Smoke Signals - Pakistan 6 of 6 - The Church
Richard Twiss
Jan 15, 2008
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May 2008 (and the rest of your life) be filled with wonder, blessing and hope in Jesus. I am grateful that Jesus is the same in Pakistan, America, Russia, Bolivia, Vietnam, Fiji, China, etc. yesterday, today and forever.
This is the final report (6 of 6) of my recent trip to Pakistan along with a few announcements. First is an urgent request for prayer from Anwar. The nation is still in a state of upheaval after Mrs. Bhuttos assassination. Anwar writes;
Our nation is suffering its greatest crisis in history. As terrible as the earthquake was in 2005, our present crisis is far greater. Following the assassination of Mrs. Bhutto, government and private people’s businesses, factories, shops, railroad cars, buses, cars, banks and buildings have been destroyed by fire. Billions of Pakistan rupees have been wasted and no one is being held responsible. Pray for the killers to be arrested as well God-given wisdom for the Scotland Yard team from England assisting with this case. Terrorist attacks occur daily. Everyday we hear the news of suicide attacks taking the lives of hundreds. Life is very insecure and upset here. Pakistan is an agricultural land. We are experiencing a famine of wheat for the first time in history. Roti/Nan is a bread staple which is made from wheat flour and is the biggest thing in our meals. If we don't have flour it is like a curse throughout the nation; our people are crying out for meals. Pray for fertility of the land so that it can produce enough wheat. We have had a draught and there is not enough water in our reservoirs which has created a crisis of very low production of electricity. We are having severe problems at this time of “load-sharing” which means we only have electricity 14 hours a day. The result is factories, business and shops are intermittently shut down, which lowers the daily wages of people, as well as the nation. Please pray for enough waters in or dams so that our power plants can generate sufficient electricity for business and life here. Pray for right Prime Minister and party to be elected. We humbly request you to stand with us in raising prayer support for Peace and Prosperity in Pakistan.
REPORT – THE CHURCHES
We traveled to three different communities and spoke at four different church services. Two were in small, walled outdoor courtyards with a PA system blasting out worship in the middle of Muslim neighborhoods for all to hear (standard operating procedure). In one village there was a dozen or two people standing on rooftops and sitting on the walls observing and listening to the worship time. Though it is an Islamic Republic, the church enjoys a high degree of freedom to gather and worship openly.
The Pakistani followers of Jesus worship with such intensity and passion. I love their music. It has a uniquely Indian flavor sung typically to a harmonium and tabala drums. A harmonium is a kind of miniature harpsichord / accordion turned on its side that is operated using a hinged back panel that serves as a bellow to create air that moves over something to create the notes. (Better check it out on the Internet for a better idea).
It is estimated as much a 10% of the population are known followers of Jesus. The percentage would be higher if those who were “secret” followers of Jesus could be counted. Though they must exist under the constant threat of possible harm by Muslim extremists, they openly and courageously live their daily lives as followers of Jesus.
It was very humbling at times to worship together with them knowing this was true. One evening as we worshipped, I was moved to tears. Something welled up inside me as we they were singing a particular song and I began to weep, quietly sobbing. My love for Jesus seemed so overwhelming. Because they were singing in Urdu, I later asked what the words meant and was told it was an invitation to the Holy Spirit to fill them.
Anwar had assembled most of his team of pastors, evangelists and workers so Dave and I could meet and share with them. After we spoke, I told them if I could ask for a gift, it would be for them to sing that song. It had the same effect, as I sat in front of the people, again weeping before the Lord in deep gratitude and worship.
I have a deep appreciation and love for our Pakistani brothers and sisters in Jesus. We will continue returning and building our relationship with Anwar and his team of Christ followers, supporting them in whatever ways we can.
I want to say thank you to those who prayed and gave financially to help make our visit and huge success.
MISSION ConneXion NORTHWEST 08 – JANUARY 18, 19
This weekend at Rolling Hills Community Church in Portland, OR, thousands will gather to celebrate, learn and to be challenged to embrace God’s heart for telling the gospel story among the nations. As a member of the executive planning committee, I can say this is a great event and would highly recommend you attend if possible. Mission ConneXion Northwest is FREE so you can bring the whole family. All age groups are welcome! The doors to the main event open at 5pm on Friday evening. You can sign up online or when you arrive. There are dynamic speakers and numerous workshops being offered as well as displays from various mission organizations. You can check out all the details at the website http://www.missionconnexion.com.
WICONI INTERNET SHOPPING CART
We are changing internet providers for our shopping cart. Starting Tuesday, (15th) our staff will be making the change. It may take a few days, but should be up and running by weeks end. If you have bookmarked our shopping cart it will show it is not a working website if you try and go there. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience.
Peace and blessings – Richard
Wiconi International
360-546-1867
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