Nearly continuous violence and conflict for over two generations have led millions of Middle Eastern people to experience multiple traumatic events. Because of these experiences, many people continue to suffer from debilitating symptoms of mental illness, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms not only affect a person’s daily life and impair their ability to function; they hinder the person’s ability to hear the gospel. In Exodus 6:9, God’s chosen people are not able to hear from God because of their discouragement. Many times, the trauma people have experienced prevents them from even hearing this message of hope. A...
North Africa and the Middle East is consistently thrust into the international news as it develops into one of the world’s most enigmatic-but-influential global regions. Vast economic development typifies its urban centers, offering creative business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Religious life permeates every society here, whether its residents are Muslim, Christian, or Jewish. Though Christianity began in this cradle of civilization, it is sometimes difficult to know if the church exists. Cities that birthed the gospel now house ornate mosques, temples, and skyscrapers. Thankfully, the church is experiencing a captivating resurgence among this region's 520 unengaged and unreached people groups.
Millions of refugees live here, displaced by war, famine, oppression, or poverty. Many are open to the gospel, seeking an anchor amid the upheaval of their lives. Pray for Christian workers as they share the hope of the gospel during this unprecedented spiritual openness.
Your gifts make a difference. Amira* lives in an IDP camp with her two young daughters, second wife to her husband. Our team uses a weekly mobile mental health project to sit, share, and listen to families in their homes. One of the first weeks in the camp, we met Amira and her daughters and shared the gospel with them. Amira sat attentively, asking questions along the way. Our encounter was the first time she had heard the story of Jesus’s death and resurrection. A few weeks later, our team returned to visit Amira. While there, we shared more from Scripture, and she asked for a Bible. Amira cannot read, so we brought her an audio recording of God’s Word. A few weeks later, we met Layla*, the first wife of Amira’s husband. Early on in the visit with Layla, it was evident she was open to Truth. Our team presented the gospel to her and her daughter. As our team has continued to follow up with Amira, God has given us opportunities to share with her husband and neighbors around her. Amira does not believe, but she continues to be interested in knowing more about our Father. Pray for Amira, Layla, and their husband. Ask the Father to open their eyes to God’s great love for them.