Last week marked the beginning of Ramadan—the most holy month in the Islamic calendar. For the next few weeks, Muslims across our community will fast from sunrise to sunset every day and gather for prayer and religious ceremonies.
Like everything right now, this year will be atypical. The usually joyous Iftar—the fast-breaking meal after sunset—will be much more subdued. Most parties and celebrations will be canceled or very small. And the typical groups of Muslims who travel to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem to pray will not be allowed.
For Seeds of Hope, this is normally a time when neighbors welcome us into their homes. Our volunteers break fast with many families and deepen their relationships with our community. It’s always a fruitful time relationally as we build trust with our Muslim neighbors. This year, with limited gatherings and very few volunteers in Jericho, these kinds of activities will not occur.
PHOTO: During Ramadan, thousands would typically gather at the Dome of the Rock to pray. This year, travel restrictions will prevent most people from accessing the site.
However, we’re taking this opportunity to lift our community up in prayer, and we ask that you join us!
Our first prayer is for peace during this season. With tensions already running high in our region, it can feel like a powder keg waiting for a spark. Due to travel restrictions, most Muslims cannot travel to their holy site at the Dome of the Rock. This causes increased frustration and anger, and we’re praying that it does not lead to any violence.
We believe that we are called to be peacemakers in our region. We’re praying that peace prevails and that Seeds of Hope can lead the way!
Secondly, but just as importantly, we pray that our Muslim neighbors will have their hearts softened toward the Gospel this month. One of the beliefs around Ramadan is that it’s a time when god will reveal things through dreams and visions. They believe the separation between heaven and earth is smaller, and you may receive spiritual messages.
We’ve seen the Holy Spirit use this time to open people’s hearts to the truth of the Gospel, and we know it can happen again. We pray that this will be a turning point in the hearts of men and women in our community!
“Ramadan is always a strange time here,” said Khader Ghanim, CEO of Seed of Hope. “It’s so important for us to be in prayer constantly for our friends during this time, hoping the Lord will reveal His true self to those who are seeking truth. We hope to be a light to our community and peacemakers in our region during this time.”
While our typical ways of impacting our community—like project teams and long-term volunteers—are not as present right now, we know that our most significant avenue to help is still available. Prayer is a tool that we never tire of using. We know that the message of true life and hope is always working!
Will you join us in prayer during this Ramadan season? Pray with us for sustained peace in our region, both in the short and long term, and for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of many!
We’re so grateful to have you joining us from across the globe as we work to spread hope, help, and light to the Middle East and beyond!
