Being in Turkey, my eyes and heart have been opened in several ways. It was an interesting time to be doing ministry in Turkey because we got to celebrate Jesus’ ressurection in a Muslim country, but also be here during Ramadan. On March 23, the month of Ramandan began. Ramadan can be described as a time when Muslim believers can be delivered from sin through fasting, prayer and devotion to allah. A big focal point during Ramadan is fasting throughout the day. You must fast from the first call to prayer until the last call to prayer for that day. Something interesting that I learned was that the time changes each day. So, at the beginning of Ramadan, the first call to prayer was at 5:44am and the last was at 7:35pm. But on the last day, the first time is 4:53am and the last is 8:03pm.
For years I have heard about Ramadan, but honestly never put much thought into it. But, as we came to Turkey and made connections with people who were going to fast for the Ramadan period, I wanted to know more and asked the Lord if I should fast during this period as well. I got to ask questions and do my own research about Ramadan. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and considered a very sacred time for Muslims. Along with fasting food, you are also fasting liquids, medications, and there are other regulations. 1.9 billion Muslims partake in Ramadan. (Let that number sink in). It was a hard check to my heart after hearing that. All of these people fasting and praying during this month. Their devotion during this time is truly amazing, but my heart aches for the urgency to share the Gospel.
The Lord showed me that this could be a time of growth, of intercession, of boldness and of community, so I joined alongisde the 1.9 billion of people fasting during this month. I decided to fast both food and liquids during this time. I wanted to be interceeding for my Muslims brothers and sister to know the true, living God. I wanted to run to prayer each time the call to prayer went off. I wanted to replace my physical hunger and grow in my hunger for the Lord. I wanted to be bold each time a person asked me why I was fasting. I wanted to understand my friends who were fasting and join alongside them.
Our bakery family has been fasting during this time, so when I told them that I was going to fast alongside them, they were very surprised. They asked questions and I was able to tell them that Christians fast as well, and I wanted to be able to pray for them and pray to my God during this time. They were very happy and have been a huge encouragement for me. I was able to break my fast over dinner with them one night and it was special to be sitting together breaking bread. Waking up at 4:30am and eating breakfast and spending time with the Lord while the call to prayer was happening in the background was eye opening. The realization that people are eating this early in the morning and praying to allah pushed me to wake up. There were mornings where I did not necessarily want to eat breakfast, but the Lord showed me that there were still people who needed to know Him. Sleep was even difficult. Waking up and eating and drinking as much water as I could and then going back to sleep and then waking up again has been difficult. Each morning I would chug water to help sustain me for the day, but then I would have to pee several times, so that did not allow me to rest throughout the night. There have been days where it would be harder, especially since three of our days we were doing physical labor work. There would be days where I wanted water more than food, or migraines would come on, or even missing out on new food experiences, even the small things like chapped lips!!!
The Lord has been showing me several things during this time. My prayer life has been an area that I have been wanting to grow in, so intercession was very growing and important to me. It has also been a great conversation starter with people when I tell them that I am fasting and following the Ramadan conditions, but for my God. The ways that the Lord has been showing up have been so amazing. I have been praying that the Lord help me fight my flesh and fasting during this time has been sweet to look to the Lord for that strength. Even in moments of difficulty, the Lord has helped sustain my hunger. The last day of Ramadan is going to be our last day in Turkey, so it has been interesting to be here during it. I have never done this type of fast, but it is definitely something that I want to do each year. We have an opportunity to be interceeding and to show the truth to Muslims believers.
Please be in prayer for the billions of people who are fasting during this time. Pray for eyes and hearts to be opened across the world. Pray for the Lord to reveal Himself to our Muslims brothers and sisters. Pray for strength to finish my fast off well and for people to come across my path to share the love of Christ. Please pray on April 17th, the Night of Power, the night where Muslims believe Muhammad received his revelations. Pray against the spirit of deception and for people to come to Christ on this night.
Also, some exciting news! My family is heading to Costa Rica for ten days on a missions trip with my home church!! So exciting to hear my family go once again this year while I am on the field as well. If you would love to hear more about it, please reach out to either of them. And if you would love and feel led to give financially for their mission trip, I will link all of their donation links! Thank you for supporting the Quintana family!!!
https://denverunited.gomethod.app/!/26235/2023-costa-rica/participants/287645/donate (Momma Q)
https://denverunited.gomethod.app/!/26235/2023-costa-rica/participants/286158/donate (Geny)
https://denverunited.gomethod.app/!/26235/2023-costa-rica/participants/252433/donate?fbclid=IwAR16Y6UJKKb1FUzmOfc6VgSAXTQNJm9JCq1pU6vQDq-STae7XGWFKRsSdvo (Sarita)
https://denverunited.gomethod.app/!/26235/2023-costa-rica/participants/295001/donate (Dad)
Blessings,
Joana Quintana
