Members in Muslim countries

This update is from Eugene Guzon, GCI National Director for the Philippines and one of the Mission Directors serving Asia, the Philippines, Australia and Oceania.

Beginning on July 20, Muslims around the world celebrate Ramadan, a month of spiritual reflection, increased focus on the Muslim faith, charity toward the poor and the avoidance of fighting with others. However, Ramadan this year is being marked by political uncertainty and violence in many Muslim countries in the Arabian Peninsula and in North Africa. In particular, violence is rampant in Syria and Bahrain. Even in Dubai, which is more stable politically and peaceful, people have been arrested on charges of anti-government activity.

This is the situation faced by many of our GCI members living in primarily Muslim countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Due to the violence and political unrest in Syria, the Philippine Embassy began to evacuate thousands of Filipinos who are working there. In the Philippines, we just had another round of oil price increases as a consequence of the political unrest in the Middle East. It is amazing how the world has become like a small village. Our lives are interconnected and we are impacted by what is happening thousands of miles away.

I was in Dubai and Abu Dhabi recently. Pastor Cesar Dela Paz picked me up at the airport and we had a chance to meet and have some personal and ministry updates. Our days were full with birthday celebrations, a house blessing, a worship service, meetings with leaders, and a time of prayer, sharing and planning concerning how the Dubai church can be empowered and mobilized for discipleship and ministry. We also planned for a retreat or special celebration this coming November.

Our members in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other Emirates are a cross section of the guest workers and professionals there. Some work as professionals in private and government offices, and some work as domestic helpers. It is a blessing that some are able to have their families with them, however, many face difficult working conditions.

One of our members recently tried to flee the country where she was working due to the harsh working conditions but was caught and detained. She is now receiving legal help, hoping to get back to the Philippines soon. One of the inspiring things that happened to her was that despite being a rather timid person, in the detention center she became bold in leading Bible studies and offering counsel and encouragement to those detained with her.

Our worship services in Dubai are held on Friday afternoons. The service I attended on July 6 was typical, attended by about 40 members. For the past several years, the congregation has had to transfer their service to other venues due to increasing costs. There is also speculation that the government will be imposing new restrictions on Christian worship services, allowing them only in specified locations. This would make it even more difficult for some of our members to attend services due to the distances involved. Not all of our members there have cars and transportation otherwise can be cumbersome and expensive. In the meantime, they are still able to worship freely and regularly in a hotel in downtown Deira in Dubai.

Let us continue to pray for our members in Dubai and other Emirates. Please also pray for those scattered in other countries in the Middle East like Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These countries are more conservative in their religious practices, and some also are politically in transition right now. Our members there are facing even greater challenges to practicing their faith and, depending on where they live and work, also are concerned about their personal safety. Please also pray for greater peace in the Middle East and the Northern African regions and that during Ramadan, God will lead many Muslims to know of his unconditional love for all people and of the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.