Where Woud Anyone Want to Go In North Africa?? Marrekech, Morocco

If you were able to only visit one city in Morocco, this would be the city to pick. Just in the Medina (the "old city") alone, you could spend days taking everything in. All the pictures on today's post are ones I took when I visited a few years ago. The only thing I didn't like about this city: the heat. Marrekech is situated at the base of the Atlas Mountains and is a few hours away from the foot of the Sahara Desert. Despite the heat, the city was amazing.

Djemma el Fna

The Djemma el Fna is the heart of Marrekech. It is a large, open square near that transforms from day to night. During the day there isn't too much going on, except some fresh orange juice vendors. Early evening, the square suddenly becomes the place to be. Mobile kitchens and restaurants pop up out of seemingly nowhere, dancers, water sellers, snake charmers, and henna artists all ply their trade. 

Despite the beautiful city, there is an veil of spiritual darkness that hangs over the city. You cannot go very far in any city of North Africa without seeing a mosque. The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrekech. Please join me in prayer for this spiritual darkness to be lifted by the Light of Christ.

Where Woud Anyone Want to Go In North Africa? The Pyramids of Giza

Considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Pyramids of Giza are located in the suburbs of Cairo. Built as tombs for Pharaohs, there are three major pyramids along with the Great Sphinx. Throughout Egypt there are more than 90 pyramids, but those at Giza are the most famous.

The Great Pyramid was built for Pharaoh Khufu. The largest and oldest of the great pyramids, it stands 481 feet tall and was the world's largest man-made building for over 3,000 years. The 2nd largest pyramid was for Pharaoh Khufu's son, Pharaoh Khafre. Since it was built on a higher part of the plateau, this pyramid at first glance almost appears to be larger than Khufu's pyramid, but falls 35 feet short. The last of the great pyramids is the Pyramid of Menkaure, Pharaoh Khufu's grandson.

As I was researching about the Pyramids, I came across  a website advertising for a Sound and Light Spectacular Show.  Every night of the week, they have a show that will tell the story of the history of the pyramids. Generally, each night has 3 scheduled shows in various combinations of 9 languages (one per show). I thought that was quite interesting. So when you are looking to go visit the Great Pyramids, keep that in mind!

I mentioned in my first post, this is more than just the amazing places of North Africa. The people of Egypt need the Truth. Having just under 84 million people, they are a country steeped in Islam. Please pray for more laborers to go, and encouragement and strength for those who are laboring there now.

Why would anyone want to go to North Africa???

To be honest, I never dreamed I'd ever desire to go to North Africa. Many people that I talk to admit that they have never considered even visiting. I am putting together a series of blog spots to help show you some of the interesting destinations throughout North Africa. More than just a list of places and populations, I hope you see the people. There is a rich history and culture that goes back in history so much further than most things in the United States.

As you read about these amazing places, I hope you will pray for the people of these places. Above all, the people need to hear about Christ.

Beneath the Cross of Jesus

I don't know about you, but I love music. I love old hymns and the incredible message they contain. Many times I will even pick out a favorite line and just think about what portions of Scripture they come from. A church I was in recently sang Beneath the Cross of Jesus during the service. I don't know if I have ever really looked at the words of this song. It was a tremendous blessing to me, so I thought I would share it.

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,

the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;

a home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,

from the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.

Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see

the very dying form of One who suffered there for me;

and from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess:

the wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;

I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face;

content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,

my sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.

Text: Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830-1869  Music: Frederick C. Maker, 1844-1927  Tune: ST. CHRISTOPHER, Meter: 76.86.86.86

Time for Change?

The Winter of Morocco's Discontent: Will the Arab Spring Arrive?

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2105163,00.html#ixzz1kZuciVwf



This article tells a little of what is going on in Morocco. We should all know, the news media hypes up a lot of what actually happens. It would be good to remember that the Bible says in Proverbs 21:1 "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." He has it all under control. Please pray that the hearts of the people will be open to hearing the Gospel. Maybe some political discontent is a symptom of their underlying problem: spiritual discontent. A person will never be at peace and in full contentment until they know Christ as their Savior.

The Kanisa Conference

Have you heard of this? Have any clue what a Kanisa Conference would be about?  The Kanisa Conference is a conference all about Muslim evangelism, not just overseas, but in the States as well.

This year, I had the privilege of attending the Kanisa Conference. I cannot begin to explain what a blessing this conference was. It encompassed so many different things from practical living in a Muslim country to going on a Mosque outreach.  I was able to meet and speak to many missionaries who focus on reaching Muslims.  Not only was I able to talk to missionaries who have worked for years overseas, but also missionaries who are working right here in the States to reach those who have come to us.  

It was a joy to see how God orchestrated an unplanned theme in the teaching and preaching during the conference.  The theme was fear not. We were challenged to be more bold in our witness , and trust God with what happens.

I am so thankful I was able to attend this conference. Hearing from people who had a great burden to see Muslims come to Christ was encouraging, challenging, and convicting. I know I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am ready to get started. Please join me in prayer for more people to get a burden for Muslim Missions.

Eid Al Adha

The following is a post from a friend's blog. We can learn about Islamic holidays through books and whatnot, but experiencing them firsthand is another thing. This just makes me so much more thankful for Christ and the fact that my sin debt is paid in full! Please pray for my friend Beth G. and her family as they endeavor to see more of the Muslim people put their faith in Jesus Christ, the eternal sacrifice.

Eid Al Adha

I woke up to sounds of a big celebration this morning: Firecrackers, music, and kids laughing and having fun. It made me sick. Today, is a holiday for the muslims called Eid Al Adha. It means sacrifice. Simply put, everyone got up and went to the mosque around 5:30 this morning. Then, they went to their homes and took their animals they had bought and slaughtered them. If they had yards, this was done in their yards, but for most of the city it was done in the streets and many of the streets are filled with blood. After that the meat is butchered, and all of it is eaten within the next three days. This is done with hopes of improving their chances to go to heaven.


As we walked around our neighborhood this morning, we watched as the poor people stood outside the gates of the villas, waiting for some meat. It is very important for them to eat some of the sacrificed meat. I watched as one lady received a peace and held it so proudly. Her children were rubbing on it. It brought them hope.


Lord, please use us in this needy land. We know that you are the living sacrifice and their is no need for any other. Use us, Lord, to spread Your Word. Send more laborers into the field for Your glory. We love you, Lord Jesus!

You can read more of what Beth has written at:

http://www.experiencinghim.blogspot.com