Where Would Anyone Want to Go in North Africa?? Luxor, Egypt

Ever heard of King Tut? Want to visit his tomb? Luxor, Egypt is the place to go.

Luxor is located in Southern Egypt, but known as Upper Egypt - I know, kinda crazy. But, Egypt is based on the direction the Nile River flows: south to north. Therefore Lower Egypt is the northern part and Upper Egypt is the southern part.

Sixty-two tombs and 20 unfinished pits make up this burial ground called Valley of the Kings. One of the largest tombs here belonged to Ramses II, the leading candidate for being the Pharaoh at the time of Exodus.  Can you imagine seeing firsthand something that could have been around when Moses walked this Earth? So many times we think of history as being fictional stories. Seeing things like these tombs help us to remember the true stories.

The tombs are full of things to attempt to aid the Pharaoh in the afterlife. So much work and thought was put into these buildings. Despite all this effort, it was for nothing.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We cannot do anything for those who have already died, but we can try to make a difference in the lives of the living. I pray God will give me a greater passion for reaching the lost wherever I am: in the States or overseas.

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.