Sunrise in the Sahara (part 6 of 9)

Beyond Borders

A group in a city called Balti (about 100 miles from Tiram) asked for Amina and Jane to come and share stories. This would be not only a sacrifice of time for the team (as even a trip this short in distance can take 8 hours due to traffic and poor road conditions) but of comfort. Outside Tiram, the level of danger and lack of security increased progressively.

As they approached Balti, their worst fears came true when they were stopped by a special police unit who were inspecting cars due to an upcoming soccer match between the local team and the hated team from Tiram. There would undoubtedly be violence in the street. Jane was quickly taken to her memories of Dokor where she served in extreme violent conditions. She was concerned the police might halt their progress, not to mention the fear building inside her like a geyser about to go off.

The police ironically let them pass and they quickly made it to a family's home for the story session. A curiously diverse group of women gathered this time along. They ranged from with a woman from the countryside who heard about Jesus on satellite tv all the way to a sophisticated local psychiatrist. But the group soon became one unit, gripped by the story of Cain and Abel. The warnings God gave Cain revealed a different God than what their pre-existing world view dictated. He was not a scary God with a big stick, but a God who would overcome evil to rescue man. Amina got so excited, she skipped ahead, motivated by her zeal to share the good news. She asked if anyone in the room wanted to pray with her and accept Jesus. Jane was so set back by the aggressive move, she didn't know what to do. She just prayed silently until her heart stopped racing.

Amina started to pray and declare faith in Jesus and a commitment to follow Him. Just under the sound of her voice a whisper emerged. It was Dora, the local professional, praying along in her own words. And before Amina could finish her prayer a new child of God was born. In some countries that happens every day in mass. But, out of the millions of people in Sarra, only a few hundred are followers of Jesus. What a day to celebrate! However, we know that where the word of God prevails, the enemy will attack. This miracle repeated many times as they traveled the country.

To Be Continued...

Sunrise in the Sahara (part 5 of 9)

The Invitation

The surge of joy after the first session had not subsided when a very unique opportunity arose. Amina was asked to come share stories at a biblical training session hosted by her husband Adel. This was interesting since those involved in theological training can be naturally skeptical about the concept of story telling. But their reaction to the stories was anything but simple. After Amina shared (even in front of her husband this time) they asked her to meet again to keep sharing.

She came a few days later to a building they had secured in downtown Tiram. But they could not get in, so Amina told them them they would have to cancel. But the group insisted she stay. So they went to a local cafe down the street. Now, local cafes in Tiram are dusty, rustic environments with mostly men, a far cry from Starbucks. They plopped down in some old aluminum chairs surrounded by men with shisha pipes and began to tell stories. It was not long before others in the cafe began to lean over to listen. It was perhaps the first time ever that God's word filled the air in that cafe. The stories were working! But, as always, progress does not come without sacrifice. Jane and Amina faithfully continued to step outside their comfort zone.

To Be Continued...

Going On A Trip

Zachary was a volunteer for an object lesson (or skit) on Sunday at St. George's Anglican Church. Pam, the worship leader, prepared him for a long journey and asked him questions. With the help of Zach's innocent, honest responses, she illustrated our need for God's guidance and direction on our own journey. The quote of the morning was when she gave Zach the map and said, "do you think you can find your way with this?" Zach said, "no." "Why?" she asked. "I don't know how to read a map," Zach said. Kuddos to Pam and Zach for a great illustration!

Play Ball!

We asked a friend, "what's your favorite thing to do?" We expected him to say 'soccer' or long days at the cafe. Instead, he said "baseball?" So the American pastime has made it to Tunisia. In fact, after some digging, we found that there is an official Baseball Federation of Tunisia. Sure, its a dusty building downtown led by a commissioner who won't let anyone use the equipment. But, no worries, a few donors got us a bunch of equipment from Academy Sports in the US and sent it our way. So, Sunday we celebrated our latest pick up game. Everyone had a great time including the younger boys who got to hit with the rest of us!

The Home Stretch

Well, our 4^th Ramadan is upon us! If you don’t know much about this annual holiday look it up online. Essentially, all Muslims fast for the daylight hours which means its pretty quiet around here in the day time with empty streets and a lot of closed stores.

Our summer was filled with some fun occasions as well as with lots of planning for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Our focus will continue to be on our current plate of personal and professional priorities. At the end of the school year, we will return to the US. It has been such a privilege to serve here in Tunisia and we look forward to finishing strong in the coming year.

Our year-end newsletter will specify the details of our 2010-2011 academic year. If you have questions, email us at Gordon.Blocker@barid.org.

Pray for all of us! Tunisia has become home for the Blockerseven. You might remember that Sam was born just before we arrived. So Tunisia is where all seven of us have gelled together. Pray for our kids especially!

Blessings to all!

The B7 Hits the Cafe

There are as many cafes in Tunisia as there are bars in the US. Tunisians much prefer plastic chairs, shots of espresso, flat screens with soccer on, and a shisha pipe over margaritas, soft tacos, and monday night football. Gordon heads over to our shop about once a day with his big Starbucks cup. He has made friends with just about every waiter and they all know when he's coming - we think it's the big Starbucks cup that gives him away :) We went there together as a family the other day and asked a waiter to snap a memory. We don't have many family photos with all 7 of us. So it was neat to capture the moment. Cheers!

KIds Go To Camp In France

Abigail, Zachary, and Ben were super blessed to go to France this summer. They joined 45 other kids from like-minded families for a camp. It was not the woods of East Texas or the massive facilities we are used to in the States. But it was a beautiful setting in southwest France with great people who love Jesus and loved on our kids. The kids could not have loved it more!!! When the parents showed up for the final night all the kids were crying and saying goodbye, the parents were rounding up dirty socks, and the counselors were grabbing one last hug from their cabin. Thanks to all involved at camp! What a blessing!