The Spiritual Need in the Middle East

The Middle East, which often refers to a region of transcontinental countries including Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey, and others, bears some of the world’s greatest physical and spiritual needs. Along with Central and Southeast Asia, it is home to some of the most unreached people groups. While it is the birthplace of the world’s three monotheistic faiths—Judaism, Christianity and Islam—Christianity makes up the smallest group, representing less than two percent of the population in parts of this region.

In some countries in the Middle East, nearly 100% of the population claim to be Muslim. Most have not had the opportunity to understand or experience the love of Jesus lived out by a believer. Due to incredible political tension, religious conflict, and societal turmoil, many generations of families in the Middle East have lived in poverty and experienced hardship and uncertainty on a daily basis. People living in the Middle East desperately need Christians to live life among them to demonstrate the great faithfulness of our God.

Islam teaches explicitly that God has no Son (Qur’an 112:3), causing many Muslims to reject the gospel message by default without first seeking to understand it. Many assume Christians to be polytheists. At the same time, for the last several years, anecdotal reports have poured in from throughout the Islamic world of Muslims seeing unusual dreams that lead them into contact with Christians, churches, and with the Bible. Often this results in conversion. We believe that through faithful proclamation of the gospel, the church of Jesus Christ will be built among all the nations—including the Islamic world.

Church Planting In Mediterranean Middle East

In this creative access region, we seek to practically demonstrate the love of Christ to Muslims by meeting spiritual and physical needs through medical care, community development, refugee relief, sports outreach, education, teaching English, small business development, and sharing the gospel. We see God moving as we build personal relationships, offer genuine hospitality, and a provide a variety of services that demonstrate and introduce Jesus to Muslims and their communities.

Healthcare and education are major needs in developing countries. Clinical and palliative care programs are meeting significant needs and opening doors for redemptive relationships. Providing educational opportunities such as teaching English, administration of children’s programs, or training leaders are also great opportunities for evangelism and reaching communities.

We need workers to join us in refugee ministry in the Middle East, as the population of refugees from places like Syria is ever-growing. We work with local churches to meet basic needs like food, mattresses, and blankets, while also offering literature that addresses the deep needs of their hearts. Through informal schools, we are helping to provide basic education for refugee children.

We partner with nationals on community development projects and business development initiatives to help alleviate poverty and provide hope and dignity in the Arab World. Medical care, counseling, providing desperately-needed building renovations, and engaging with public schools are all ways to improve impoverished communities and share the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.

Is God calling you to share the gospel with Muslims in the Middle East?