An Engaging and Emotional Ramadan

“The church has had several people within our community leave to minister among Muslims and some are on their way to the Muslim world. It seemed appropriate to begin stirring the hearts of the church to pray for these people. Islam is not going anywhere, so why not learn and pray.” In order to foster a heart toward the Muslim people, last summer Paster Bell encouraged Winona Lake GBC to participate in an incredible initiative called 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World.  Since 1993, this international movement has aided Christians in praying for Muslims during the month of Ramadan. Every year, millions of Christians all around the world join in prayer for the hearts of Muslims who are spending that time fasting and seeking God. Last summer was the first time WLGBC participated, and according to Pastor Bell, it was both an engaging and emotional experience for the church. The church ordered 250 copies of the illustrated adult and children versions of the prayer guides to be shared among families. Hundreds of people at the church committed to pray, and they found the guide informative and inspirational. One of the church participants said, “The opportunity for the church to pray through the month of Ramadan has been an eye-opening experience for me.” Pastor Bell is excited for his church to participate in the prayer event again this year, and he hopes that other area churches will join them. He suspects the positive impact of last year’s experience will increase the number of prayers in the church this coming Ramadan season. One month of prayer may seem like a small thing, but it is powerful. As Pastor Bell says, “By praying through Ramadan, you are part of something BIG … worldwide … spiritual! You are a part of a movement of God’s Holy Spirit!”