 24: Eat! - Hospitality

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 24 of 30

By Charlotte from Frontiers

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
— Acts 2:44-47

Thought for the day

Eat!

At a mother and toddlers’ group that I go to with my daughter there is a Muslim lady who is originally from the Middle East.

Very often she brings a new friend to the group and she is always helping others, especially those who are new to the area.

She is a great blessing to many who know her.

When I see the gifts that God has given her to bless others, I pray that one day she will be using them in His Kingdom and for His glory.

Muslim culture is very hospitable and family oriented; food and eating play an important part in this.

Whenever I visit my Muslim friends I always leave having eaten a lot!

I feel sure that when they come to know Jesus this will be a distinctive of their new faith communities just as it was in Acts, and that many will meet in homes, eating together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people.

Prayer for the day

Jesus thank you for the hospitality that Muslim communities show. We pray that they would receive you with wide open arms and that many would come to know you.

Daily action

Research your local area. How many Muslims are there in your town or city? Are there restaurants or cafes run by Muslims? Go and eat in one and enjoy their hospitality.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 23: Little Arabia - Arabs in London

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 23 of 30

By Chas from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus.”
— Isaiah 35:1

Thought for the day

Little Arabia

Edgware Road is known variously to Londoners as Little Cairo, Little Beirut or Little Arabia because of the large number of Middle Eastern restaurants and shisha cafes that stay open late at night.

What is less well known is that Britain is home to over 350,000 Arabs from Somalia, Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and other countries.

Most live in Greater London, especially in the boroughs of Brent and Ealing, though populations can also be found further afield in Cardiff and South Shields.

In the summer, about a million and a half wealthy Arabs vacate the intense heat of the gulf for the temperate summers of London.

They are also attracted by the shops, shisha cafes, restaurants and parks in areas like Edgware Road.

Living in and visiting London provides them with the freedom to consider the Gospel outside of the religiously restrictive nations they come from.

Prayer for the day

Pray for those struggling to settle in to the UK, especially refugees. Pray that Arabs will hear the good news and be filled with Holy Spirit.

Daily action

Are you visiting London this summer? Why not add to your agenda visiting Edgware Road for an evening meal, or visit Regents Park during the day. Pray for an opportunity to share the good news with those you meet.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 22: Conditions apply - Pakistanis in the UK

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 22 of 30

By Karamat from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”
— Leviticus 19:33-34

Thought for the day

Conditions apply

A journalist contact of mine recently summed up Pakistan in these words: “it’s not inclusive of all its citizens. We are Pakistani by birth but conditions apply. Certain sects, women, religious and sexual minorities, artistes, entertainers and of course the poor are constantly let down. Only a particular ideology and mindset is accepted as Pakistani -- by the state and even by the people at large. But as a woman, there is no doubt in my mind that both the Pakistan and Islam of today have little room for women as free individuals. If I was a Christian or Hindu girl, I could have been abducted. If I had run away with a lover, I could be killed for honour. If I were raped, I would be expected to stay silent while the perpetrators would have impunity.” There is some hope with the recent change of government led by Imran Khan.

In the context of Britain, many towns and cities have a significant Pakistani community, with the largest being in Birmingham where there are up to 200,000 of the community. The vast majority of the community come from Azad Kashmir, the disputed territory under Pakistani control. The community is one of the most deprived of ethnic groups. If they are employed this will be in low paid jobs, in cheap restaurants, the retail trade and driving taxis. They follow their religion, Islam. Few have become followers of Christ. It would be fair to say they are the ‘Samaritans’ of our times.

Prayer for the day

Pray for the nations of Pakistan and Kashmir, for religious freedom and protection of minorities. In the British context pray that the community prospers and are open to the message of the Gospel.

Daily action

Pakistanis make up the largest minority in UK. Watch this video: BBC "How Pakistani city of Mirpur became Little England." Get to know your Pakistani neighbours. Check where they live. Consider prayer walking in an area near you (maybe near the mosque in your area) and praying and interceding as well as visiting shops and talking to people. It's fun…


Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 21: Living stones - Swahili Muslims

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 21 of 30

By Georgina from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“Other sheep I have, which are not of this Fold: Them also I must bring, and they shall hear my Voice”
— John 10:16

Thought for the day

Living stones

The 19th century explorer and missionary, David Livingstone, travelled through south-eastern Africa together with Swahili traders. The Livingstone Online project makes his works available, showing several entries in his field diaries that detail his contact with 'the people from the coast.'

He relied on their local knowledge and also formed strong relationships with some while he tried to discourage the slave-trade. His friend, Mohammed Bogharib, often helped him out of trouble mostly by sharing food. Livingstone seems most grateful, writing in The Last Journals II, on the celebration of Eid ul-Adha, ‘the cookery is of their very best, and I always get a share.’ He even postponed one of his excursions because he was being so well-fed by Bogharib.

When Livingstone disappeared for several years, a newspaper cutting reports that 'the Arabs consider him to be one of them.' This was just before Henry Morton Stanley came across him and exclaimed, 'Dr Livingstone, I presume!'

Perhaps most telling of Livingstone's life in Africa is the care that was taken by the Christian, James Chuma, and the Muslim, Abdullah Susi, to return his remains to Britain. In this way they ensured that he was given a stately funeral in Westminster Abbey, London, on 18 April 1874.

Inscribed on the side of his tomb are the words from John 10 v.16. May these 'other sheep' include Swahili Muslims whose ancestors served and loved Livingstone.

Prayer for the day

Lord, help us not to be self-sufficient in our relationship with You or with our Muslim neighbours. Give us the openheartedness to ask for help and to accept help with gratitude. Help us to reach out to other sheep not of our fold, that they too may become 'Living Stones' … acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5).

Daily action

Read more about Dr Livingstone and find out more about the history of Swahili speakers. At the time, Swahili Muslims cared for Dr Livingstone by acting as guide, sharing food, even repatriating his body. Look for opportunities to reach out to Swahili speakers living in Britain from the Coastlands of East Africa And have a go at some Swahili yourself.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 20: Freedom - Uighurs from China

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 20 of 30

By Ted from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favour has come.”
— Luke 4:18-19

Thought for the day

Freedom

Juliette was just on her to visiting some newly arrived asylum seekers. “Have you seen the news?” she said. “It looks the next wave will be from China.”

She was referring to a rare report about the massive re-education programme imposed by the Chinese authorities on the Uighur (pronounced ‘wee- gur’) people, the Turkic Muslim population living in their homeland within China’s Western border. Credible sources are talking about a million or more people being detained. For example, see https://reut.rs/2CIHsyn

China has reason to worry about Uighur nationalism with a population whose ethnic and religious identity is distinct from the Chinese. There have been some terrorist incidents, but will these drastic actions produce peace?

Juliette was almost certainly wrong in thinking that we are likely to get a wave of Uighur asylum seekers. It would be a long way to come and they are being locked in.

Prayer for the day

Lord set these captives free from every captivity that oppresses them.

Daily action

Look out for news of the Uigurs on line. Ask your MP what the UK is doing about it.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 19: Bread

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Day 19 of 30

By Georgina from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body...”
— Mark 14:22

Thought for the day

Flatbread

In a meeting of university students during an interfaith lunch, we were talking about Easter and reading about the Last Supper (Mark 14:12-26).

A long conversation followed about which bread it was that Jesus broke.

The Jewish student found the English translation of 'bread' problematic for a Passover meal and we quickly explained that it most probably meant unleavened bread.

A visiting Somali student insisted that it must have been a flat bread like those used across East Africa.

He is convinced that parts of Somalia has maintained the cultures of the Middle East in a pristine way, so that Muslims and Christians could today learn from Somalis about their early practices.

The Christians in the group had no issue with the type of bread.

Instead they explained that the importance for them lay in Jesus' explanation that the elements of the Passover meal, bread and wine, would become symbols of his body and blood poured out for us.

It was fascinating to see the questions that were brought to the text from our Jewish and Somali friends.

Equally, the students left with a fresh understanding of the Last Supper and its significance having nurtured our bodies and minds around a table.

Prayer for the day

Lord Jesus, help us to listen carefully and think deeply with those around, so that we may all hear your invitation to communion with you.

Daily action

Try some flatbread with your favourite filling, e.g. humous, yoghurt and falafel. Try making your own and sharing with friends

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 18: The journey - Eritreans in the UK

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 18 of 30

By Ted from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?””
— Romans 12:15

Thought for the day

The journey & the messenger

As we read in Acts 8, a man made the journey from Ethiopia to Jerusalem.

On his way back with scripture in his hands, God sent him a messenger.

That was nearly 2000 years ago. He probably came from a territory that includes modern Eritrea.
Today, many people are making the journey from Eritrea to Libya, crossing the Mediterranean in unsafe vessels and trekking across Europe and some arrive in the UK. I met a young woman who had made that journey.

She had lost a brother on the way. She was very anxious about family left behind and the dangers they lived with. She was a Christian.

Many others who make the journey are Muslims, also seeking safety, peace and a new life.
The Eritrean church in the UK is growing. Pray that all Eritreans arriving here will sooner or later have scriptures in their hands and be met by messengers sent by God.

Prayer for the day

Lord, here I am. Connect me to seekers on the journey.

Daily action

Do some research on line. Where is your nearest Eritrean or Ethiopian church?

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 17: Weep - Muslim Women

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 17 of 30

By Chas from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
— Romans 12:15

Thought for the day

Weep with those who weep

Recently a Believer from a Muslim Background had several bereavements in her family and found herself in numerous Muslim funeral gatherings.

During these she sat respectfully and prayed in her heart to Jesus while the Imam performed the prayers. Here is her testimony of what happened next:

'Observing the rituals I had questions that I wanted to ask the Imam. He was in a hurry and did not seem interested in what I was asking about the Muslim faith.

However, fifty women could hear me ask these questions. As he had to rush off I began a conversation regarding my Christian faith with the women there.

I had a captive audience and I gave my testimony as a lot of them did not know I was a Christian.

There are many Muslim women who have no faith or who are simply keeping the rituals of Islam but don't understand what they practice'.

Prayer for the day

Pray for Muslims that you know personally, or have heard about through the news, who are suffering bereavement or loss of any kind.

Daily action

Would you be ready to answer questions Muslims might have about your faith? Not everyone is as they ask different questions to secularists. Prepare yourself by reading 'Seeking Allah Finding Jesus' or 'No God but one' both by Nabeel Qureshi.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 16: Hospitality with a moustache - Kurds in the UK

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 16 of 30

By Adam from Mahabba’s Board of Trustees

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the labourer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you.”
— Luke 10:7-8

Thought for the day

Hospitality with a moustache

There was something different about the guy on the doors at our local supermarket. He was always smiling and friendly - and he had the most amazing bushy moustache!

One evening I was visiting a Kurdish friend and there in his living room was the guy with the moustache. I discovered he was Kaka'i and had fled to the UK as an asylum seeker from Iraq. Now whenever I see him at the supermarket I'm greeted with a warm hug to the astonishment of the other shoppers!

I recently had the opportunity to spend a week among the Kurds in their homeland and experienced their legendary hospitality first hand. I was amazed at their hunger to hear stories about Jesus and their openness to receive prayer.

Jesus trained his disciples to look out for homes where they would be warmly welcomed and to enjoy the hospitality (Luke 10:7). In those homes they were to share the message of the Kingdom, pray for the sick and share the peace that God had given them.

I don't know about you, but I'm not always very good at receiving someone's hospitality. I'm often in too much of a hurry, or feel that I'll be indebted to them. however, I'm slowly learning to slow down enough to be a guest - whether in the home of refugee or enjoying a hug in the doorway of my supermarket!

Prayer for the day

Give thanks for the opportunities we have today to meet people like my Kaka'i friend in our neighbourhoods. Ask God to help us give and receive hospitality and to be a bridge for our Muslim neighbours to discover the peace that comes through Jesus.

Daily action

Look out for an opportunity to visit a Muslim friend or neighbour in their home. Even slowing down enough to chat to someone at the shops can lead to an opportunity to share the peace you've received from Jesus.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 15: This city - Muslims in UK cities

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 15 of 30

By Chas from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.””
— Acts 18:9-10

Thought for the day

You’re the God of this city

London, Birmingham, Leeds. Bradford... many of our cities have high concentrations of Muslims.

This means they are able to form strong supportive communities which protect their faith and culture.

This is a natural thing to do for any ex pat group and we can see British people doing exactly the same when they live in other countries.

Another feature of our cities is the variety of ethnic groupings of Muslims.

For instance, you can visit predominantly Turkish, Bangladeshi, Somali, Iranian, Pakistani and Arab areas in London.

This means that the Christians sharing their faith not only need to penetrate an entrenched community but also a specific cultural group.

Are churches ready to meet this challenge?

Often they can be overwhelmed by the needs of their own congregations and may struggle to penetrate the Muslim community around them.

Prayer for the day

Pray that Churches in our cities would be strengthened to go on speaking and that they would meet people whose hearts God has prepared.

Daily action

Watch the video ‘God of this city’ by Chris Tomlin and pray for the cities in the UK.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 14: Feast - Bengalis in the UK

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 14 of 30

By Biddy from a local Mahabba group

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.””
— Revelation 19:9

Thought for the day

Wedding feast

Just as in the 30 Days booklet, many Bengali Muslim weddings in the UK are lavish affairs.

Some families share the wedding expenses but traditionally one celebration is given by the bride’s and another by the groom’s family and there is a sort-of henna party too.

One young girl told me that her parents had spent £35,000 on car rental alone, and showed me photos of the very smart vehicles too.

Her parents lived in a modest 2 bedroomed terraced house in a northern town.

People go into debt but it is a matter of honour to entertain many friends and acquaintances well.

Jesus understood about weddings. One of the first miracles he did was at a wedding.

Although some Bangladeshis have come to know Christ in recent years many more don’t yet know the riches of a relationship with God through Christ and the promise of a heavenly feast.

Prayer for the day

May many Bangladeshis receive the invitation to the wedding feast of the Lamb and not be put off the by the cost!

Daily action

Read stages of planning a Bengali wedding and watch wedding highlights to get an idea of how elaborate weddings are. Decide now that if you are invited to Muslim social event, you will not chicken out!

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 13: Provide - Unreached People Groups in the UK

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 13 of 30

By Gillie from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.”
— Acts 17:26-27

Thought for the day

God will provide

Ann had to leave the remote part of Central Asia where she had lived for many years among a small unreached people group. She had learned their language and culture – but now it all seemed for no purpose.

Imagine her surprise when back here in the UK she met someone from that people group – someone who welcomed her warmly into the community of about 250 people from that remote place. She is able to continue her ministry – within a few miles of her home!

In our towns and cities there are increasing pockets of unreached people, from places that are virtually impossible to access. We see God moving people, so that they may seek him and find him.

If we befriend one family and build a relationship of trust and understanding, then we will soon be connected with all their relatives and friends. As one person starts to follow Jesus, then the good news can flow along these connections – and back to the remote homelands!

Prayer for the day

Ask God to bring a Muslim across your path who is open to talk.

Daily action

Ask a Muslim about their people group. Rather than ask where are you from (which implies they are different and not from here) you could simply say: tell me your story… and be willing to listen…

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 12: Strangers - Darfurians in the UK

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 12 of 30

By Ted from Mahabba’s Network Team

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
— Leviticus 19: 33-34

Thought for the day

Strangers in a strange land

This year, on two different occasions in my little English town that no one has ever heard of (well, nearly no one!) individuals have turned up from the remote Sudanese region of Darfur.

Both, for different reasons, entered a church for the first time in their lives.

Many years ago, I heard that a group of people had been praying earnestly for 50 years for the Gospel to be made known in Darfur.

And still there was no permanent Christian witness.

Much has changed since then but it is still a hard place to get into.

God has responded to those prayers in a variety of ways.

One of them is that people from Darfur are turning up in our towns and cities, many of them lost and alone, seeking peace and acceptance.

Let’s be there for them.

Prayer for the day

Lord, please connect me with those you are bringing from remote places and help me to show your love.

Daily action

Be on the look out to welcome Muslims from the remotest places in the world.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

Lovefast 11: Friends - International Students

Lovefast prayer and action campaign from the Mahabba Network

Day 11 of 30

By Philip Duncalf from Friends International

Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!

If you’ve not signed up to receive the daily prompts to your inbox - see here →

Daily verse

“On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.”
— Isaiah 25:6

Thought for the day

International friendships

Isaiah 25 speaks of the hope that we have of a future without pain or death with all nations having a great feast.

At Friends International we believe the local church reaching international students is a glimpse of that hope.

Friends International set up events and link volunteers from local churches with international students while also encouraging and equipping the local church in their own international ministries.

We also seek to set up new projects to help engage more students, one new project is an Ifthar meal on campus during Ramadan. Through friendship and food, we find that conversations about faith and the hope we have come naturally. International students are open and interested.

A was brought up in an Indian catholic family but is unsure what he believes and what is cultural, he has been attending our events and started going to a local church and their introduction to Christianity course. He is continually asking good questions and seeking the truth.

B was brought up in a Lebanese Muslim family though some in his family are Christian. He has attended Friends International Walking events as well as the CU mission week events. Though he is still questioning which faith to follow, he is keen to seek truth and discuss Christianity.

C is a Chinese student who hasn’t yet shared what she believes but has attended church and a meal and talk regarding what Christians believe hosted by Friends International volunteers. She has received a mandarin New Testament and really enjoys the songs played at church, so much so she goes and finds them on Spotify to play in her own time. Please pray that they will come to know Jesus personally.

These are just three stories of the 6000 international students who attend the University of Surrey. There are many stories like these across the nation in the 40 branches of Friends International. Many who have not had the invitations that these 3 students have had.

Prayer for the day

Will you pray and support Friends International’s vision to grow to 60 branches by 2025 so that many more would come to know the hope of eternal life through Jesus? Students will then be able to take the good news back to their home countries when they finish studying here.

Daily action

Consider getting involved in hosting an international student - maybe receiving them in your home doing a festival, or joining in an activity run by Friends International at a local university.

Your turn

Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Resources

Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?

There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:

  • Pray Together as a Congregation

  • Small Group Session

  • Night of Power Prayer Meeting

  • Prayer Walk Guide

What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.

Partners of 30 Days of Prayer

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