How to pray while holding a can of beans

Mar 12, 2024

*DO NOT SHARE online without our permission, for our security and the sensitive nature of our work.*

We noticed last night.

Ramadan was awakening and we didn’t need the calendar to know.

We just got back from the skate park with the kiddos. Dirk, Blake and Brock doing things on scooters and skates that I would have done as a kid, but now I watch, cringe and congratulate them. Beck and Addie were having a blast on their scooters…you should have seen their faces.

We stayed until the sun set and the air chilled.

Mandie was crafting taco soup at home. It was delicious, as always. Just ask our team how legendary Mandie is with flavors. Then she called me…

We needed another can of beans.

So I pulled into the gigantic parking lot at the grocery store. It was so full I circled around a few times and finally squeezed into a spot. I had to grab a can of black beans for the soup. After 6 years, they finally sell them in the store!

Typically, the grocery cart corrals at the front of the store are overflowing.

This time, all carts were gone and all four corals were empty.

I danced through the crowd at the entrance, pushing and yelling to get their electronic purchase receipts stamped at the door. Imagine Black Friday crowds but on their way OUT of the store.

As I made it through the crowd, it hit me.

I was overwhelmed by the spiritual need.

I’m a number nerd, so I’ll say it like this: It was the greatest lostness, per square foot, I had experienced in a long time. It still grieves my soul.

I paused for a moment to pray.

What they celebrate during Ramadan is rooted in lies. They fast everyday for thirty days. From the rising to the setting of the sun. They will not eat, drink water, smoke and the very pious won’t even swallow spit.

Good works get many more spiritual points during Ramadan.

The festivities begin at sundown when they break their fast. They will eat an odd -not even- number of dates to begin. (Doctors here say stomach aches come from eating an even number of dates.)

Then they celebrate together late into the night.

I found the black beans in a can.

I weaved my way to the checkout. All 21 lanes were full with long lines.

So I stood there holding my can of black beans, praying. I interceded for those in front of me, back of me, either side of me. I asked the Lord, “Please give them dreams and visions of you. Please show us who is open to your grace.

Now I ask you…

Will you join us in prayer over the next 30 days? Most people here are lost here, 99.6%. They need Jesus.

Your prayers make all difference.

Not just your prayers…but also the prayers of everyone you will tell about this need.

We’ve uploaded a beautiful prayer video.

It’s a prayer walk through a Moroccan city. Listen to the 12 prayers for lost people. The voice of the narrator is my wonderful wife, Mandie. 😍 I know you’re going to love it.

Here’s what to do next:

1) Please click the link below and enter your email to access the video.

2) Pray for Moroccans as you watch.

3) Please, please, please share the link below with friends that you know will pray.

(Not on social media, for our security. But emails, texts and DMs are great!)

RamadanPrayer.BuesgensJourney.com

We sold our stuff and flew across the ocean to be near the unreached. You have supported us with money, prayer and care. For this we are so deeply grateful. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️

We are so blessed by your love from afar…in so many ways,

- Ryan & Mandie