Closing the Chapter

August 5, 2006

Well, our month in Meknes is over. By now we can greet people, introduce ourselves and others, do basic shopping, restaurant ordering and read the Arabic on the signs (slowly - and ever thankful for the French underneath!).

Much of Meknes was founded on the blood of slaves - many of their bodies embedded in the ancient walls of the city. Even today, it is known for a pilgrimage site visited by people in deep trances and obvious and sometimes violent possession. Women in particular are involved in casting spells on others and other occult activities. Yes, whether or not you believe it, these things all are realities. Then there is the ever-present pressure on everyone to keep all the rules with the faint possibility that God will be pleased with them.

We ask that today you stop and lift up this city and the whole country to the God who loves it so much.