DAY OF PRAYER  - OMAN

(Report from Ranjini Babu Ganta,  BSG Representative, Oman)

The hall was filled with the sounds of people praying in different languages. Men and women, young and old, Catholics and Pentecostals, Brethren and Marthomites, Anglicans and Charismatics, Nigerians and Indians, all with one mind, one motive, one vision, and one prayer to see the Kingdom of God established in the hearts and lives of those who have never heard the good news of Jesus before. Their prayer was that every piece of Scripture distributed would cause a changed life.

 This was the scene on 10 May 2004 in Muscat, Oman where about 120 people came together to show their support for the world-wide Bible society ministry through prayer. The stage was earlier set for this by praise and worship lead by the Bread of Life Fellowship Worship team, power point presentations highlighting the global fellowship of the UBS, distribution of Scriptures, translating into Bibleless languages, the spiritual needs of the continents of the world and in particular Bible Society ministry in the Gulf, an exhortation on prayer by Rev Mike Clarkson and a special presentation of the explosion & scope of  Bible work in China. A leaflet with Bible Society needs to pray for were also handed out to every person, to use in the meeting and carry home with them.

Another highlight of the meeting was the dedication of the 10,000 Gospel of John booklets in Telugu, before their distribution. 20,000 booklets have been printed as a follow up of the screening of the film "The Passion of the Christ" in Muscat. This film has given us unprecedented opportunities to share about the transforming power of the Gospel.

Reactions were varied after the meeting: Helen said "I thought the Bible Society only sold Bibles, now I know it is all about changing lives".  "Why were there so few people?" Mathukutty a leader of a very big church complained. "Next time we should see that all Christians attend meetings like this, to know what the Bible Society is really doing."  "I will pray for the work in China everyday." Said Maria who was deeply moved by China DVD. Many Pastors and lay leaders took away the UBS prayer booklets with them and promised to pray for Bible work every week. Two weeks after the meeting it is so encouraging to hear strangers in the Christian community come up and say to you, "Everyday, we pray for you and the work of the Bible Societies." As the prayers of God's people continue to ascend to His throne, as we work, we too say "Let Your Kingdom Come…on earth as it is in heaven"