I recently served as a leader at a Christian retreat for teenagers. Over the weekend, we were asked to take off our watches and shut off our phones so that we could focus our attention on what God had for us over that three-day period. Though it wasn’t as easy to do as I thought it would be, I was glad for the brief reprieve.

It was difficult to know what to expect as we met with the family of Yklas Kabduakasov, a Christian convert from Islam who is serving two years in a prison labor camp in Kazakhstan for sharing his Christian faith with Muslims. I hoped to both find out how his wife, Karlygash, and their children have been coping in his absence and to convey God’s love and our support.

Earlier this month Muslims around the world finished their celebration of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.

Earlier this month Muslims around the world finished their celebration of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.

Earlier this month Muslims around the world finished their celebration of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.

Earlier this month Muslims around the world finished their celebration of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.

Earlier this month Muslims around the world finished their celebration of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.

Earlier this month Muslims around the world finished their celebration of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.

Earlier this month Muslims around the world finished their celebration of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.

Earlier this month Muslims around the world finished their celebration of Ramadan, the holiest month on the Islamic calendar.