Ramadan

06, January
As you are probably aware, we live in a city that is about 60-70% Muslem. We are currently in the holy month of Ramadan in the Arabic calendar. During the month everyone fasts during the daylight hours. They are not even permitted to drink anything. (Some won't even swallow their own saliva). Each evening the fast is broken with a small celebration and most people actually eat more during Ramadan than any other time. They certainly spend more.

Along with the fast, many try to complete a reading of the
Qur'an (Koran). Those that can quote the entire book, do so. The Qur'an is about 2/3 the size of the New Testament and reads quite easily though at times seems to lack coherency.

Please pray that we will have an increased opportunity to witness of the completion of the work on Christ on the cross. People in general are very open to spiritual or religious conversation during this time. It is an opportunity to testify of the inadequacy of religion.

You might like to mention the following names in prayer:

Isa, a carpenter and very good friend
Sylla, an English student who is very proud of his Muslem heritage
Omar, a friend who owns a business in the market
Souleymane, who works in our home
Salame, our guard
Thank you for your prayers and support.

The Downs Family,
Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa