After the agony and the fear of an unknown future that tentmakers experienced during the evacuations, many are now returning to their jobs and lives. The local situation has changed, sometimes dramatically. Some local friends have died in the uprisings, others are still in hiding and many more are suffering from unemployment and a sharp rise in the price of staples. Reality has set in and many have accepted their fate with typical, in the “will of God” way.

One tentmaker reports that while there is a greater openness to the Gospel, there are also new enemies emboldened by their perceived power of having rebelled against authority and won their version of victory. The lines between friends and potential enemies are blurred. Hospitality of the locals remains as it has for hundreds of years in their culture.

A few underground house churches have stuck their collective heads out of the sand, and in some cases have enough members and clout to actually rent a building and meet in the open. It remains to be seen if this precarious boldness can continue without reprisal. Pray for them!

The needs of society are many and most relief projects have been welcomed and accepted with obvious gratitude. One shipment of scripture was confiscated by officials only to be released a few months later under mysterious circumstances. The eternal Word of God in the hands of the local people, in their heart languages will do what only God’s Word can do: Change lives!

There is a tremendous need for foreign workers of all professions and trades. One tentmaker reports that you can literally take a flight to a neighboring country, hop into a cab that will take you the country next door with minimal questioning by the border guards. Once in the country you can probably find a job within days and receive a visa without the usual weeks of waiting.

The uprisings have for the moment led to these surprising realities:

 1. Peoples hearts are more open than ever to the Gospel.
 2. The need for foreign workers is picking up steam.
 3. The work visa process has been reduced from months to days.
 4. In many countries, it is possible to just go there, find a job & get a work visa.

In conclusion, although the opportunities and openings are many, the region is not stable. The same lack of security that the local population faces will also be the situation for foreigners.

GO prepared, GO with caution but most importantly of all, GO with God!