My friend "A" is facing a lot of political persecution. Last week she was pulled out of class and interrogated by government forces about her recent political involvement. She described it as “humiliating” and despite her pleasant face and “Al-hamdullilah”s (Praise be to God), I know it’s hard. Many students are being singled out for their involvement and will likely be kicked out of university soon. It appears that the government is systematically trying to punish every person who was protesting in February.
Last Saturday night just hours after I visited her and her mother at home, the government's forces raided their house at 1am, arresting her 23 year-old brother. They destroyed many things in the home, harassed and insulted A and her family, and took their computers.
She is relatively safe at her sister's house in another part of the island. Her brother is likely in prison, but they have no idea where to begin looking for him, fearing their own safety in even doing that. I called her today to visit, but she said that it would not be safe for me and that she couldn't say much else over the phone. I am concerned for her and her family and would appreciate your prayers. I've told her I am praying for peace from Jesus for them, and she has asked on a few occasions that I continue doing so.
Ask Christ to reveal Himself to A's brother as he is likely going through an extremely rough time. Pray that her family would be able to find comfort in Jesus that they cannot find elsewhere. I have recently given A an Arabic Bible, so pray that she will read it in search of answers and find them in Christ.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Kuwait
Because of my visa, I occasionally have to leave the country. I decided Monday to go to Kuwait on Tuesday. Such spontaneity.
I stayed just 28 hours, but really enjoyed Kuwait City. It's a lot like Dubai, but more Arab. Everywhere else I've traveled in the Gulf there were enough English speakers that I didn't need to use my Arabic, but Kuwait seems to have few. I had a conversation with a cabbie who said to me (in Arabic) "your arabic is very good. Where are you from?" I was so proud of myself and actually quite surprised that I understood what he was saying to me.
I made the trip there alone, but was joined the next day by Will & Jason. The night I arrived there was a lightning-heavy thunderstorm (which I enjoyed, because Bahrain doesn't have any of those, and neither did the city I lived in the last two years), and the following day the air was dust-filled and humid.
I stayed just 28 hours, but really enjoyed Kuwait City. It's a lot like Dubai, but more Arab. Everywhere else I've traveled in the Gulf there were enough English speakers that I didn't need to use my Arabic, but Kuwait seems to have few. I had a conversation with a cabbie who said to me (in Arabic) "your arabic is very good. Where are you from?" I was so proud of myself and actually quite surprised that I understood what he was saying to me.
I made the trip there alone, but was joined the next day by Will & Jason. The night I arrived there was a lightning-heavy thunderstorm (which I enjoyed, because Bahrain doesn't have any of those, and neither did the city I lived in the last two years), and the following day the air was dust-filled and humid.
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| Kuwait City near my Hotel |
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| Kuwait Stock Exchange Building |
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| Souq Vendors Protecting the Nuts & Dates |
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| A Shark & a Spotted Ray at the Aquarium |
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| Sign Reads: Al Masjid Al Kabir (the Grand Mosque) |
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| The Kuwait Towers |
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| The Dusty Skyline from the Tower's Observation Deck |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Ongoing Repression
"Around 47 other doctors and nurses, some detained for weeks, are facing trial in a military court after they were yesterday charged for their role in treating anti-government protesters." - from this article in Amnesty International
Repression continues in Bahrain. The parliament voted yesterday to extend the State of Emergency and Martial law that has been in place since March. This means that the Saudi/Emirati military forces won't be leaving the island for at least another three months. The Sunni-led government is doing a systematic crackdown on those who protested in February by imprisoning them, torturing them, harassing them at checkpoints, raiding their villages, and firing them from jobs. There are few families who do not live in some sort of fear. Historically, the Gospel makes great advances when Muslims fight other Muslims. Please pray that this ongoing political crisis opens doors for Bahrainis to hear about Christ and find answers in Him that their current religious and political system doesn't provide.
A friend of mine said back in late February when protesters had claimed the Pearl a second time amidst violent police force, that if they weren't successful this time, things would get worse than they had ever been. He predicted correctly.
Repression continues in Bahrain. The parliament voted yesterday to extend the State of Emergency and Martial law that has been in place since March. This means that the Saudi/Emirati military forces won't be leaving the island for at least another three months. The Sunni-led government is doing a systematic crackdown on those who protested in February by imprisoning them, torturing them, harassing them at checkpoints, raiding their villages, and firing them from jobs. There are few families who do not live in some sort of fear. Historically, the Gospel makes great advances when Muslims fight other Muslims. Please pray that this ongoing political crisis opens doors for Bahrainis to hear about Christ and find answers in Him that their current religious and political system doesn't provide.
A friend of mine said back in late February when protesters had claimed the Pearl a second time amidst violent police force, that if they weren't successful this time, things would get worse than they had ever been. He predicted correctly.
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