Manouba
The district of Manouba sits on the western edge of the capital, Tunis. Looking out to the west, you feel you are in the agricultural bounty of wheat fields and orange groves. Looking eastward, the bustle of the growing capital city with its frenetic traffic noise greets you, and among the busyness of commerce, there are silos storing the grain, blending the two images.
Manouba is a proud site for one of the national universities, drawing students from across the nation and offering employment to many. There are different disciplines offered: Humanities, Arts, Journalism and Computer Science. Often in what students write, there is a poignant cry for understanding of the needs they wrestle with–psychological, financial, physical and spiritual pressures, in addition to frustrations with the difficulties of the educational system. This is a time of searching and sifting new ideas in their lives, hopefully seeking truth that will guide them.
A shrine to the holy woman Saida Manoubia is also a prominent landmark where hundreds of people (often women) come to seek help, healing or good luck–for a good marriage, in their studies, or power over curses. When prayers are made, they come with a pledge that if the prayers are answered, they will fulfill a promise to give money to the poor or prepare food for the hundreds who visit on Sundays. Some will even slaughter a sheep to fulfill this pledge.
Manouba is also home to Razi Psychiatric Hospital, servicing many from all parts of the nation who seek help for mental disorders. Pray that those who come here would find the Great Physician and live in the healing power of His Love.
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16. Please join us in praying Matthew 11:28-29 and Matthew 5:14-16 for Manouba.
Pray for the students: they represent potential leadership and the future of the nation. Pray that those caught in the cycle of bondage will seek God and find Jesus, who alone provided salvation and healing through His death and resurrection, which broke all curses of sin. Pray that the people who live, work and study in this area would seek the one true, living, loving God. Pray that they would come to Him who is the burden lifter. Pray for staff, doctors and nurses working here to have compassion and patience for the sick who come in desperation.