New Moon

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

Sorry, Twilight fans. This update is not about the novel "New Moon" but the lunar event on the evening of Tuesday, August 10. The new moon marks the beginning of the Islamic holiday Ramadan. From what I understand, Muslim believers will be fasting from food and water from sunrise to sunset until the next new moon. They believe that the fasting will pay for their wrongs and help them get into heaven.

I'm a little disappointed that my last few weeks here will be a time when people won't be eating or drinking. I heard it's a very unpleasant time because people are outwardly fasting, feeling tired, and not wanting to do anything. Please pray that I would be sensitive to people's feelings while sharing about the lasting forgiveness that God offers through His Son Jesus Christ. I hope I will have many opportunities to share with people that we cannot earn our way to heaven but must believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I continue to pray for boldness as I bring a message that many do not want to hear or understand. Thank you for your prayers!

As Christians, it is by the grace of God that we have been saved. We do not believe that we can earn our way to heaven by fasting or other works. I pray that the people of D. would come to know this saving grace for themselves.