Expo 2020 has come to an end. The closing ceremony was spectacular. Crowds packed the grounds. There were big screens set up around the park so many could take part. There was a children’s choir singing the national anthem. Dignitaries made speeches thanking all who participated making this Expo stand out.

Ramadan, the month of fasting, will begin at the end of this week. Stores are stocked with decorations and specialty food. Pray specifically that God will move as most Muslims will be fasting seeking to gain favor with Allah. In the middle of Ramadan is Easter when we celebrate our risen Lord …

Trent found a small area of one table to sit the kids so they could begin eating.  Soon the table emptied out except for three girls from Bosnia.  Active, eating children helped break the ice and a conversation began.  Bill and Cary were sitting directly across from the girls.  The conversation flowed from introductions, to what the girls had studied in university, to where everyone was from.  The girls were all 25 and had jobs in design.  The conversation shifted to families and then marriage.  Bill made a comment that he and Cary had been married for almost 40 years.

“So, what is the secret to a long marriage?” Emina asked.

Shelly, Susan, and Mandy had come to Dubai to see the sights and go to Expo. After wandering around and going into different pavilions, they realized that the world was represented at Expo not just by the country pavilions but by the many nationalities they had met while waiting in lines. They were also surprised to see more Emirates than they had seen anywhere else in Dubai. They wandered into a park area to sit and just relax for a while. As the girls were chatting about what they had seen in the pavilions they noticed two girls sitting not too far away.

Katie entered the Sri Lankan pavilion with several friends and wandered around.  She noticed a lady sitting in the middle of the pavilion alone and greeted her.  Mary asked her if she had ever been to Sri Lanka.  Katie said no and proceeded to walk through the rest of the exhibition.  As she circled back around to the exit, she saw Mary again. Katie learned that Mary was a follower of Christ and lived in Dubai.  Mary had lost her job with a major company during Covid, but when Expo 2020 opened she was hired by one of the pavilions.  

We are grateful that you choose to pray for the peoples of the UAE. We know God hears and is moving in the hearts of those who live in the UAE. There are only 31 days left for Expo 2020. There is still time for you to join us! The weather is still lovely and many are out at the beaches or parks. Lots of great conversations are taking place!