By Michael Ireland
Special Correspondent, ASSIST News ServiceMIDDLE EAST (ANS) – A worldwide call to prayer has been received from Christian leaders in the Middle East. A group of Arab Christian leaders in the Middle East, in an e-mail obtained by ANS, say they have some strategic insight as to a root stronghold of Islam. It involves an Islamic holy day called “Arafat Day.”

A worldwide call to prayer has been received from Christian leaders in the Middle East. A group of Arab Christian leaders in the Middle East, in an e-mail obtained by ANS, say they have some strategic insight as to a root stronghold of Islam. It involves an Islamic holy day called “Arafat Day.”The e-mail says this “Arafat Day” takes place on Mt. Arafat, a high place just outside of Mecca, 70 days after the beginning of Ramadan. Readers may recognize the name because Yasser Arafat, the recently deceased Palestinian leader, was named after it.

According to the ministry known as The Apostolic Middle East Network, the elite leaders of Islam ascend this high place for a day of prayer and blood sacrifice. One of the activities includes throwing rocks at Satan.

Why do they do this? The e-mail states this is because this is the place they say the Devil tempted Father Abraham to sacrifice Isaac instead of Ishmael. They believe that this is the root of deception of Judaism and ultimately Christianity, and that the Genesis story of this event is a lie.

The Arab ministers in the Middle East, who make up The Apostolic Middle East Network, have asked for the help of praying Christians around the globe, having discerned that this is a strategic time to pray against the stronghold of Islam.

Their ministry networks are fasting during the day on Saturday, Dec 30, 2006, and agreeing in prayer that evening. They have asked Christians everywhere to unite in prayer and fasting with them.

The corresponding time for the Eastern Time Zone of the United States would be beginning 7:00 pm on Friday, December 29th until 11:00 am on Saturday, December 30th.

Although this is not a lot of lead time, the ministry leaders are asking individuals and prayer groups to join with prayer networks and intercessors around the world in this effort.

The leaders comment: “This warfare will not be won with guns and bullets, but with the loving revelation of our Father God, his Redeemer-King Jesus and His eternal Kingdom. This battle must be won in the Heavenlies first through intercession. Please ask the Lord how you should take part.”

Feel free to forward this article to those you know have a heart to intercede.

The leaders close their e-mail with the following quote: “We fight this battle with weapons forged in the foundries of Heaven, and are wielded by the Righteous with a pure heart and clean hands in an attitude of grace and love,” (Author Unknown).