At dinner the other night our translator, Abakkuk, was telling us a little more about the culture and spiritual climate here. He was talking about how Cote d’ Ivoire is on the verge of being a Muslim country. More and more people have been quietly converting to the Muslim faith, and as it stands today, this country is right on the edge, teetering back and forth.
If it were to become officially a Muslim country this would mean the persecution and oppression of Christians.
Abakkuk is praying for revival.
Our translator is also a preacher and he is on fire for the Lord. What he said after this proved the depth of his love for God, his courage, and his desire for revival in the church. He began to talk about how many of the countries where you see revival are often countries that are under persecution.
When you’re faith becomes a matter of life and death it can no longer be a hobby or simply a way to socialize with people on Sunday mornings. When a country is under persecution, every single person in the church is choosing to be in harm’s way for what they believe. This makes for a church full of people of exceptionally strong faith. Anything you are willing to die for holds a lot of weight.
So pray for revival in Cote d’ Ivoire.
Every day here we are seeing souls come to Christ.
We hope this revival will happen before persecution comes upon the country
“But if not,” [Daniel 3:18*] we look towards the revival that may come under persecution
and we pray strength and fortitude over the church here.
God Bless,
Hattie
*I think this is one of the most powerful (BA) verses in the Bible. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego proclaim in bold faith that the Lord will deliver them from Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace. And then they say “But even, if he doesn’t– we still refuse to bow to your idol.”
All of Daniel 3 is actually very relevant to this topic. Give it a read or a re-read if you haven’t already. It’s a favorite of mine..
We will pray, Hattie dear. God is sovereign and on His throne. We’ll pray and trust…..
Hattie, All the women of the Monday Morning Prayer Group send love! Be assured of their continued prayers for you. As many do not have email, I shared your recent posts. They were thrilled! How we laughed at the reference to your family’s dance parties; how we rejoiced over your current dancing unto the Lord. Yes, there are many languages of love. Thank you for directing our prayers for Cote d’Ivoire. “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:10-11).” Susan