What is Ramadan?

Ramadan in 2008 (or the Islamic year of 1429) is September 1-30. Dates may vary according to the sighting of the moon. It is the third pillar of Islam, when Muslims around the world celebrate the holiest month of their year. During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims from all continents unite in a period of sunrise to sunset fasting and spiritual reflection. Our friends tell us that one of the most important aspects of Ramadan for them is an increase in commitment to their families.

Heavenly Father, during this holy time for Muslims give them dreams and visions of our Savior Jesus Christ. As they discipline themselves and resist temptation, open their hearts to their need for the Savior.

Learn how to pray for Muslims at the 30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World website. Visit our Islam pages more information about Islam and the fast of Ramadan.

Dates in Islam, Hajj (pilgrimage), Holidays for Muslims, Islam in Arabia, Pillars of Islam, Pray for Muslims, Ramadan, Ramadan prayer guide

Pray about John's shoulder pain

Please pray for our son John's shoulder surgery recovery. He's home but couldn't sleep last night because of pain. He is getting a different pain killer now.

With love and gratitude,

Mike, Sue, John, and Joshua Farho

http://farho.us

John's shoulder surgery Thursday AM

Photo of John in Iraq with some kids.

I had a good phone conversation with our son John today. He appreciates your prayers about his shoulder surgery on Thursday morning. He has had some annoying pain in one shoulder since his tour in Iraq. I don't completely understand his injury. but trust that the doctors do. I think it is called an arthroscopic outpatient surgery. He goes in at 6:30am, and out after lunch time. He will have three weeks of recovery. Then he has three weeks of National Guard camp in September. He is also taking a full load at college and working as a personal trainer at Gold's Gym. Oh to be 22 years old again!

Heavenly Father, we trust You to heal John's injured shoulder. Give the doctors wisdom and steady hands. Protect John from infection and further injury. Strengthen him as he juggles a very hectic schedule this fall.

Grateful for simple pleasures

Downtown Abidjan across the lagoon

We're grateful for so many little things in our lives here in Africa. It's true, we miss much about our lives in the USA, but God meets us here in simple and pleasant ways. As I was making my visits today on my motorcycle under a clear blue sky, cool breezes were blowing off the Atlantic Ocean. August is simply the best month to be alive in Abidjan. Before putting Joshua to bed tonight, we enjoyed another simple yet precious pleasure. We watched a one hour resume of today's Olympic events on French TV5.org.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty and cool weather in Abidjan. Give Mike, Sue and Joshua much joy as they serve You in this city of about 6 million needy souls. Open doors each day to share the love of Jesus. Protect John as he serves at the Nebraska Army National Guard Camp this week.

Prayer for 08-08-08 at 08:08am

Thought I would celebrate this awesome date with a special prayer for you, posted on 08/08/08 at 08:08 am. That makes this an 080808 0808 GMT prayer!

Heavenly Father, we thank You for giving us a new day to know You and love You. We thank You for giving us the fruit of Your Holy Spirit to enable us to obey You. We thank You for Your patience with us each day and year You've given us. Empower us anew to be Your faithful servants on this planet we call home. Enlighten us as we reflect Your glory. Cause Your love to overflow from us to all our neighbors and every nation of the world.

We pray all these things in the name of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who died to make our pardon possible. Amen

Send us your questions advice, comments or prayer requests!

God took away my fear!

On Aug. 7, 2001, a number of our friends experienced a living nightmare. God supernaturally saved us from being caught in the maelstrom of that evil day. I don't want to open the wounds that so many experienced that day. I need to share one friend's healing after that frightening day. Last week, she shared that the fear was so overwhelming that she couldn't sleep for days. Then she cried out to God to take away her fear. Immediately, a wonderful feeling of peace came over her. I can honestly tell you that she is now one of the most courageous people I know.

Heavenly Father, thank You for healing those who were so terribly wounded that day 7 years ago. Make this anniversary of that event one of increasing peace and comfort for all. Protect Your servants who serve You in areas of intense spiritual warfare. Deliver them from the evil one and his schemes to destroy them.