March 10, 2016 Day 26 Challenge: Power of Prayer Until this week, Eritrea was a country I had never heard of before. After some research, I now know it's a small country of about 6 million people located in Eastern Africa. I also learned that it's ranked #3 on the 2016 World Watch List for most extreme persecution against Christians. The Eritrean government is strictly authoritarian and intolerant of any form of dissent or free expression. They have been a major supporter of radical Islam in the past, and are known to supply weapons and ammunition to Al-Shabaab, an Islamic extremist group. It's in this context that we place Helen's story. As you watch her video, listen to better understand her attitude toward her situation. Try to put yourself in her shoes as best you can and ask yourself, "Would I have the same attitude?" Helen's story: http://youtu.be/fjqX1v9a8cU So, here's a powerful question: If you were to wake up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today, what would you have? Your answer is between you and God. If you feel slightly convicted about your answer (like I'm sure many of us do), that's between you and God also, but understand that that feeling is because God wants you to change. End your time today in prayer. Focus on the people and government of Eritrea: Pray for the hundreds of Eritrean Christians who have been imprisoned for their faith. Pray that the government would soften its stance on evangelical Christians and give them the freedom to worship Jesus without restriction. Pray that the rise of Islamic extremism will be stifled. Focus on Helen: Pray that she has been able to openly express her faith without worry of violence or repercussions taken against her. Focus on your own gratitude: What do you need to thank God for today? If you're not sure, pray and ask. Then listen. This is an important step in the process that we often skip over. God is whispering His answer - are you quiet enough to hear it?