Not Written Right!!
We continue to ask you to pray. Josef, Philip’s devoted Muslim friend who was in the accident, seems to have gotten more wary about what the Bible says. After listening to a tape of the first few chapters of Genesis that Philip gave him, he had questions about the wording of the Bible … places he felt didn’t sound right according to the Koran. Like: “How could Enoch ever walk with God? God is Spirit. It’s not written right!”
Josef’s wife saw them reading the Injil (Bible) together, and questioned him afterward, since Muslims are told not to read that book. And then Josef’s older brother also heard about it somehow, and got angry and started criticizing Josef. Josef even lied to him, saying that he is not reading the Bible. Josef explained to Philip that if his brother believed that he was, he would tell all their family and friends and have him cut off from everyone in our city.
Josef is still willing to read the Bible and discuss with Philip, but obviously there is a real need for prayer! As we wrote in the last email, we really sense that we ourselves are weak - but God can work in any heart. Please pray for this man, his family, and for Philip as he tries to share the message of the Gospel all the way from the Genesis to Jesus.
Recently, Philip visited Josef to tell the story of Cain and Abel. A bit earlier he had had a surprise guest: The driver who had hit him. The driver has not taken care of the medical costs Josef has had; instead he bribed the officials to forge documents that he could get away free. Both Josef and his relatives are under a severe temptation to get revenge, and especially Josef’s relatives want to see this driver suffer.
The story of Cain and Abel is powerful when it reminds us that God sees all, and even when we plan do evil. God even warned Cain: “watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it.” (Genesis 4:7)
Josef listened carefully to the story, and didn’t interrupt once. We still request you to pray that these stories from the Bible and the discussions would wake in Josef an ability to see the truth, and prepare him to accept Jesus.
Jesus seeker said,
November 9, 2008 @ 11:39 pmJeanne,
Thank you for posting your comment and for the affirmation you have given! It is good to be “in the know” to be able to pray.
Your prayer is heard - and He answers!
T
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Jeanne said,
September 16, 2008 @ 1:23 pmCongratulations on producing a superb Web site.
I correspond with a number of workers and am eager to receive news of any personal contacts such as the story of Josef and the lost man. It makes it so much easier to pray effectively and to see that God is working.
Keep up the good work and God bless.
Jeanne