Charis Around the World

Tidbits from Ebony
Elizabeth Carmichael

A Family Walks Back From Washing Their Pots and Pans in the River

Hello, from Ebony!! I am back in country after some time away due to meetings, security issues, and a vacation! I enjoyed a lovely time in the northern portion of Central Asia. Some friends and I enjoyed being outdoors and hanging out by a huge, beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Amazing! I am thankful for the times of reflection and refreshment the Father gives us when we really need it most. I hope you are feeling refreshed these days.

A GOOD BOOK

While I was away, I had the chance to read a book that was just for pleasure and that was seemingly unrelated to all of my other work. I thought of you all while I read it, though. The book is by Malcolm Gladwell and is called "BLINK." It is a GREAT and fascinating read.  I thought of all the split second decisions that must be made both in midwifery and in parenting. It speaks a great deal to our ability to process information quickly, to prejudge inappropriately and also our ability to process information such as statistics and other quantitative research in order to produce an appropriate and meaningful analysis. And, the book is NOT even as boring as that last sentence sounded!! It really is good and I recommend it. (It is, however, a completely secular read and does contain a few choice phrases used in the context of quoting someone.)

A NEW TOY

As many of you know already, another "tidbit" in my life recently is my new Kindle!! This new bit of technology was a birthday gift and is already coming in quite handy. It is an electronic library that allows me to read thousands of books without carrying them all with me. How I hope for more midwifery and doula books in the Kindle format. You can help make them available by looking them up on Amazon and pressing the "I would like to read this on Kindle!" link that is associated with the book description.

A SPECIAL MONTH

Here in Ebony, and in all the countries surrounding, we are still in the midst of the Cousin month of fasting, from sun up to sun down. During the day, Cousins are not allowed to let anything pass into their throats--not even their own spit. They must refrain from sexual intercourse and things viewed as vices during this month. They are required to give to the poor. Also during this month, there is a heightened sensitivity to spiritual things and many Cousins hope to receive favor from God during the month. This year, my birthday falls on a very important day within the month of fasting. This day is known as "The Night of Power." It is the night they believe their Teacher received his first revelation from God. Many Cousins will stay up all night in prayer, hoping that God will reveal something to them. Please pray that He WILL! This year, the Night of Power falls on September 16 if you want to set aside some extra time to pray for Cousins on that day. You may remember that, in the U.S., you will be awake during THEIR night time...so, it is the perfect opportunity to pray for them in "real time."

A YOUNG MAN

Sam is a young man from Ebony who lives and works in another country. Recently, a short term team came through and got to know him, sharing the love of Christ with him. I was able to go by his place of work one day and pray for him and his fiancé. This is a text he wrote me later that night:

 “My sweet sister! When you come to my shop. That time I forget my all talks. I forget my Salaam (hello) to my dearst brothers. So say salaam to all my brothers. Thanks for ur love my sister. I can’t do anything more for u. But! My prayers always with you. Allah Hafiz (in God’s hands/Goodbye). My sister....”

Pray for Sam to know the hope and the love that are in Jesus! Pray for fruit to be born from all the seeds sown by the short term team!

Remember to Pray for Young Men and Women in Central Asia--
They Are the Future of the Developing Nations in This Region