Ramadan, Release, Refugees...

...And More From the Middle East.

The Islamic month and concurrent holidays of Ramadan began last Friday evening.  Ramadan is a month on the Islamic lunar calendar, and the month's name comes from a word meaning "scorching" or "dry"-- though the dates shift according to the Gregorian calendar, it couldn't have arrived at a more appropriate time of scorching, dry heat.  Islam teaches that it was during the month of Ramadan that the prophet Muhammad received the revelations that became the Quran.  The month and the receipt of these revelations are remembered by daily fasts and change in work patterns to allow for more time in prayer and readings of the Quran; ornately decorated lanterns of various sizes are sold and hung to light up the night--like the one pictured outside of a new Thai restaurant in Maadi--much like Christmas lights during Advent in Christian cultures.  The fasting from sunrise to sunset is broken nightly with the Iftar meal--these are usually shared in large groups and have a celebratory feel.  The change in business hours can be seen throughout the community, but perhaps most notably along the roadways and Metro lines as traffic is far less busy.

In Egypt, newly elected President Mohammed Morsy used the commencement of Ramadan as an opportunity to grant pardon to 572 prisoners who were detained by military for their roles in the January 25 revolution more than a year ago.  Morsy has been in an ongoing battle to court public favor despite the celebrations that erupted in Tahrir Square and throughout the country at the announcement of winning the runoff election last month.  This video from the Al Jazeera's "Listening Post" program highlights the struggle to overcome the formerly state-run news agencies who seem to be still aligned with SCAF/military, as well as the battle against the new and rapidly increasing private news agencies that appear to have their own agendas; the Morsy and the media portion is begins after the introductory show statements and continues till 8:30 in the recording.

The above program concludes with an interesting segment on the "low tech social media" of graffiti and its role in the "Arab Spring" of North African countries (Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt); this concluding segment runs from 12:50-21:45.  The rise of graffiti art was an indicator of a growing desire and acceptance for freedom of expression of the people of Egypt.  Freedom of expression has been an ongoing hot topic debate since the Revolution.

This pic from a Naharnet story that
indicated more than 2000
refugees entered Lebanon
in one day.

Finally, Syria's ongoing troubles continue to increase need in surrounding countries as thousands upon thousands of refugees flee while violent conflict continues.  According to this CNN report, the U.N. is reporting more than 120,000 refugees have fled to neighboring countries, including at least 30,000 into Lebanon.  The Church of God in Lebanon as well as parachurch groups like Heart for Lebanon are actively seeking to minister to the needs of these refugees.  Through Three Worlds, we have seen reports of this service and read of their strategic response to meet this growing need within their borders.  In 5 weeks, Zeke and I will travel to serve the annual youth camp in Lebanon and we will also visit leaders and see their service to refugees first hand.  Pray for the wisdom of the Lebanese leaders as they seek to compassionately and correctly offer aid to these in need.