Celebrations Have Begun

Boys in crisp, white kandoras (long dress shirt which is the national dress) and girls in brand new dresses ran in and out of the large room which was used for visiting with guests.  Ramadan was over and the celebration days had begun which included lots of visiting.  Children were excited about the gifts they had received.

John and Sharon were visiting Emirate friends and their extended family two years ago.  About 24 family members live in a family compound out in the desert. Others of the family live in the city, but they all gather during the holiday.  It was sweet watching the patriarch, close to 70 years old, interact with the youngest, about nine months old. John’s friend, Ahmed, owns or manages about 200 camels.

“What gift did you get?” John asked one of the boys.

 “Cash”, the boy responded.

“What are you doing with your money?” John queried further.

“Saving to buy another camel!” the boy said with a twinkle in his eye.

No visit with an Arab family is complete without an abundance of food!   Beginning with dates and coffee, and followed with other fruit, nuts, and chocolate.  But that was just the beginning.  Lunch was served with John and Sharon feasting on basmati rice and lamb parts including the intestines!

The second Ramadan has finished in the UAE during the pandemic and the holiday has begun.  It will look very different again this year because of government regulations of only 5 people being able to gather.  Extended family are not to gather.  Visiting will take place but on a smaller scale.

Prayer Requests

• Pray for Emirates to engage and befriend believers.  Pray that they will hear the Great News of Jesus and respond to His beckoning call.

• Pray for Christ followers who will visit their Muslim friends this holiday.  Pray that God will turn the conversations to spiritual matters and Truth will be heard.