By a member of SEND’s Diaspora | North America team

“I’m depressed,” she said. We had been visiting with a Muslim family and at the end of the visit, we had asked if we could pray for them. Did they have any special requests for prayer? The oldest daughter just blurted it out. “I’m fine one minute and then suddenly it's like a cloud just falls out of the sky and lands on me, and I am depressed”. She said, “Sometimes I wake up and can’t go to work. I call in sick and just stay in bed and cry. Please pray for me in this struggle." My wife raised up her arm and beckoned her to come sit next to her. She came right over and sat close. We were amazed at how open she was with us and her family. We talked about what was on her heart and mind and what might be causing such angst and as she shared there was plenty. Others in the family also chimed in and brought up specific items for prayer. One by one, we gently prayed for each of those lost hurting souls and asked for God’s healing hand to touch and bind their wounds.

We had shared the Christmas story that night, and the meaning of Advent. About Jesus coming to earth, being born in a stable, to save people from their sins, to be, Emmanuel, God with us. And that the people of Israel had been waiting for a long time for a Savior to come. It had been prophesied, but it hadn’t happened and year after year, they continued to wait. Until finally, in the fullness of time, Jesus came. Each year we remember and celebrate his coming through Advent where we wait expectantly for Christmas to arrive. It seemed to touch their hearts in a special way. We have visited this family many many times, over several years even. But they were never as open as they were this time. What was it that opened the door of their hearts this time? We felt like that night there was a giant step forward in their understanding of who God is and his love and compassion for each of us.

We will continue to follow up with this family and especially this hurting young lady, who so willingly asked for prayer. Will you join us in praying for her too? That God would heal her wounded heart and mind and release her from this devastating condition? There are people all around us who are hurting. Some are similar to us and some are very different, but God loves each and every one. Will they hear the gospel story, the good news of Emmanuel, God with us, from you and from me? May God give us the courage to keep sharing his love with those around us. Who will you share with this week?

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