Issue 41 - 30 July 2007

The heat is on in the Arab World this summer, and we’re not just talking about the weather and soaring temperatures.  Many issues and situations, both in and out of the media spotlight, have been heating up, and some have reached their boiling point.  These are interesting and challenging days for Arab Vision and all other Christian groups and organizations operating in the region.

Take for example the case of the 12 Egyptian Copts who have been involved in a back-and-forth court wrangling stemming from their desire to convert back to Christianity.  This is not an isolated case.  Others have been refused official documents to authorize their conversion, and there have been cases which have led to arrests and imprisonment as well. 

But in an unexpected development this week, the country’s official religious advisor, Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa, stated that Muslims are free to choose another religion without being subjected to punishment or judgment. The Mufti later clarified that he still considered the act of choosing another faith a grave sin and one that will bring divine punishment on the day of judgment, but the apostate should not be subjected to human punishment unless he/she is ‘endangering society’. The heat will be on the Supreme Court then, when the case of the 12 Copts is heard there in September. The words of Grand Mufti and their bearings on the case will be hard to avoid. 

His words will also boost the courage of many of our Muslim viewers, who thus far have been afraid to declare their desire to become a Christian openly.  This is a step in the right direction for their freedom.  However, it doesn’t mean that the families, neighbors and societies of the converts will adopt the same tolerant attitude.  Quite often in the Arab societies, people take the law into their own hands because official rulings are not enforced.  The change has to come from within the society, and as such, good and sensitive Christian TV programs can help make a difference and correct public misconceptions and prejudices.  Our goal is to continue producing those kinds of programs for the sake of the Gospel.

The heat is also on politically throughout the region too. 

The Iraqi Christians who have chosen to stay face additional pressures. They report that an undated letter addressed to Christians in Baghdad from Muqtada al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army has ordered that Christian women must wear the Islamic headscarf or face the consequences.  The heat is on for these women and their families.  They need support, help and God’s wisdom and power.

This weekend, we started the production of the first full length Iraqi Christian TV series.  Iraqi Christians, who have recently left the country, are being interviewed about their experiences and faith.  The production work will continue during August, after which the series will be available for broadcast on various satellite stations.  A local telephone number is being arranged in Iraq for viewers to use to contact the program and request a free copy of the New Testament.     

Evil is out to destroy any resurgence of hope and joy in Iraq.  Yet we believe that God’s Word and Spirit can overcome the rampant despair, hatred and devastation.  Join us in praying specifically for these programs and the Iraqis who will be presenting them.  If you feel led to contribute to this project financially, please write to.

The heat is on… Millions of Arabs are thirsty for peace, justice and salvation. 
Pray that the Living Water will flow through these hearts and lands this summer.

 

 

Abu Banaat
International Director