Up until the moment we stepped off the plane, we did not really know what to expect in Muscat, Oman. As our contact drove us through the city we saw that Muscat is quite developed. Although most were dressed in the traditional m*slim clothing, there were several people in western clothing, as well as, large numbers of Indian women in punjabis. Oman has exploded over the last 35 years with a growing population and rapid development. With the growth many Indians have come for the higher paying jobs and others from all over the world have come or been sent for occupational purposes. To met the needs of all these ex-patriots (or ex-pats), there is one main ch*rch with several within it- a Pr*test*nt, a C*tholic, etc. Of course, the ch*rch is monitored by the government and given strict regulations. It is not illegal to be a Chr*sti*n, however, it is illegal to ev*ngelize and for a native to become a Chr*sti*n. Due to the laws, Chr*sti*ns here can only share their faith with M*slims when asked about it. We met several incredible Chr*sti*ns who are still so passionate about the L*rd and live day to day in the restrictions. How bl*ssed are we living in countries where we don't have to think twice about pulling out our B*bles, or saying the name of J*sus, or having to put * in certain words in our emails. Let's not take it for granted! Shout out the love of the L*rd since you can!
With these restrictions, our time here has been more focused on pr*yer, interc*ssion, and encouraging the Christ*ans that live here day after day. THere were a few very motivating and powerful days spent in a HOP (House of...), ran by a Dutch couple who have lived here for 7 years. We were all greatly touched by them, their stories of how G*d has provided for them and their love and utter joy for the L*rd. We also served through pr*yer walks. Great connections were also made while working with the youth in the ch*rch. We were able to spend a large amount of time with the high school age group. Besides helping at the weekly youth meetings, we spent time outside of the meetings getting into hours long th*ologic*l discussions and debates, eating shwarmas and filafils, and of course, laughing and having fun!
One of the highlights for most of us was visiting a small village of about 50 people n the hills of a town called Tiwi. This village, Sui, began using some electricity only 2 years ago and a road was somewhat paved getting to it about 12 years ago. They walk down their hill to get to the wadi (water) for washing dishes and clothing. During our time there we were invited in for Arabic coffee, dates, and oranges, with open arms. A few Chr*sti*n families met a young man who is from the village, but has been living in the town. Through him, they can bring clothes and food, and build relationships with these simple and loving people. Our G*d is alive and working even in a tiny little village in the small nation of Oman. He loves, cherishes, and knows these people who do not even really know Him.
The girls were able to spend a day and a half with some teenage Omani girls in their home in the city of Sohar. Friendships were made through laughter and learning about each other's cultures and r*ligi*ns, showing them that not all "western" girls were as wild and crazy as the ones they see on T.V. and telling them why we are different. Meanwhile, the guys got to help the youth leader with some physical labor as he prepares to move.
As a group, we have all agreed that our time in Oman has been very different from the previous countries we have visited. Here, we were able to experience the life of a Chr*sti*n living overseas. Rather than having a schedule filled with program after program and activity after activity, we got to experience what the day to day life of a long term servant of G*d looks like here. Being able to stay with a family originally from New Zealand, in an actual house, has been not only a refreshing and restful time, but a tremendous learning experience. It has been so good to see what G*d is doing all over the world. The world seems so big, yet so small at the same time!
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