Bedouin, Gafsa of Tunisia

Bedouin, Gafsa of Tunisia Bedouin society is organized on blood ties. The nuclear family forms the first level. Then comes a broader concept of family, uncles, cousins, etc. Beyond this are the clan and finally the tribe, with possible confederations of tribes. The honor and dishonor of an individual are shared by his family or his tribe, which can lead to large celebrations, or ruthless reprisals. The size of the tribes varies widely, from a few thousand to several hundred thousand. Each clan, tribe, or confederation recognizes the authority of a sheikh. This is not a leader, but a wise man. The camel is the most prestigious animal in a Bedouin herd. However, the camel has lost much of its value because of modern transportation, and this has been a factor in the gradual abandonment of traditional Bedouin lifestyles. Ministry Obstacles To dishonor ones' family, clan, or tribe is a serious offense, and following Jesus will surely invite dishonor. Outreach Ideas Pray for Gospel radio to widely penetrate the land of the Bedouin tribes, and pray the Bedouin will find these broadcasts and be given a desire to carefully listen. Pray they will understand the broadcasts. Pray for the followers of Christ Please pray for the few Gafsa Bedouin who are followers of Jesus Christ, that they will honor the Lord by living holy lives. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Bedouin tribes of Tunisia will see the importance of educating their children well. Pray also for pure drinking water, and for improved medical care. Scripture Focus "Now it will come about that In the last days, The mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, And will be raised above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it." Isaiah 2:2		People Name: Bedouin, Gafsa Country: Tunisia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 35,000 World Population: 35,000 Language: Arabic, Algerian Saharan Spoken Primary Religion: Islam Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Banjara, Hindu of India

Banjara, Hindu of India The Banjara are the largest gypsy group in India and are known as the root gypsies of the earth. Gypsies began traveling from India to different regions of Europe hundreds of years ago. Although we usually associate the word "gypsy" with bands of fortune tellers traveling in colorful caravans from place to place, this is no longer the case with the Banjara. Most have settled down to farming and raising cattle or grain. However, there are still some who beg, sing and wear special make-up while begging in the name of a specific deity. The Banjara love music, playing folk instruments and dancing. Some Banjar are acrobats, magicians, tricksters, story-tellers, and fortune-tellers. Banjara families are closely knit, having minimal relationships with other castes. Ministry Obstacles Gypsies have a history of moving frequently, making it difficult for children to obtain a good education. The literacy rate is probably quite low among the Banjara. Outreach Ideas Pray for the growing body of Christians among the Banjara to become mature enough in the faith to take the Gospel to the remainder of their community. They need disciplers to help with this. Pray for the followers of Christ The Lord is at work among the Banjara community, and there is a growing body of Christian believers among them. Please pray these believers will grow deeply in understanding and application of God's Word, and will have a heart to share what they are learning with family and friends. Pray for the entire people group Please pray this traditionally gypsy community will completely leave their former lifestyle of being somewhat dishonest and immoral. Pray they will lose all interest in deeds of darkness. Scripture Focus "Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see." Matthew 22:9		People Name: Banjara, Hindu Country: India 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 5,754,000 World Population: 5,754,000 Language: Lambadi Primary Religion: Hinduism Bible: New Testament Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Bhangi, Hindu of Bangladesh

Bhangi, Hindu of Bangladesh The Bhangi are a Scheduled Caste, and were traditionally associated with scavenging, sweeping, basket-making, etc. Their women are considered equal in family matters, participate on an equal footing in social and religious matters, and contribute to the family income. A few of the Bhangi living in cities are educated. Hanuman, Chamunda, Ambamata, and other gods and goddesses are regularly worshipped. Many of the Bhangi are followers of Kabir, Ramanandi, Nanak, etc. Ministry Obstacles Spiritual opposition to the Gospel is always an issue, perhaps especially so in South Asia. Much prayer is needed to withstand spiritual opposition. Outreach Ideas There are a few reported Christian believers in this group in Bangladesh. And in India, there are a number of believers in this community. Perhaps Christians in the Bhangi community in India will be led by God's Spirit to help their brethren in Bangladesh. Pray to this end. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray that the few believers among the Bhangi will have access to scripture in both printed and audio form. Pray they will be given a hunger for God's Word. Pray for the entire people group Pray for this low caste community, that their education level will rise in the future, and that they will find adequate employment opportunities. Scripture Focus "All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will worship before You." Psalm 22:27

People Name: Bhangi, Hindu Country: Bangladesh 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 9,400 World Population: 4,768,000 Language: Bengali Primary Religion: Hinduism Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

An Insider’s Glimpse into the Syrian Refugee Crisis

An Insider’s Glimpse into the Syrian Refugee Crisis

October 24, 2013

Many Syrian refugees who escape across the border into Lebanon end up living in ramshackle camps like this one in the Bekaa Valley.

Much has been reported about the plight of Syrian Muslims who are fleeing their country, but how has the war impacted Christian refugees? In an emotional interview with Christian Aid Mission staff, the leader of a Lebanon-based ministry shares refugee accounts that broke his heart—and gave him hope for a brighter future.

Q: How do you minister to the refugees given their very difficult circumstances and challenges?

A: Most of the time we sit and talk and we pray with them. It’s really hard. I know we can’t save the world, but we do as much as we can. We just do whatever we can. People come knocking on the door and say “Please, let us in. It’s okay; we will sit on the floor. Give us just a roof. We don’t want anything else.” Or people will say, “Do you have any clothing for us because we left Syria with nothing.” As we are able to serve meals, we do it. We try to do it weekly. If we are able to offer more food, we do it. We never provide meals according to a schedule. We never store food on the shelf. Whatever we have, we cook, and the refugees help us.

Q: What is the current situation inside Syria and with the refugees in Lebanon?

A: What’s happening now is the persecution that the Christian people are experiencing, especially in the areas of Maaloula and Aleppo. It’s a huge problem now. So they leave Syria with whatever they have on them. They just leave. A country like Lebanon is very small and there’s nothing that the government is doing to help the refugees. Where we work in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon, there are no more empty spots available. The fields are full. It’s overwhelming with all the children and families. A huge disaster.
I visited one of the families. There were about 25 to 30 people. When I came in the room, I literally thought they were having the Lord’s Supper, the way they were eating. They were handing each other a slice of bread and each one was taking a piece. This is how bad off they are. In Beirut too, any house that already had one or two refugee families living there, now they have more people in the same house.
I have lived through war, I’ve lived with disasters, but I have never seen it this bad. The main thing now is to stand with believers that we know are being persecuted.

Q: How are Christians in Syria coping?

A: The hardest thing is communication. They don’t go out much. There is a big loneliness; they feel that they are alone and nobody thinks of them. They are scared and they think they are alone in this whole situation. One man said, “Someone burned the Koran and they [the media] made a big story out of it. We have people we bury every day who are Christians. Why can’t we do something about that?” It’s true we are not the kind of people who are an "eye for an eye" and a "tooth for a tooth." No. The encouraging thing is we are seeing God working, even though things are hard.

Q: Can you share with us the personal stories of some of the families?

Perhaps the greatest tragedy of the war is its effect on Syria’s children.

A: This is a very conservative number I’m saying, but I met at least 15 to 20 kids with no mom and no dad left for them. Their parents died when they were in Syria, and the children were taken out by others who were fleeing. One Christian brother in Lebanon mentioned his mom didn’t want to leave Syria because she told him, “If we leave, they’re going to take everything.” He tried to convince her and other family members to leave. He couldn’t. By the time they were talking about leaving, men came into the house and killed them all, just because they are Christians. They were wonderful believers, a wonderful family. This man lost his whole family. His mom, his dad, his grandma, and all his brothers. Nine people were killed that day.
They were killed in a part of Syria that was supposed to be safe. Any area where Christians are, they are being targeted. They [rebels] come in, they massacre people, and they leave. The same thing they did in Maaloula. They came in for two days, they massacred people, and then they left. Maaloula is an area where there are Catholic and Orthodox believers. There’s no fighting there. I don’t know. It’s hard to say where there is a safe area for Christians in Syria any more.

Q: Are the rebels targeting Christians differently than they would Alawite or Shiite?

A: Yes, because they slaughter Christians. They don’t shoot them. That’s how you know the difference.

Q: Do you recommend Christians just leave Syria?

A: In situations like this, you cannot recommend anyone leave or stay. For two reasons. When you leave, you lose everything. I remember every time we left our house during the war in Lebanon, it was broken into and people took everything. That’s really what the rebels want people to do. They want to scare people out, and when families are out, the rebels steal. That’s why they kill families, to scare the neighborhood. They want to make people leave. And at the same time if they don’t leave, they are jeopardizing their lives. And what do you do when you have two kids, three kids, babies? You don’t want to go to a place where you can’t find work, where you’re not welcome, where nobody’s doing anything to help you.

Q: What are you and your ministry doing to help the refugees? What are some specific ways that you are providing assistance to them?

A ministry in Lebanon is reaching out to both Muslim and Christian refugees to provide food packages, medicine, bedding materials, and other essentials.

A: We are opening now several camps that I know of but the only thing is we cannot open them too much to the public because we will be suddenly overwhelmed. But some of the places we are keeping for believers. So far we have more than 6,000 people who are Christians that have tents and small places to stay where they are sharing bathrooms and such. This is in the mountains in Lebanon. We are trying to help them as much as possible with food and medical assistance. The other area where we are working is in the Bekaa Valley. We have some Christians there—around 2,000 people. There are no places left in Beirut. It’s horrible there. Refugees that went to Tripoli in northern Lebanon are fleeing now because of what’s happening there between the Sunnis and the Shiites. So they are either going to Beirut or into the mountains.

Q: In your mind, do you see the refugee situation as something that is bringing many thousands, even hundreds of thousands of Muslims to Christ?

A: I wouldn’t say hundreds of thousands, but I have seen thousands personally. On a recent trip I prayed and I cried with so many people—more than in my entire life, my entire ministry. That’s for sure I can tell you. We have meetings in several churches. You see Muslims coming on Wednesdays, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They want to be a part of it.
One Sunday when I was there we had 200 people in a room. We said, “Okay, you know that we are Christians and we believe in Jesus and we would like to pray for you.” We shared the gospel with them. I’ve never seen so many people praying at the same time in my life, ever. All of them were Muslims. We said, “Do you want to give your life to Jesus?” They said, "Yes," and they prayed. I don’t know if it’s because we were there, but I know they need Jesus. That’s all I know. That’s the maximum we can give them.

Q: Do they tell other Muslims they are Christians, or do they keep it to themselves?

Christians face intense persecution as the war rages on in Syria.

A: It depends where, with whom. I was in Beirut visiting with one of the Syrian families. There were about 35 to 40 people in that small house. A guy came in and said, “You are the one who is converting them to Christianity.” He was angry with me and he was looking at everybody and shouting at them. That gives you an example of how they share with others what they have seen and what they have prayed. That’s how it is happening. Some people share their faith, some don’t. But a lot of them come back to us and help us out.

Q: How do you share your faith with the refugees?

A: We definitely share the gospel with them. We offer them a New Testament. If they say no, we don’t give it. Some are saying, “We don’t read.” This is when audio materials are useful. Sometimes we visit carrying nothing and say, “Hi, I’m just here to see you.” One Muslim man said to me, “Can you come and pray with my wife. I think she is going into labor.” I didn’t know what to pray for. She was in labor. I said, “We will have to take your wife to the hospital.” Of course they cannot afford it. I said, “No problem, let’s go.” So I was praying with her on the way. We got her to the hospital. She had a boy. Guess what they named him? Yes, my name.
Can you imagine? And this was a Muslim family. (choking back tears) All of this is really too much [to handle]. But God is good. We should focus on that. God is good. We need to stand next to the believers. We are there for them. We are there.

How you can help Syrian refugees:

Pray

• For refugee families, as they have experienced the horrors of war and face immense challenges in the countries where they have relocated. Pray that their hearts will be open to hear and receive the love of Jesus Christ.
• For encouragement and strength for the Lebanese ministry workers who feel emotionally overwhelmed.
• For Christians who have chosen to remain in Syria—for their safety, for God’s provision to meet their physical and emotional needs, and that they will be lights for Christ in the midst of the darkness that surrounds them.

Give

Material Needs

• Food package for one family for a week ($80)
• Mattress, blanket, pillow ($50)
• Shoes and clothing ($10)
• Medicine ($5)

Shelter

• Plastic tarp ($300-$500). Families use this covering to waterproof their tents, which are made of wood and scrap metal.
• Heaters ($30-$40) depending on whether the appliance uses diesel fuel or wood. Cold weather will be setting in soon. The ministry is requesting at least 200 heaters, one per family.

Evangelistic Outreach

• New Testaments/CDs ($5 each). Believers still living in Syria would like to use these materials for evangelism among the rebels.
• Monthly living expenses for gospel workers in Syria

Use the form below to contribute online to provide emergency relief to Syrian refugees. Or call 434-977-5650 to contribute by phone. If you prefer to mail your gift, please mail to Christian Aid, P.O. Box 9037, Charlottesville, VA 22906. Please use Gift Code: 412 COL. Thank you!

Nogai of Russia

Nogai of Russia The name Nogai derives from the name of one man. Nogay, grandson to Genghis Khan, was an outstanding chieftain and the real leader of the Golden Horde. He was the ruler of these people west of the Danube. Nogay was killed either in the year 1294 or, according to other sources, 1300, but his name remains. The Nogays live in scattered linguistic enclaves. In recent times several waves of migration have swept into Nogay territories. Some of these have come from other regions of Caucasia. The relations of the Nogays with recent settlers in the Nogay Steppe are strained and extremely inflammable. The reasons for conflict are primarily economic. An especially destabilizing influence has been the immigration of the Dargwas from Dagestan. Ministry Obstacles The Caucasus is very difficult for Christian workers to enter. Outreach Ideas Please pray that Christian radio will be made available throughout the Caucasus, and that people will find it and listen. Pray for the followers of Christ There may be no followers of Jesus today among the Nogai people. But pray that even now the Lord will be preparing those who will come and help them find Christ. Pray for the entire people group Pray for peace in the Caucasus region. Ancient animosities are at work in this region. Scripture Focus "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14		People Name: Nogai Country: Russia 10/40 Window: No Population: 105,000 World Population: 117,000 Language: Nogai Primary Religion: Islam Bible: New Testament Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: No Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

Baggara, Dekakire of Chad

 

Baggara, Dekakire of Chad The name Baggara comes from the Arabic Baqqara, the word for cattle. They are cattle herding Arabs. The Dekakire are one of the Baggara subgroups. The Baggara claim origin from Arabs in the Hijaz, the Red Sea coast area of the Arabian Peninsula, perhaps around 1100-1200 AD. They have been Muslims since the thirteenth century. The Baggara wear the clothes prescribed by the Muslim religion, and bury their dead facing Mecca. They are a very superstitious people, believing strongly in evil spirits. Ministry Obstacles The Baggara are usually somewhat nomadic, making it especially difficult to establish relationships with them. Also, they have been committed to Islam for centuries. Outreach Ideas Pray for Gospel radio to become available to these nomadic people in Chad, and that the people will learn of these broadcasts. Pray for excellent programming, so the people will listen. Pray for the followers of Christ It is questionable if there are any followers of Jesus among the Dekakire Baggara. Pray the Lord will soon prepare workers to take the Gospel to these people, and that he is preparing the Dekakire for these workers. Pray for the entire people group Pray for the Baggara to have sufficient rainfall for their herds and for their crops. Pray also they will have an increasing desire to find forgiveness for their sin. Scripture Focus "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." Revelation 7:9		People Name: Baggara, Dekakire Country: Chad 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 12,000 World Population: 12,000 Language: Arabic, Chadian Spoken Primary Religion: Islam Bible: New Testament Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Tlapaneco, Tlacoapa of Mexico

 

Tlapaneco, Tlacoapa of Mexico

The people have been "Christianized" for generations, but few know what it means to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Current ministry in the area is conducted by Iglesias Cristianas Tlapanecas (ICT), with support from Tlapanec Indian Ministries of Memphis, TN. The people are steeped in superstition and have a very hard time getting over these problems. They have not had extreme objection to the Gospel such as many groups in Mexico have had, but their old animistic practices continue in their lives even for those who have accepted Christianity.

Ministry Obstacles
Sadly, the people have been somewhat inoculated from the power and purity of the Gospel of Christ.

Outreach Ideas
Believers in Mexico are sometimes oblivious to the need of unreached groups in their backyard. Pray these believers will see the need to effectively communicate the Gospel to the Tlapaneco.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There may very well be no genuine followers of Jesus in this tribe, only the Lord knows. Pray the Lord's Spirit will make it abundantly clear to each person in this highly Christianized tribe whether they have truly accepted Christ.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray for a stirring of the Lord's Spirit in this tribe, taking from them any satisfaction gained from their religion and giving them a hunger to know Jesus in a personal way.

Scripture Focus
"Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You." Psalm 67:3

People Name: Tlapaneco, Tlacoapa Country: Mexico 10/40 Window: No Population: 8,400 World Population: 8,400 Language: Me'phaa, Tlacoapa Primary Religion: Christianity Bible: New Testament Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Bairwa of India

Bairwa of India

"Bairwa" means brave. The Bairwa are located in the fertile regions of the Indo-Gangetic plains of North India in the states of Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand. They are an influential community. They are known for their skill in making mats and ropes. Feeling exploited by the higher castes, they have been involved in a struggle for social rights for the poor and farmers. Education has become an important means of progress, so the Bairwa emphasize education for their children. Vermilion, bangles and toe rings are some symbols of marriage for women. They are Hindus and worship many gods, goddesses and saints.

Ministry Obstacles
The worldview of Hinduism is very different than that of the Christian. Much has to change in a person's thinking to move from Hinduism to Christianity, but this is not impossible.

Outreach Ideas
Much prayer is needed to prepare the hearts and minds of the Hindu Bairwa to understand and believe that faith in Jesus is the only means of acceptance by a holy God. The way is narrow.

Pray for the followers of Christ
As far as we know there probably are no Christians among the Bairwa at the present time. Pray that members of this community will come in contact with believers who will hear and obey the Spirit's prompting to share the Good News with them.

Pray for the entire people group
Please pray this Hindu community will be given the gift of conviction of sin, and will realize their need for a Savior from sin. At the proper time, pray the Lord may reveal his Son, Jesus as this Savior.

Scripture Focus
"The Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain.. And on this mountain He will swallow up the covering which is over all peoples, even the veil which is stretched over all nations. He will swallow up death for all time." Isaiah 25:6-8

People Name: Bairwa Country: India 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 933,000 World Population: 933,000 Language: Dhundari Primary Religion: Hinduism Bible: None Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Faqir of Bangladesh

Faqir of Bangladesh This community name is derived from the Arabic word faqr, meaning poverty. Most Faqir consider the famous Sufi Abdul Qadir Jillani as their mentor, and most Faqir in Bengal thus belong to the Qadriyah Sufi order. They often live in multi-caste villages in their own quarters, known as Faqir paras. The Faqir are giving up their age-old activity of begging and turning towards agriculture and self-employment. Their literacy rate is low. Faqir children receive Islamic education at home and in madrasas. They have a history of being Sufi Muslims. Ministry Obstacles Bangladesh does not provide ready access to Christian workers and creative means of access may be helpful. Outreach Ideas The literacy rate of the Faqir people is quite low. The Gospel of Christ needs to come to them in audio and visual ways, perhaps by stories from scripture. Pray for the followers of Christ There are no known believers within the Faqir community, not in Bangladesh or India or Pakistan or any country where they reside. However, pray the Lord is now preparing teachers and pastors for those he will soon call to himself. Pray for the entire people group Pray this poor community will gain employment skills and be able to properly provide for their families. Scripture Focus "He will have compassion on the poor and needy, And the lives of the needy He will save." Psalm 72:13		People Name: Faqir Country: Bangladesh 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 4,800 World Population: 126,000 Language: Bengali Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

DOA-DOA AGUNG DALAM ALKITAB: DOA HANA

ARTIKEL DOA: DOA-DOA AGUNG DALAM ALKITAB: DOA HANA

Hana adalah seorang perempuan biasa yang hidup dalam waktu yang luar biasa pada sejarah bangsa Israel. Ia menjadi kesatuan bagian dari sejarah tersebut walaupun pada saat itu, ia tidak pernah memiliki pikiran demikian. Masa saat hakim-hakim memimpin bangsa Israel hampir berakhir, dan zaman raja-raja akan segera tiba. Hana hidup tepat sebelum masa peralihan ini tiba, bahkan doanya menolong untuk mengantarkannya pada masa itu. Hana menikah dengan seorang pria bernama Elkana yang sangat mengasihinya, tetapi yang juga memiliki istri yang lain. Istri lainnya itu, Penina, memiliki anak, tetapi Hana tidak -- "Tuhan telah menutup kandungannya" (1 Samuel 1:5). Segala pemikiran Hana terpusat pada keberadaannya yang tidak memiliki anak, dan suaminya tidak dapat menghiburnya. Ia tersiksa karena hinaan dari Penina karena kemandulannya, dan ia terus-menerus berseru kepada Tuhan untuk mengubah aibnya dan memberinya seorang anak laki-laki.

Setiap tahun, Elkana membawa keluarganya ke Silo untuk beribadah kepada Tuhan dan memberikan korban persembahan karena terdapat Tabernakel Tuhan di sana serta Imam yang melayani di tempat itu. Suatu tahun dalam perjalanan rutin ini, Hana memiliki perjanjian kudus dengan Allah. Ia memasuki ruang Tabernakel Tuhan untuk berdoa sekali lagi bagi kebutuhannya yang terdalam.

"Dan dengan hati pedih ia berdoa kepada TUHAN sambil menangis tersedu-sedu. Kemudian bernazarlah ia, katanya: "TUHAN semesta alam, jika sungguh-sungguh Engkau memperhatikan sengsara hamba-Mu ini dan mengingat kepadaku dan tidak melupakan hamba-Mu ini, tetapi memberikan kepada hamba-Mu ini seorang anak laki-laki, maka aku akan memberikan dia kepada TUHAN untuk seumur hidupnya dan pisau cukur tidak akan menyentuh kepalanya." (1 Samuel 1:10-11)

Sumpah Hana Diingat

Imam Eli memperhatikannya dan melihat perilakunya yang menangis tersedu-sedu sehingga ia berpikir bahwa Hana mabuk dan menegurnya karena hal itu. Ketika Hana menjelaskan bahwa ia tidak mabuk, tetapi menumpahkan segala isi hatinya di hadapan Tuhan, Imam Eli berkata kepadanya, "Pergilah dengan selamat, dan Allah Israel akan memberikan kepadamu apa yang engkau minta dari pada-Nya" (1 Samuel 1:17). Hana pun meninggalkan rumah Tuhan "dengan muka yang tidak lagi muram" (ayat 18). Karena, ia telah menyerahkan segala sesuatunya di dalam doa dan telah bernazar untuk memberikan hal paling berharga yang telah dimintanya.

Alkitab mengatakan bahwa Tuhan kemudian mengingat Hana, ia kemudian mengandung dan memiliki seorang anak laki-laki, yang diberinya nama Samuel. Hana juga mengingat nazar yang telah dibuatnya kepada Tuhan, dan ketika Samuel telah disapih, ia membawa anak itu ke rumah Tuhan dan menyerahkannya ke tangan Eli, Imam yang telah mendengar doanya.

Hana mungkin adalah seorang perempuan biasa, tetapi Samuel bukanlah seorang anak "biasa". Bahkan sebagai anak yang masih kecil, Samuel telah mendengar suara Allah. Alkitab mengatakan itu adalah hal yang jarang terjadi pada saat itu di Israel. Ia bertambah besar dan menjadi nabi terbesar dalam sejarah Israel. Dia menjadi hakim atas seluruh Israel, ia mengurapi Saul sebagai raja pertama Israel, dan kemudian mengurapi Daud sebagai raja setelah ketidakpatuhan Saul yang membuatnya disingkirkan dari pandangan Allah. Pengaruh Samuel dan kekuasaannya tidak dapat diukur, dia adalah orang besar bagi manusia yang dipakai Allah, sebagai jembatan di antara dua masa dalam sejarah orang-orang pilihan-Nya. Dua kitab dalam Perjanjian Lama diberi nama berdasarkan namanya.

Dari Biasa Menjadi Luar Biasa

Jadi, apakah Hana seorang perempuan biasa? Bukankah doanya bukanlah doa yang biasa saja? Apa yang membuat doanya menjadi salah satu dari doa-doa agung dalam Alkitab? Mari kita mempelajarinya. Pertama, lihatlah pada keadaan Hana yang mandul. Alkitab mengatakan bahwa Allah telah menutup kandungannya. Kemandulannya tersebut memiliki tujuan -- tujuan dari Allah. Ini adalah kemandulan yang akan mendorong Hana kepada semacam keadaan putus asa, yang beberapa dari kita memilikinya. Hana sangat putus asa sehingga ia melakukan suatu hal yang menakjubkan. Ia bernazar kepada Allah. Jika Tuhan memberinya seorang anak laki-laki, ia akan memberikan anak itu kepada Tuhan seumur hidupnya.

Hana bersedia melepaskan hal paling berharga yang dimintanya. Sungguh berat harga yang harus dibayarnya. Ketika Samuel lahir, ia hanya memiliki anak itu selama beberapa tahun sebelum menyerahkannya kepada Imam Eli. Setelah itu, ia hanya melihatnya sekali dalam setahun ketika ia dan Elkana pergi ke Silo untuk memberi korban tahunan. Apakah hasilnya sesuai dengan harga yang harus dibayarnya? Hana berpikir demikian karena sesudah ia melepaskan Samuel ke dalam tangan Eli, ia berdoa dengan doa kemenangan yang puitis, yang memuliakan Tuhan. Doanya dimulai seperti ini:

"Hatiku bersukaria karena TUHAN, tanduk kekuatanku ditinggikan oleh TUHAN; mulutku mencemoohkan musuhku, sebab aku bersukacita karena pertolongan-Mu. Tidak ada yang kudus seperti TUHAN, sebab tidak ada yang lain kecuali Engkau dan tidak ada gunung batu seperti Allah kita." (1 Samuel 2:1-2)

Saya percaya bahwa doa Hana dan hasil pengorbanannya adalah harga dari pengurapan yang diperoleh Samuel di sepanjang hidupnya. Ia berpikir bahwa ia meminta seorang anak untuk dirinya, tetapi Israel malah mendapatkan seorang hakim dan seorang nabi, yang karakternya tiada duanya dan berguna. Allah menutup kandungan Hana untuk melihat apa yang dihasilkan dari sana. Segala sesuatu dapat terjadi jauh berbeda. Bagaimana jika Hana memilih untuk mengasihani dirinya sendiri ketika ia menemukan dirinya mandul? Bagaimana dengan keputusasaan yang mengarah kepada kepahitan, dan kepahitan pada kehilangan harapan? Ia dapat saja dengan mudah berakhir pada perasaan kebencian dan sakit hati atau kemarahan yang membara kepada Tuhan.

Harga dari Keputusasaan

Dibanding memiliki semua perasaan itu, Hana memilih jenis doa keputusasaan yang menghasilkan sebuah nazar, yang menawan hati Tuhan dan juga berperan dalam rancangan besar-Nya terhadap Israel. Ketika saya melihat Hana, saya diingatkan pada firman Tuhan dalam 2 Tawarikh 16:9, "Karena mata TUHAN menjelajah seluruh bumi untuk melimpahkan kekuatan-Nya kepada mereka yang bersungguh hati terhadap Dia." Bukankah pada Hana, Ia menemukan hati yang demikian? Doa penyerahan atas keputusasaannya adalah salah satu doa agung dalam Alkitab.

Ketika kita melihat pada Hana, kita melihat seorang wanita yang mau membayar harga, di mana hanya sedikit orang yang mau melakukan hal itu. Lalu, setelah Hana menyerahkan Samuel kepada Tuhan, Tuhan mengunjunginya kembali dan memberikannya tiga anak laki-laki dan dua anak perempuan lagi. Ia sungguh-sungguh memiliki buah yang berlimpah dalam kehidupannya, tetapi semuanya itu dimulai dengan suatu kemandulan.

Ingatlah bahwa setiap pribadi yang dicatat dalam Alkitab adalah sebuah contoh hidup bagi kita, bukan suatu karakter buatan tua berdebu yang telah lama mati. Terdapat Hana-Hana lain dalam dunia kita sekarang dan terdapat tujuan-tujuan Allah yang belum terpenuhi. Mungkin, Ia telah "menutup kandungan" sebagai suatu rencana. Mungkin, Ia mencari seorang yang berputus asa. Mungkin, ia merindukan untuk melepaskan seorang Samuel lain ke dalam dunia. Kemandulan mungkin saja membuahkan hasil pada seseorang dalam kehidupan kita. Jika kita "sebiasa" Hana, kita dapat berteman dengan Tuhan untuk menghasilkan buah-buah yang luar biasa dalam masa kehidupan kita. (t/N.Risanti)

Sumber asli:
Nama situs: Hannah's Cupboard
Alamat URL: http://hannahscupboard.com/hannahs-prayer.html
Judul asli artikel: Great Prayers of the Bible: Hannah's Prayer
Penulis: Barbara Lardinais
Tanggal akses: 22 April 2013

Diambil dan disunting dari:
Nama situs: Doa
Alamat URL: http://doa.sabda.org/hana
Tanggal akses: 16 September 2013