The UAE is in a 40 day mourning period following the death of her president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan on May 13. There was a three day mourning period where schools and government offices were closed. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was voted in as the next president.

Saturday evening, 6:30 p.m. We walk up the stairs into the compound where we meet, face mask on (as always), and present “green status” on our country’s COVID-19 tracking app to the man at the door (again, as always). After that, we’re free to enter the place where we gather for worship. That’s the routine every week – or at least it has been the last three that I’ve been here.

A group of believers came to the UAE to visit Expo 2020 and see the sights of Dubai.  One evening they decided to go out and see who they could get into conversation with to share the Great News of Jesus.  Some were experienced in sharing their faith while others were not.  Bill, one of the younger group members, was almost paralyzed by fear to talk to strangers. 

It's Friday, one o'clock in the afternoon. Friday is the sacred day of worship in the UAE's primary religion, as directed by their holy book. On regular days, we hear the call to prayer go out five times each day, plus the actual prayer about 20 minutes after each call. But on Fridays, the day of congregational prayer, in addition to each call and prayer we also hear the Friday sermon in the afternoon.

Easter was celebrated by believers from many different nationalities with special services on Easter Sunday which was a first! In the past, Sunday was the first day of the work week so there were only Sunrise services before people headed off to work. This year permission was not granted for large sunrise services but baptisms took place up and down the coast. We asked you to pray for nominal Christians who would come to church because of the holiday. Churches were full and the Gospel was preached!

Mark was visiting Dubai.  He enjoyed seeing the designs of the new buildings and some of the architectural feats, but he wanted to some of the more traditional side of Dubai.  He went to Karama and wandered into a park. There was a game of cricket happening. Mark had always been intrigued by this game but never understood it. He saw three or four young men on a bench watching the game. He sat down next to the men and ask if any of them spoke English. One of the men spoke up and spoke very good English.