Praying with the Enemies

By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
29 March 2009

Known as the “Land of Contrasts”, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to me is the “Forbidden Land.” Why? Almost everything here is restricted: liquors, unlawful relationship, sexual perversion and promiscuity, prostitution, wild night life, gambling, unauthorized assembly especially if it is religious, etc., etc., etc.

Etcetera has a lot more: don’t talk to a woman if she is not your spouse; don’t wear city shorts, sleeveless garments; don’t expose skin except your face if you are non-Islam, and a lot more. This is a lot more of infinity in a seemingly boundless deserted horizon.

To Islams, you cannot attend a religious activity or visit the Masjid (Temple) unless you wash your feet. Interestingly, this practice is also highlighted in Christian Bible. Amazingly intriguing!

One night, while dining alone in a Filipino restaurant a few blocks from my city-accommodation, the waiter inquired from a Filipino woman if she’s a Christian. The woman in turn replied positively. This waiter turned at me and asked the same. I replied positively, too. I added another statement that aroused the curiosity of the middle-aged white skinned, beautiful woman in deep blue, sad eyes: and I serve!

Later in the conversation she revealed that she is a member of the Catholic-based Parish Renewal Experience (PREX). My voice raised in awe! Is there PREX in the forbidden land? What a strange thing and bold activity? But I should not have reacted that way, having been a church worker for about 15 years now.

In briefs, this is according to this woman which was later confirmed, since 1991, organizers have produced 52 batches already with an average of 30 mixed participants per batch. Imagine how many families were saved by this daring and noble act of a select few kababayans in the land where almost everything is restricted.

Doubtless, I went with them for two days along with an officemate. When we reached the place, it was then I realized how dangerous it was. The session hall was a private house with a swimming pool; high-rise wall and closed heavy plated gate protect the area. What seemed to be strange to me is the fact that the session hall was only about 200 meters away from the nearest Mosque where Islams pray five times a day. Motawas, or the religious group of the Saudis and some police officers round the place frequently.

This reminds me of eleven apostles who, after the crucifixion were man-hunted by non-believers and were confined to commune with the Spirit in a secret chamber of a secluded house in the city of Christ.

As I entered, I noticed two men sitting at both sides of the entrance gate. In firm yet joyful voice, they welcomed us to the venue with the usual casual greeting: Magandang gabi, po. They are acting as prayer-equipped sentinels positioned by the entrance to the Kingdom of David, ready at all times. Another two sat by the entrance leading to the reception hall.

This scene reminds me of espionage or crime movies where high-profile, organized syndicates guard their trysts with heavily armed crime-fanatic chauvinists posted at the main entrances and exits. At any rate, this reminds me of the biblical verse: get ready for you know not when the Groom arrives.

In a closed room near the gate, two ardent warriors prayed the Rosary with the aim of wholeheartedly reciting 2,000 Hail Mary’s or more until the session is over. More than the power of guns, these two Caballeros touched lives of those attending the session with their powerful intercession.

The façade leading to the reception was bare and its silence reminds me of the Inner chamber of our Human Soul where our conscience is evaluated. In here, I was reminded of the usual introspection or simply, communion with God in Silence that I failed to do since day one in this Kingdom of non-believers. The Reception Area was jam-packed with warm bodies with each one busy discharging their own assignments.

After registering, we were ushered to another room of the house – it’s a big hall that looked like a large living room converted into a hall for these prospects. In front was a flower-ornamented altar where the Jubilee Cross was raised. At the back was musical instruments clustered on one side with the group singing like angels from heaven whose rendition inspired everybody from start to end.

The ceremony started with worship gleefully backed up with soothing Christian music that actually relieved the boredom, the frustration, the pains, the pressures, the weariness everybody feels while in the Kingdom.

Witnessing shared by participants added inspiration to the talks that lasted for two days. Finally, this woman got me signed in and last 12-13 March 2009, I completed the session and became a member of batch 53 of 36 graduates.

After the ceremony, the fear of being apprehended while praying along with the enemies of Christ subsided. Nothing but a renewed feeling overcome the fear; the revived spirit, refreshed soul, and reenergized physical body outstood before the day ended.

Yes, we were praying. It was one thing human being can just simply do. But praying with the Spirit of the Living God along with the enemies of Christ is another thing; it is most rewarding and fulfilling than preaching against God.

Have you done this?