Squeezing

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10

When I think of the word "squeezing," I think of toothpaste. Every morning and evening, I squeeze my tube of toothpaste so that I can get out toothpaste to brush my teeth. You probably know the feeling. Sometimes you squeeze near the neck of the tube, and sometimes you squeeze at the far end. Regardless of where you squeeze, the toothpaste comes out when you squeeze really hard. The pressure from your fingers pushes the toothpaste out so that you get out what you want.

Recently, I learned that Christian believers in D. are "squeezed" by their surrounding community. "Squeezing" is the literal translation of the O. word used to describe the pressures on new believers. The Muslim community hates seeing people turning to life in Jesus Christ. The village puts curses on Christian believers, alienating them from society until they return to Islam. New believers struggle to stand firm in the face of attacks from the Evil One and his dark powers. The squeezing is so strong that there are those who at one time professed belief in Jesus Christ but since then have returned to Islamic practices. At times, it is discouraging to meet these people and hear about how they once had the joy of Jesus Christ in their lives. Now their physical lives seem easier but they lack the power and help of the Counselor in their lives.

Please join me in praying that believers stand against the squeezing from their community. Pray that those who have turned away from Jesus Christ would remember that God loves them and longs to have a relationship with them. No matter how far we stray, He is our father who runs out to meet us and welcome us home. I pray that the Holy Spirit would give me and other believers the strength to stand firm, even when we are hard pressed on every side.

Praise God that there has been peace this past election week. The new constitution has passed and it will take two weeks for it to take effect. Life has been peaceful here and we've heard there has been peace in other areas of the country as well. Thank God for His provision of safety.

I have less than two weeks left here. Pray that God would continue to use me in powerful ways and I would be receptive to the Spirit's calling. Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement!