Christian Women Persecuted in Egypt

Below is an article that we would like to share with you and ask that you join with us in praying for our sisters in the Middle East.

Egypt is home to more than 8 million Christians, the largest Christian community in the Middle East. Religious authorities declare that wearing a hijab, or veil, is compulsory for Muslim women, but no one can be forced to wear it. The Muslim Brotherhood has said they will not apply a strict interpretation of Sharia laws with regard to women’s dress.
In total disregard for human respect, a Christian woman was attacked inside Cairo, had her hair cut off by two other women and thrown from a car while being called an infidel.  As a result she also suffered a broken arm. The humiliation, evil, disrespect, hatred, and degradation suffered by this woman was carried out by veiled women who belong to the Organization of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, an underground movement that is not officially sanctioned or supported by the government.
Other such instances have also been reported. A week earlier a veiled woman cut the hair of an unveiled 13-year old riding the subway. In the southern town of Luxor, an Egyptian court sentenced an Egyptian schoolteacher to a suspended prison sentence for cutting off the hair of unveiled 12-year old girls.
Is an Islamist-dominated government fueling an Islamist hardening of Egyptian culture?  Such reported cruel acts to a few Christian women are not the only signs pointing to such domination by the government.  Deepened by fears which came as a result of President Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, declaring new presidential powers, thousands of demonstrators been rioting Tahir Square and in front of the presidential palace to protest his ludicrous decree which has been labeled as a power grab, an “unprecedented assault” on the judiciary.
Muslim Brotherhood leaders have repeatedly said they will not apply a strict interpretation of Sharia law with regard to women’s dress.  But is that true?  In a country that is going through an unstable transition period, who will decide the interpretation of the law?  So far, the Brotherhood’s actions are speaking louder than their words.
Pray for these Christian women living in a hostile nation. Pray for the peace and protection of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).  If Islamic extremist ever gain control of any or all of Israel, Jewish women will be subjected to humiliation and persecution on a much larger scale. If the Muslim Brotherhood’s plan to take over America comes to fruition, Sharia law will be the rule and American women will suffer the same.  This is not a fantasy. We need to pray.
Source material for this story is found at World Mag and Virtual Tourist.

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Dr. Michael D. Evans is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, having penned 38 books including the titles shown below. You can read his full biography on Wikipedia. Dr. Evans also runs the Israel news site JerusalemWorldNews where you can receive current intel on Israel and the Middle East, as well as the Corrie ten Boom Museum from Haarlem, Holland, found at TenBoom.org

Pray for Egypt

Dear friends,

Please watch this short video and pray for the country of Egypt.

We have several women in our Middle East training program who live in this country and have already seen unveiled women being threatened in public places since the new government came to power.

Please pray for their protection, safety and wisdom as they live out their Christian lives in a nation that is becoming more hostile to their faith and gender with each passing day.

We know that God is in control and His sovereign plan WILL be carried out.

Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement and support.

Jesus Defies Culture: The Woman at the Well (excerpt 5 of 5)

You are catching the final entry of a series of posts with excerpts from my book, “Who Do You Think You Are?” focusing on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the water well (John 4:1-30).

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In the book, a two-column chart displays the information below. It considers what the cultural and traditional norms were at the time, and contrasts them with how Jesus, the “radical rabbi,” behaved toward the Samaritan woman.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: A rabbi could not speak to a woman in public.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ speaks to a Samaritan woman. Christ rejected Jewish teaching forbidding talking to women.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Jewish leaders considered woman incapable of understanding religious teaching.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ though she was capable of learning.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Jewish leaders considered a woman unworthy of religious teaching.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ thought she was worthy and wanted to include her in the plan of salvation.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Women were not considered reliable witnesses in Israel.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ knew she would be a witness for Him.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Rabbinic law stated that Samaritan women were considered unclean.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ defied this tradition. He rejected Jewish teaching regarding uncleanness.

Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: Religious segregation was normal for both women and Samaritans.

The Radical Rabbi’s Behavior: Christ defied this tradition.Culture & Traditional Dictated Behavior: A man would never drink from a woman.

What a Great Time We Had!

Every time I teach our 8 week class based on my book, “Who Do You Think You Are?” I think, “Wow, this is a great group of women! Best ever!” Though I have taught this class many times now, each time I wonder if the next group of women is going to be as awesome as the last. Well, they are as awesome as the last class! Lyn Fish, our newest staff member, and I taught the 8 week class in May and June, and let me tell you, I am as blessed as anyone to have had the privilege of teaching women who are smart, ready to grow, and blended together into such a harmonious group of believers! Just listen to what a couple of the women said who attended:

“The class was a real blessing. I received confirmation that I am right where God wants me to be and I have already used some of the class information with my mentee. In addition, I am finalizing my Mission Statement which I would not have done without the class so that's a huge blessing.” Lynn Austin

“I know how precious I am to my Savior now. I no longer carry guilt and shame of my childhood and I am as valuable to God as my brothers are. I never knew that. I thought I was here to be their servant. In reality I am here to serve the Lord in whatever ways He calls me to.” Maria Chez

I can’t imagine anything more thrilling and fulfilling than to be able to encourage and equip these precious ones to take the next step on their spiritual journeys. I truly count it a joy, and am grateful to God that He has given me the gift of this ministry. I would love for every woman I know to learn and experience the truths that we discover ed together in 8 short weeks.

If you haven’t taken this class yet and you want to, let us know and we will keep you informed as to when and where it will be taught again. Join us! It could change your life!

New Teaching Opportunity!

We enjoyed a refreshing time with many of our family in the faith at Scottsdale Bible Church's Harvest Festival this past week and weekend. It's always enjoyable to reconnect with those from the field we haven't seen in many months.

As a result of talking with a dear friend at the festival, we learned of an opportunity to partner with her to reach out to the Arab community in Phoenix. On December 12th, Dr. Kristin Beasley will teach a conglomerate of Arab women about "Embracing Your True Identity" at a women's Arab conference in the Valley. She will teach a series of 3 segments to this audience in early December.

We would appreciate your prayers for Kristin's teaching, for hearts and minds to be uplifted, encouraged and enlightened by this material, and for our fellowship and relationship building with these women.

We anticipate the many ways in which God will work during this time to advance His plan!

Greater Reach: Inspiring Women In Jordan

Kristin is finishing up her Jordan trip along with her husband, Fred this week. Here's an update I received from Fred on Saturday...

"Yesterday we went to the baptism site and were surprised to see a crowd of 1000 + in attendance. It was very cool to be right on the Jordan in the site many say is where John baptised Jesus. It was obviously more of a significant event than Kristin or I realized as both Tony Blair of England and the Royal Prince of Jordan werre in attendance and spoke at the dedication. Thanks to Nabeeh, we were given VIP seats in the second row. Very good day, but it was a 7 hour event and we were very tired by the end.

Today Kristin headed off for Aqaba with AWT to do her two days of teaching. She called tonight and said the first two sessions went very well. A woman came up to her after she spoke and said: "This is a very important message and we need to hear it. Even though we are from the Christian church we live in a Muslim culture and community. Our town and our country are Muslim and our husbands are more Muslim than Christian."
The message of the incredible value these women have, created in the image of God and loved by Him is life giving and so needed for their soul care."

Praise God for His work in Jordan!
(Posted by Alyssa)

"Insights for Strengthening the Blessed Alliance": Conference Recap

I just returned from Florida where I taught a workshop titled, “Insights for Strengthening the Blessed Alliance” (the “blessed alliance” refers to Adam and Eve in Eden when God blessed them and commissioned them to form an alliance to rule and subdue the earth) at the recent Synergy Conference in Orlando. Synergy is a networking conference for women in vocational ministry, and has been in existence for about 5 years now. I have taught there for most of those years and they always want me to teach the same thing: how men and women can work together in ways that are biblical and that strengthen their ability to work effectively together in ministry. The need for believers to learn how to affirm one another and develop healthy, godly relationships never goes away! So it is my privilege to join these fine women each year with a practical message on developing healthy interpersonal relationships.
Though I love to teach women, I also love the opportunity to develop ministry relationships and deepen budding friendships. Most of these women I only see once a year, so I look forward to times to visit and share highlights of our lives and ministries. The photos here just capture a glimmer of the fun that was had connecting with like-minded women. Maybe I will see you there next year! Mark your calendar: March 5-7, 2010. It should prove to be stimulating as next year’s theme will be: “The Shaping of a Leader’s Soul”.

Mentoring Tip #1: Encouragement

Encouragement is a significant part of any mentoring relationship. We will always need encouragement when mentoring others. And those we mentor need encouragement.

The book of Hebrews exhorts us to stimulate others to good deeds as the day approaches. Hebrews 10:24-25, “and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” “Let us consider”…in other words, think about how to support those you mentor.

Here are a couple of reminders as we mentor:
1. It is a privilege to enter another’s world as closely as you do with a protégé. It is a worthwhile use of their time. We can lose sight of this.
2. Press on with your protégé even when they are not responding as you like. Don’t give up! Persistence usually pays off!

Encourage, encourage, encourage! Encouraging those you mentor will warm your heart as well!

New Series: Mentoring

Over the next week, we will look at some things I’ve learned over the years while training women to mentor others. My five topics are: Encouragement, Affirmation, Heart, Helpful Training, and Prayer. These are aspects of mentoring that we will want to remember as we relate to women.

As we discuss relating with women in our lives, our passion can be expressed either ineffectively or effectively. We can learn from Paul as he spoke to the Christians in Thessalonika, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." I Thess. 2:8. God had given Paul a heart for those he was discipling just like He gives to us for those we reach out to.

Stay tuned as we cover 5 topics over 5 days!

'Tis The Season!

With the Christmas season upon us, GRM is up to a few good things!

Prayer Partner Appreciation Dessert

Tonight GRM will host a Christmas dessert gathering specifically for our prayer partners. Our ministry is heavily reliant upon the Lord's work through their prayers, and we desire to honor their contribution to our ministry!

Semester Completed

My seminary class, "Equipping Women to Embrace Their True Identity" just concluded, and here's what some of the students had to say:

"This class has been very encouraging & inspiring to appreciate my femininity on a new level. I now believe women are a sacred masterpiece that are unique and designed for special purposes; emotionally and spiritually."

"This class has impacted me significantly. During the course of the class, the Lord has healed certain areas in me needing repair! He's also helped me make some strides in honing my mission statement."

"This class was inspirational for me and gave me value and insight as to who I am as a woman in Christ."

"This is a good course for women's ministry. I learned how to help other women to embrace their true identity."

I'm thankful for all that the Lord did through this class to impact these women and those to whom they will minister in the future. We're discussing the possibility of offering this class outside of the Seminary setting during late Spring of 2009. Stay tuned for further details.

Romania 2009

Plans are formulating for our next trip to Romania in October of 2009! We will partner with I.N. Network again for a women's retreat, while Fred will train and minister to the pastors. We also plan to visit an orphanage. We will update you as plans become more concrete.

Class is in Session

I can’t believe another month has gone by since my last update! I had some much needed vacation time in August, which was wonderful. The class I am teaching at Phoenix Seminary, “Equipping Women to Embrace Their True Identity”, is now underway. We had our first meeting last night, and I have to tell you, I am excited! The women are eager to learn how to equip women to embrace their God given identity!

And we at Greater Reach are exploring a new opportunity that has come our way. We would love for you to pray with us for God’s wisdom as we consider a two minute-three times a week radio program. This opportunity could really help us get the word out about our ministry.

George Barna said, “Mission gives your life purpose, vision gives your life direction, values gives your life character”. I keep that quote on my desk so I can read it regularly. It helps to keep me focused. And I think about what I am doing with Greater Reach in this context: What is our mission? What is our vision? Are we as a staff pursuing godly character? I believe so.

Greater Reach is grounded in the Word of God: our mission is to help women find value, significance, and identity in Christ, equip them to develop their gifts and empower them to engage in fruitful ministry. Our vision is clear: to reach out across the world to lift up women and touch them with a message of hope that inspires and equips them to be all that God made them to be. And we at GRM believe in Christian accountability in order to help us to stay on track, both personally and with regard to the ministry. It always has to be “being” before “doing”. We must be the people of God before we do the work of God.

Thanks for praying for us!