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Due to the fact that some of our leaders in the Islamic world literally risk their lives to share the Gospel. We will have to refrain from using the correct names of persons and the places of our ordinations. The following is a brief report from our Bishop concerning the Ordination day for 23 new leaders. Currently there are approximately 1500 underground CEEC churches in the heart of the Islamic world. Be sure to take a look at the series of pictures at the bottom of this article.
Prior to the ordination we made clothes that are the same as the clothes Muslim pastors (Imams) wear, but we are giving them new meaning. Since every type or group of Islam use slightly different styles and colors for their Imams, we did that, too:
- White kurtas (a type of shalwar-kamees, pants and shirts worn here): A clean life
- Gold and maroon robes called jubas: The gold is the color of the new Jesus Kingdom we are called to spread and maroon is for His blood that gives us forgiveness of sin.
- White head cover, Arab style: A head covering represents authority..... Not ours, but His
So, first we will pray using the style of prayer they do in the mosques here. Then, I will explain ordination using 1 Timothy
4:11-16, especially the verses about laying on hands and prophetic utterances. Then I will give the clothes to .....(name of one of the primary leaders) and explain them, and everyone will pray for him. Then he and I will do that together for everyone else.
We will ordain him first and then involve him with the others because most of the guys here are his "disciples" this time.
There are already plans for multiple ordination events around the country using this format.
By using this format, we are doing two things:
- A demonstration of biblical ordination and authorization and empowerment....
- Establishing the leaders of the movement as leaders to the wider community in a way that fits this culture....
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