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Sudan: James Lual

Published on June 1st, 2009

Sudan

James Lual was a “Lost Boy.” Sudan had a civil war which began in 1983 and lasted until 2005. During that time Muslim attackers drove thousands of boys from their homes in southern Sudan. For years the boys wandered from place to place. Some ended up in refugee camps in other African countries. People called them “the Lost Boys of Sudan.”

More than 3,000 of the boys came to America. Others were allowed to settle in Australia, England, and Canada. James hoped to be one of those chosen to leave his homeland behind and start a new life somewhere else.

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Comparing the Bible and the Quran

Published on June 1st, 2009

The Bible
The Quran
Beginnings The Bible is the Christians’ holy book. Its writings were inspired by God. (See 2 Timothy 3:16.) The Quran is the Muslims’ holy book. Muslims believe it was revealed by Allah (who they worship) to their founder, Muhammad, mostly through the angel Gabriel.
Contents The Bible contains 66 books divided into two sections: the Old Testament (OT) and the New Testament (NT). It was written by more than 40 people over a period of 1,500 years in different places and in three different languages. There is amazing agreement among all the books. The Quran is one book written from one source. It contains 114 “suras,” or chapters. The chapters vary in length from three verses to 226 verses.
History The 39 books of the OT were already written when Jesus was born. Jesus fulfilled all the OT prophecies about a coming of the Messiah. The 27 NT books were written by either Jesus’ disciples who were close to Him during his earthly ministry or someone close to those disciples. Many people say Muhammad could not read or write. The Quran was not put into book form until after his death. It was first recited to Muhammad’s followers who memorized it or wrote it down. Many versions existed until one version was declared official.
Languages The OT was written mainly in Hebrew and the NT in Greek. The Bible has been completely translated into many more languages. The first handwritten English translation was completed in the 1380s. Arabic is the language of the Quran. Muslims believe that it cannot be properly translated into other languages. Many Muslims who do not know Arabic read and memorize the Arabic version. The first English Quran was published in 1649.
Purpose The Bible is the unfolding story of God’s relationship to man and his plan to redeem man from sin. The Bible teaches that God loves the world and sent Jesus to save people from their sins. Jesus came to “seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus said, “I am with you always …” (Matthew 28:20). The Quran says that one of Muhammad’s purposes was to warn people. “Therefore give warning. Your duty is only to warn them; you are not their keeper. As for those that turn their backs and disbelieve, Allah will inflict on them the supreme chastisement” (Sura 88:21-24).

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What Time Is It?

Published on June 1st, 2009

At 6:00 a.m. U.S. Central Standard Time, it is 1:00 p.m. in Nigeria. What time is it now where you live? Draw two clocks. Draw hands on one clock to show the time where you are. Draw hands on the other clock to show the time in Nigeria. What do you think children in Nigeria might be doing right now? Please pray for them.

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