Light Week

John 1:5 says, “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  Some of our friends who are trying to be a light in the darkness will be experiencing this in a very tangible way as Ramadan starts next week throughout the Muslim world.

Ramadan is one of the five “pillars” of Islam. In addition to their five daily prayer times, Muslims around the world will fast from food and water each day from sunrise to sunset. For believers in Muslim countries, especially those from Muslim backgrounds, it’s a very challenging month. Muslim background believers are forced to fast with the majority, or risk outing themselves, but they hate doing so because it feels like they are submitting to the yoke of Islam. Please be praying for wisdom and discretion, as well as courage for all the followers of Jesus in these predominantly Muslim countries!

If you are interested in specific ways you can be praying and engaging with the Spirit of God this coming week, read the below, “Light Week” plan. Designed to help you and your family “unplug” and “press in," this resource, written by one of our workers overseas, includes kid-friendly activities, prayer points, and other information that will help keep our brothers and sisters in your thoughts and prayers over the course of Ramadan.

A kingdom of darkness. And a kingdom of light.

In our daily lives, it can be hard sometimes to remember that there is this spiritual reality. It can also be hard to know how to feel connected with those around the world who might be feeling the darkness and light a little more tangibly.

As cross-cultural workers in North Africa, we are partners with you, seeking to be obedient to Jesus and light in the darkness where we live. As Ramadan approaches, and daily rhythms change in our part of the world, we want to invite you into some tangible ways we can “unplug” and “press in” together. Gather your family, or a spouse, or a roommate, or just yourself. Would you join us? Ask the Lord how He might be leading you specifically in this week to do things differently.

Here's the plan:

Let’s set aside a week to “unplug” from technology that is most distracting (especially in the evenings), as well as simplify electricity. Through physical means, we hope to experience more tangibly and pray more specifically into the spiritual realities of darkness and light around us and around the world. Use the daily Scripture readings, questions, prayer prompts, and activities to replace normal rhythms and understand the purpose of being God's light to the world.

Ideas for unplugging:                                                                        Ideas for "pressing in":

-turn off phones, tvs and other screens.                                            -read a book together

-turn off lights and use candles                                                         -play games or music

-cook using the stove, oven or grill instead of the microwave.           -paint or craft something

                                                                                                         -go on a prayer walk

Daily Themes:

Sunday- Kingdoms of Darkness and Light (Treasuring the Gospel) | Key Verses: John 8:12, Colossians 1:11-14

Questions: Have we placed our faith in Jesus and are we a part if His Kingdom of light? How do we know?

Preschool: Who is the light of life? If Jesus were sitting next to you in the candlelight, what do you think He would say to you? Tell Jesus thank you for always being with you.

Elementary: Why do you think some people choose darkness instead of light?

Preteen/Teen/Adult: What are some things that are true about being in the kingdom of light?

Activity: Turn off all of the lights. Take turns crossing the room in the dark or navigating from one room to another. Then, do it again with a person in front of you holding a flashlight. What did you experience?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you as you seek to create opportunities this week to unplug and lean in. Talk about practical ways your family seeks to live a life not walking in darkness, but pursuing the light of life.

Monday- Walking in the Light (Confession) | Key Verses: 1 John 1:5-10

Questions: 

Preschool: Can darkness push light away? What happens instead? Thank Jesus for bringing light into the world to push darkness away.

Elementary: What kinds of darkness do people feel inside, even when the lights are on? How does Jesus bring light into people's lives?

Preteen/Teen/Adult: What does it mean to "walk in the light"?

Activity: The dark keeps us from seeing what is really there. Think about something you have tried to hide from others. Write out or draw a picture on small pieces of paper, anything you have been keeping in the dark. Place the papers next to the candlelight. Pray aloud, confessing those things to the Lord in the light of those who love you, then dispose of those papers and remember together the forgiveness you have in Jesus. 

Tuesday- Our Friends in Darkness (Prayer for Unsaved Friends) | Key Verses: John 1:1-18

Questions:

Preschool: How can we share Jesus' light with others?

Elementary: What are some things our friends might be experiencing without the light of Jesus in their life?