This issue brings some good news- the other story in the Arab Spring.
SINCE YOU ASKED
In the midst of all the bad news, we need all the good news we can get. Here’s an encouraging story that reminds us that God is still very much in control. By now, most of us are familiar with the “Arab Spring” in the Middle East and North Africa. You may not know that it all started when a street vendor in Tunisia set himself on fire. You’re likely also unaware of a radically different kind of revolution that began in the same town (about 10 years earlier) and is spreading throughout North Africa. Some are calling it an “Arab Awakening.”
 
Aman (not his real name, for his safety) grew up in Tunisia thinking that Christians were the lowest of the low, but that changed after a classmate gave him a Gospel of Luke. After reading of Jesus’ forgiveness of the woman caught in adultery, he actually wept. He had never read or heard of that kind of forgiveness before. He somehow realized that Jesus had to be way more than just a prophet. All by himself, he gave his life to Jesus, as best he knew how. The backlash came with a fury. His friends shunned him and his family disowned him.
 
Miraculously, he found a fellowship of just 6 believers. He also discovered the Christian satellite TV broadcasts from SAT-7. As he watched and learned, he helped the group grow to 30 and became their pastor. While at the university, he became an advocate for the poor and oppressed, and was invited to appear on TV. He soon became known as the house church leader for Tunisia.
 
When the demonstrations of the “Arab Spring” began in Tunisia, Aman felt a need for Christians to model love and responsibility, so he began cleaning the debris from the streets. This was so unusual that his story appeared on major TV networks. As he became well known, he was accused of being a spy and he realized his life was in danger. Leaving everything behind, he and his wife tearfully fled for a distant country.
 
This is where God’s hand became evident. SAT-7 had been considering a live program with Aman for North Africans, but the danger was too great while he was in Tunisia. Now in a safe location, Aman was able to meet to discuss the new program. God connected them with a well-equipped studio perfect for their needs. Soon, he will be speaking to his own people and culture, sharing his journey, answering questions, reading the Word of God, praying, and leading North African to the Savior.
 
AS I SEE IT
As God loves to do, He took a difficult and dangerous situation and transformed it into one of hope and joy. Instead of preaching to 30 people in a house church in Tunisia, Aman will be boldly proclaiming the life-changing power of the gospel to millions. God is so good. 

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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
So why is a car’s windshield so large and the rear view mirror so small?
Because our past is not nearly as important as our future, so look ahead and move on.