Idols

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.  However, she was miserable. She expressed that the other workers were so sad.  She was able to get transferred to her home country pavilion where at least she understood the culture and the other workers were easier to get along with.  

“Mary, I am so glad I have been able to meet you today!  Is there anything I can pray about for you?” asked Katie.

“Yes!” replied Mary.  “Whenever children come through the pavilion they touch and move the idols around. My job is to straighten them back up.  It really bothers me.”

“Is it OK if I pray for you right now?”

“Really, would you?”

“Father,” Katie began to pray, “will you show your power and strength. Will you cleanse this area of any forces that are not of you?  Will you help Mary come to know that your strength and power have dominion of all gods even in this place.  In Jesus’ name!”

Mary was so encouraged by Katie stopping and reaching out to her.  She told Katie that when she walked into the pavilion, she knew she was different, that Christ was directing her steps. Katie realized once again how important it is to allow the Holy Spirit to guide her steps.  She thought, “This is our chance to tell our stories – to be different – to talk to people!”

 Prayer Requests

• Pray for believers to be strong in their faith realizing that they are not alone.  Pray that they will reach out to unbelievers around them and share Jesus

• Pray for mature believers to recognize how important it is to reach out and start conversations with people that they do not know understanding the power of prayer and encouragement.