I have to tell you of an amazing thing that happened today at our church in Oregon (Leaving out city name on purpose), -- Grace Christian Fellowship!

Our pastor, John Moa, felt led of the Holy Spirit to reach out in the name of Christ to the Muslim segment of our diverse community. Believing he was directed by the Lord, John called the Emir (the leader) of a local mosque.

He asked the Emir, "What can our church do to serve the Muslim and/or Arab community?"

The emir replied, "Pray for us." John boldly asked him if he would come to our church so that we might pray for him.

HE CAME! Today, he came to church.

He entered near the middle of the worship service, when we were singing a powerfully anointed song!
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THE EMIR, CLAPPING HIS HANDS TO A SONG OF WORSHIP TO THE LIVING KING

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People were enthusiastically worshipping; shouting, and lifting hands, --basically it was a pretty strong statement of worship to the King of Glory! The Emir actually began clapping his hands and singing a song of worship to the True and Living King!

Pastor John gave him opportunity to share, and he shared how it is unwise to make judgments regarding Christianity/Christians based on something one does who may call himself a Christian. Similarly, one shouldn't characterize all Muslims and/or people of Arabic descent based on the actions of a few.

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BOOKS ON CHRISTIANITY, -- "I BURNED THEM," HE SAID
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He said when he came to the mosque he now leads that he went to the mosque library and, " I took all the books written my Muslims that were about Christianity and Judaism and-- I BURNED THEM! he said.

He said that he told his people, "If you want to know about Christianity, then go look in the yellow pages and find a Christian church, then go visit that church and talk to a Christian rather than read about Christianity from a Muslim point of view."

I thought that was amazing!

After he shared with the congregation, the emir prayed for the mercy of the Almighty Creator, and he allowed our pastor, me and two other brothers to lay hands on him in front of the whole congregation and pray for him in Jesus mighty name! While Pastor John was praying and expressing God's love, I was praying that the Lord Jesus would reveal Himself in all his fullness to this influential man.

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TAKING IT TO THE STREETS
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I believe this was a defining moment in the life of our church! To see the love of Christ boldly expressed in this way rattled a few cages, I'm sure; but it's time for us to work outside of our religious boxes and be obedient to the Lord in all things. Can we ever know all that He has planned as we obey Him?

Never!

His ways are so much higher than our ways. What a wonderful time to be living!

Enjoying the adventure, Steve Bittner
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Note about Steve Bittner by Steve Shultz, THE ELIJAH LIST:

Steve is the junior high principal (where my son attends) at Santiam Christian School in Oregon. In addition, Steve Bittner runs the DAILY prayer updates regarding Art Carey, the husband of my former Personal Assistant at THE ELIJAH LIST. Art had a usually-fatal-but-still-in-miracle-territory brain stem stroke in February, seven months ago. Art continues to experience miraculous breakthroughs in his recovery (as well as some serious setbacks.). If you are warrior that loves to pray for what seems impossible, that prayer list for Art's recovery is YOUR KIND OF LIST. I have enormous respect for Steve and how he really walks out his Christianity, not in word but in Deed.

To join the daily updates on Art's conditions: write to Steve Bittner at: info@childheart.com

Steve also runs the non-profit organization, Child Heart (See blow:

ChildHeart..."impacting the conscience and character of children locally, nationally, and internationally"

Be sure to visit:

ChildHeart, Inc. www.character-ed.com