As you may have read in my previous post here, Cole and I are praying through the book Operation World this year. Recently I was burdened with the reality of the group of islands know as the Maldives.
If you are like me, what you know about the Maldives comes from dreamy pages in a "Traveler" or "Islands" magazine. If you haven't, here is a taste...(photos from google).
But, what you may not know and what I learned from Operation World is that behind the facade of island paradise lies a darker reality. The Maldives have almost no freedom of expression and belief, one of the highest divorce rates in the world, huge crime and gang activity, rampant child abuse, and 70% drug use in teenage population. That is just sad!
Islam is the only recognized religion in the Maldives, and it remains among the least evangelized places in the world. This is mainly because Christian literature and missions has never been allowed. Those that claim to believe are often arrested or expelled. And if all this isn't sad enough...get this. The root of the perception of Christianity comes from Western media and immorality and extravagance displayed by the Western tourists (that is us). It is so bad that the people use the word "Christian" as a slander term to each other.
When it comes to missions, I believe we are called to GO, GIVE, and PRAY. So, if you ever are privileged to take a vacay to this place, take the gospel with you! If you are ever privileged with money to give, donate to a Christian organization that will help translate the Bible into the heart language. Every believer is privileged with the opportunity to pray, so take time to pray specifically for this lost place. They need the knowledge of the reality of Christ! The Maldives would be an easy place to feel called to GO...I am thinking that this sounds like an ideal place for our next medical mission trip!!I hope Cole is reading this! :)
BE reminded that actions DO matter (even when you are traveling on vacation). We must be a witness for Christ in the body all the time. This has nothing to do with perfection, but a life fully dedicated to the Lord. Here are some helpful verses worth reading: Matt 5:16, 1 Timothy 4:12, 2 Timothy 4:2, Phil 2:15, 1 Peter 3:16, Romans 2:21-24 and 12:1.
And PRAY. PRAY that weather emergencies on these islands will show the people how fleeting life is (Notice new song on the blog playlist, "Temporary Home"). PRAY that these circumstances would cause many to seek eternal assurance obtainable only through Christ. PRAY that the people could emerge from the oppressive religion and empty freedoms. PRAY for the true name of Jesus be known. PRAY that the Scriptures could be translated into the native language of Dhivehi (They currently only have the books of Luke and Acts). PRAY that Christian audio and video could find its way through the government. PRAY for courage and protection for the few believers there who live without community and with great persecution.
Information retrieved from Operation World.
I am ever thankful to the Lord that He has called me to be His child and that I live in a place where I can worship Him and proclaim His name freely. It is a blessing.
But, what you may not know and what I learned from Operation World is that behind the facade of island paradise lies a darker reality. The Maldives have almost no freedom of expression and belief, one of the highest divorce rates in the world, huge crime and gang activity, rampant child abuse, and 70% drug use in teenage population. That is just sad!
Islam is the only recognized religion in the Maldives, and it remains among the least evangelized places in the world. This is mainly because Christian literature and missions has never been allowed. Those that claim to believe are often arrested or expelled. And if all this isn't sad enough...get this. The root of the perception of Christianity comes from Western media and immorality and extravagance displayed by the Western tourists (that is us). It is so bad that the people use the word "Christian" as a slander term to each other.
When it comes to missions, I believe we are called to GO, GIVE, and PRAY. So, if you ever are privileged to take a vacay to this place, take the gospel with you! If you are ever privileged with money to give, donate to a Christian organization that will help translate the Bible into the heart language. Every believer is privileged with the opportunity to pray, so take time to pray specifically for this lost place. They need the knowledge of the reality of Christ! The Maldives would be an easy place to feel called to GO...I am thinking that this sounds like an ideal place for our next medical mission trip!!
BE reminded that actions DO matter (even when you are traveling on vacation). We must be a witness for Christ in the body all the time. This has nothing to do with perfection, but a life fully dedicated to the Lord. Here are some helpful verses worth reading: Matt 5:16, 1 Timothy 4:12, 2 Timothy 4:2, Phil 2:15, 1 Peter 3:16, Romans 2:21-24 and 12:1.
And PRAY. PRAY that weather emergencies on these islands will show the people how fleeting life is (Notice new song on the blog playlist, "Temporary Home"). PRAY that these circumstances would cause many to seek eternal assurance obtainable only through Christ. PRAY that the people could emerge from the oppressive religion and empty freedoms. PRAY for the true name of Jesus be known. PRAY that the Scriptures could be translated into the native language of Dhivehi (They currently only have the books of Luke and Acts). PRAY that Christian audio and video could find its way through the government. PRAY for courage and protection for the few believers there who live without community and with great persecution.
Information retrieved from Operation World.
I am ever thankful to the Lord that He has called me to be His child and that I live in a place where I can worship Him and proclaim His name freely. It is a blessing.
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