Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions – if he comes to you, welcome him)…  (Col 4:10)

Aristarchus was a fellow prisoner with Paul, and Mark was the disciple who abandoned Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 15:36-41). And yet, Paul welcomes Mark back into fellowship and remarks that he is useful for ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). Paul gives him a second chance. Some Muslim background believers are imprisoned for their faith. This can do much harm to them, or it can fortify their faith by taking away the fear of future persecution. Sadly, some professing believers revert back to Islam due to the pressure of persecution. Others backslide, leaving their believing friends bewildered and wondering what to do (Mark 4:17). 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray for prisoners in Oman who are in prison for Your Name’s sake. Give them grace in their severe trials. Grant them strength to stand firm in their faith and courage to resist temptations. Manifest Your love and comfort to them. Assure them of Your presence as You did with Daniel’s three friends in the fiery furnace. And we pray for the John Marks of the world. We thank You that You are a God of second chances. Encourage Omani believers to bring backsliding believers back into fellowship in order to give them a second chance. Let a spirit of forgiveness and restoration reign in the local church in Oman. Amen. 

Worship with us!: Praise Opens Prison Doors by Cain. May the praise coming from Oman open even prison doors!

Matthew 18:14 Focus—‘Your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost.’ 

Please bring these towns and villages before the Father:

Hijj, Mahut district, Al-Wusta region. Population: 7,366

Wadi as-Sayl, Mahut district, Al-Wusta region. Population: 2,422

Al-Jubah, Mahut, district, Al-Wusta region. Population: 2,115

An-Najdah, Mahut district, Al-Wusta region. Population: 1,538

Sarab, Mahut district, Al-Wusta region region. Population: 1,035