October 2020 Update

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Among the many stunning sights in Dubai, the photo above captures one of our favorites, driving out away from the populated coast, there is a stark line where the skyscrapers end and the desert begins. It's a visual reminder of where we are, a prosperous city on the edge of miles upon miles of sand. Our hope and prayer is that God continues to build His spiritual Kingdom, an oasis, in the midst of this barren spiritual desert of materialism and misplaced hopes.

- Life on Life -

Our friend from Saudi Arabia has begun coming over every Thursday afternoon to talk with me (Brittany) and join us for dinner. A couple of weeks ago, she remarked in the midst of cutting up sweet potatoes, "I love your home. It's so peaceful." Those words, which sound like just an everyday remark, brought tears to my eyes because I knew who spoke them. This girl has lived a very difficult life. Being born into a Muslim family that disapproved of her mother's different ethnicity and religion has exposed her to abuse, deceit, conflict, and prejudice from birth. And now she is in our home every week, experiencing the grace, love, and peace we have received from Christ. These are the opportunities that surround us here. We are praying for our friend and walking with her as she navigates what it looks like to take up her cross and follow Christ while enjoying every spiritual blessing in Christ.

- Dancing in the Minefields -

They come in waves (thank goodness), but they come nonetheless–sharp words, misunderstanding, conflict, anger, tension, silence. We have been married almost a year and a half and have already sinned against one another more times than we can count. It can easily weigh us down and become very discouraging. This month, with the addition of unpredictable pregnancy hormones and exhaustion, we have tripped over many "land mines". Please join us in praying that God would continue His good, sanctifying work in us and that His grace would continually draw us back together. 

We've sought to take intentional time away from day-to-day craziness through evening trips out to the desert or the beach together. These have been sweet moments to talk, read, and enjoy one another's company. We're grateful that even in the "big city" we've found havens of God's beautiful creation to enjoy!

- PRAY WITH US -

• For our friend from Saudi that she would "count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ." (Phil 3:8)

• For the continued growth and health of Brittany and our little baby!

• For our marriage - that we would "love one another earnestly from a pure heart." (1 Peter 1:22)

• For our trip to Lebanon! We're going to spend the week of Thanksgiving visiting dear friends who are ministering in the hill towns outside of Beirut. Please pray for safe and smooth travel and that we would be a blessing and encouragement to the Barbour family.

• For David (mentioned below), that God would "shine in his heart to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)

• For the salvation of our next door neighbors, Christoph and Vania (from Bulgaria). We've gotten together with them twice now and enjoyed lively discussions about enlightenment, Orthodox Christianity, and politics. They are becoming friends and seem very interested in discussing spiritual things with us. Pray for God to open their hearts and minds to the hope of His gospel as we seek to share it with them! 

- Our Month in Pictures -

- 12 Weeks -

Our sweet baby is growing so fast! We went in for the 12 week check-up this past week and all looks good. First trimester nausea is pretty much over, so I (Brittany) can get back to making dinner with joy again! :) 

- Bu Qaitar -

In celebration of our co-worker, Sharon's, birthday, we enjoyed fried fish (think of an entire fish being seasoned and thrown into oil) on the beach. The weather is getting cooler and cooler and we're LOVING IT!!

- Student Christian Leaders -

Meet Alia, Ben, and John. They're a few of the Christian students at Heriot-Watt University who Todd has been meeting with every week, discipling and coming alongside as they seek to hold Bible discussions, proclaim the gospel, and hold prayer meetings for their campus.

- Tea and Counsel -

Another sweet moment this month was meeting up with a couple students who had questions about how best to serve a friend whose salvation was unclear. We love having opportunities like this to point them to the grace and mercy of Christ and to show how that affects how we treat everyone, no matter their spiritual state. 

Biblical Theology Workshop for the Ladies

The ladies of our church participated in a virtual Biblical Theology workshop with Nancy Guthrie. Brittany hosted a couple ladies from the church and it was sweet to grasp new concepts and be affected by truths about our Savior during this time. Around 400 women participated on the call from countries all over the world, but primarily in the Middle East!

- Meet David -

David and I (Todd) are studying 1 John together. As we read, it's becoming more apparent to me that he may be walking in darkness and blind to it. Please pray for our times together, that God would reveal to David the truth of His Word and the joy of walking in the light.

- AUD BDG -

Every week Todd and "Joy" lead a Bible Discussion over Zoom for students at American University in Dubai. A faithful attendee is a student named Carol, who is an Egyptian from a Catholic family. Pray that our studies bring clarity to her beliefs as we go through a bible discussion through the Promises of God in all scripture being fulfilled in Christ. 

- Teaching DIY -

Living in the Middle East, that everyone hires maintenance workers for simple tasks (like changing a light bulb, landscaping, or fixing a toilet). Our friend, Jason, who grew up in Dubai and desires to learn how to be handy asked Todd to come over and show him how to lay tile in his house. It provided a great time to catch up together. 

Simeon Trust Workshop for the Men

Todd got to be a part of a virtual Simeon Trust Workshop on the book of Isaiah. The only catch was, with the time difference, the workshop ran for 2 days from 6:30pm to 12:30am...it was a memorable experience to say the least! 

Defender of my fragile heart,Surround my soul today;Protect me from the darkness lurking'Round my hope and faith.Lift my thoughts and fix my gazeOn Your kind and holy ways;Let the sunlight of Your graceCause my fears to melt away.- Brittany Hope, 10.26.20 -