To Stand

July 25, 2007

To Stand

My friend, Jameel*, and I squatted down just in front of the house. I'd been waiting to see him, not knowing really what had transpired over the last couple of days. The last time I'd seen him he asked for me and the other brothers to be lifting him up, as that was the day he had decided to tell his father he could no longer do what he was asking of him. You see, his father is a highly esteemed religious teacher within our community. He uses the Quran to teach students reading and writing in Arabic. The students are also supposed to commit the Quran to memory. Additionally, he practices folk/spiritual medicine. This medicinal practice is what provides financially for the family and the students living under his tutelage. As his father has aged and blindness has set in, he has desired that his son and protégé, Jameel, take over the work.

Jameel has for a long time tried to figure out how to honor his father and yet not contradict his love for his Savior. When we met the other day, he said, "I can't teach for my father anymore. I have to live my life wholly for Jesus, no matter the cost. Pray for me today. I'm about to go talk to my dad."

Two days had passed, and I'd had no word from him. I'd only heard that numerous elders from the community were convening at his father's house. Well, last night he came. He told me how they'd tried to force him to renounce the liberation he'd found, but he faithfully proclaimed his freedom that could not be undone. As I sat with him he stared across the street — not at what was in front of him, but as if he was reading the very words he spoke, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

A few days later...

"They won the crowds over to their side, stoned Paul and dragged him out of the town, thinking that he was dead. But when the brothers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town." I haven't thought much in life about those verses that record the outcome of Paul's brief visit to Lystra.

But now I can picture Paul's seemingly lifeless body, skin ravaged, blood spilling...and the brothers that surrounded him in dread, agony, and weeping. For it wasn't long after my conversation with Jameel that I received a call from him. His voice was muffled and it was difficult to understand what he was saying. After the third time of asking him to repeat himself I heard what I didn't want to hear. "They flogged me. My dad and the religious leaders, they all beat me." Then a mutual friend there with him got on the phone and could say nothing except to sob uncontrollably for his dearest friend whose whole body is swollen with sores.

Jameel and Samiira*, his wife, are doing much better now. There has been a tremendous outpouring of prayer on their behalf. Many have been faithful in holding the ropes for the brothers and sisters here. Your petitions before the throne have been an anchor here, time and time again. Jameel came and visited me this morning and wanted to me to personally thank you for praying for them. As they have heard about your labor in prayer, their hearts have been greatly encouraged.

As I write this, I am listening to a CD and the bridge of a song seems like it was sung for you: "Because of what you've done many people for the first time will begin to see. Many people for the first time will begin to hear and come to trust in God." Continue in faithfulness. Jameel is healing well. He is not holding bitterness toward his dad. Samiira is still angry and forgiveness is a little harder for her. Jameel is concerned for their family. I've asked him to really pray for wisdom as to whether he should stay or go, and to seek God's will before making a decision that's impulsive. Please offer their needs before the Lord today. What we labor for on our knees is reaping a Kingdom, beyond measure. So, ask in the Name to which every knee will bow, and every tongue confess:

  • For the Spirit of all comfort to minister to the hearts of Jameel and his beloved wife, Samiira.
  • For complete healing.
  • For complete forgiveness.
  • For the redemption of this father and those who hate the Truth that sets men free.
  • For local believers to be vessels of strength, fellowship, encouragement, and provision for this hurting couple.
  • For Jameel and Samiira to find a new home.
  • For them to know that they are counted as blessed for having suffered for the name of Jesus. And that their hope will lie in that they will be inheritors of an unshakable Kingdom.

We ask these things in the name of Jesus, the One who is Worthy.

* denotes that names have been changed.

Login
IMB.org

© 2010 Northern Africa and the Middle East