Doves,Richard Twiss is a Native American who has been invited by Pakistani Christians AND Muslim Mullahs to speak at a JOINT gathering of leaders from the 2 faiths... almost unheard of.Even in this time of great upheaval in Pakistan he is still being called to go.Richard is a personal friend and we testify of his righteousness before God.The ministry needs prayer covering, a 'sermon' that touches hearts deeply and additional financial help for this amazing mission.-alan----- Forwarded Message -----From: "Wiconi International" <office@wiconi.com>Date: Fri, 09 Nov 2007Hau kola, “hello friend,”You may have watched some disturbing news reports from Pakistan in the past few days in light of my upcoming trip. I’ve gotten numerous enquiries about our team’s status. I have to admit, I was a little bothered myself. Here’s a note from Anwar about the situation from a few days ago:
Yes! There is tough situation in Northern part of Pakistan, but not riots as shown on the media. Our President has ceased all the political activities, but not the religious, so we are quite free. We are very busy now a days having training school for 7 days, crusade for 1 day at Sialkot and 2 days at Gujranwala cities attended by thousands of people and 200 leaders trained at our school.
I have called the chairman of Mullahs and he gave green signal about your arrival too.
Again, I am still amazed as I try and imagine what it will be like to be speaking to Muslim Imams and Mullahs, along with Christian leaders about Jesus in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan! It’s a little different than an interfaith dialogue at the Hilton in downtown Seattle.
I remember our first trip to Lahore was on the heels of the Taliban overthrow in Afghanistan and things were very tense. Yet, Creator gave us great peace and some very powerful ministry occurred. We are now prepared to depart on December 12. Partly in response to some of the issues over there, we have reduced the size of our team to 3; Dave Gomez, me and one other.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated. We’re purchasing our tickets on Friday. We have also reduced our budget; however, we are still short about $14,000. Please consider sending a gift.
Here’s another quote from Anwar about our trip:
My father-in law is the father of a Pakistani Army Major and he has built a new house for our ministerial works, this is made by vision that God gave him; it is double story having 5 bedrooms, where especially foreigners will stay when ever they will come, so it is surrounded by Christian families, well furnished and secure. It is more trustworthy than Muslim hotels. The budget will cover, local traveling, “7th All Churches Leadership Conference'” venue and food for the participants, families get-together's venue and food cost, peace conference's venue and food cost, publicity, recommendation from Government, security, infrastructures and many miscellaneous expenses.
It is so noteworthy that we, as First Nations folks, have the privilege of representing the Creators story of redemption and reconciliation to these followers of Mohammed and Islam; those of us resurrected by Jesus out of the pain of our colonization, oppression and marginalization – all occurring under the gaze and tacit approval of American Christianity – and given the ministry of reconciliation.
It is my great hope that Jesus will shine in a dynamic, supernatural way out of the unique, cracked brown clay pots of our lives. We have nothing to boast in as a people – no wealth, power, status, or might – that will compel us to present the gospel story through the filter of western presuppositions regarding Christianity as the religion of the West, and particularly, America. May Jesus shine bright!
Pilamaya – thanks again for sitting on the hill trying to make sense of these smoke signals.
Richard
Wiconi International
www.wiconi.com
360-546-1867PS – if you would like to send an online you can do so at our website by clicking on the “online donation” page or by going to http://wiconiresources.safeshopper.com/11/cat11.htm?335.