Countries Where We
Assist Native Ministries
Overview
Since the civil war began in Syria in 2011, the people of the Middle East have suffered unimaginable hardship and loss. Millions of Syrians fled their homes when ISIS invaded their communities. They are now destitute, living in foreign countries like Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, and other places where they do not speak the language and cannot find employment. Likewise, millions of Iraqis fled their homes and headed for the northern region of Kurdistan.
Christian Aid Mission assists numerous indigenous ministries inside Syria and Iraq, as well as in the countries to which refugees fled. Away from their homes, where it was risky for them to inquire about the Christian faith, refugees have been talking with native missionaries about the gospel. Many have expressed disillusionment in Islam and interest in Jesus Christ.
Since ISIS was driven out of their self-proclaimed territory, many internally displaced people are returning to their towns and villages. Those who have become Christians are taking the gospel back to their communities, which have been closed to the gospel for centuries.
How You Can Make a Difference
Ways To Give
Evangelism & Discipleship
Since an indigenous ministry in Lebanon launched its audio outreach program in May 2017, hundreds of thousands of Kurdish people throughout Syria, Iraq, and Turkey have heard the gospel in their own language via radio and podcast. More than 14,000 people have called the ministry’s call centers to learn more about Jesus. The ministry is looking into setting up additional call centers to meet the demand. GIVE NOW to help evangelistic and discipleship ministries like this one in the Middle East.
Community Engagement
One of several Christian Aid Mission-assisted indigenous ministries in the Middle East caring for traumatized refugee children, a Christian school in Jordan is providing Iraqi refugee children with a haven of healing. Teachers at the school use the Bible as part of their curriculum and teach students English, which will give them a career advantage. Grateful that their children are receiving a quality education, parents are open to the gospel message shared by many of their children after school. GIVE NOW to help community engagement ministries like this one in the Middle East.
Compassion
Christian Aid Mission assists several indigenous ministries in Turkey that are reaching out to thousands of Syrian refugees in tent camps. Apart from providing for their basic needs, gospel workers are going tent-to-tent to sit with the refugees, listen to their stories and pray for them. They distribute food packages, bottled water, clothing, shoes, and baby formula for infants born to mothers too malnourished to nurse them. During the winter months, they distribute firewood, blankets, and heaters. The ministries are also reaching children through Arabic picture Bibles. GIVE NOW to help compassion ministries like these in the Middle East.
Exclusive Stories from the Mission Field
Teach New Believers Evangelism Techniques in Iraq
As the number of new believers increases, one native ministry has begun to organize trainings that teach about following Christ and obeying Scripture, as well as evangelism techniques. About 20 attendees at one of the recent training sessions live in areas under strict religious law and must serve the Lord and evangelize in total secrecy.
Support Discipleship Efforts in Israel
A young, single mother who struggled with severe anxiety began attending a mid-week Bible study and, as she became more involved, she saw her need for Jesus. The church members embraced her and, after a while, she chose to follow Christ and was baptized.
Encourage Family Unity in Iran
A young woman went with her sister to a church member’s house one evening determined to discover why her sister’s behavior had changed. While there, the owner of the house presented her with a Bible, and the woman’s eyes immediately filled with tears.
Lead The Lost To Christ in Türkiye
A young Muslim man began to question his beliefs, sensing there was something missing from his life despite his devotion to Islam. “I yearned for a more personal connection with God,” he said. “A deeper understanding of His love and purpose for my life.” The man came across a magazine that included articles about Christian faith and personal testimonies.
Help Missionaries Become More Effective Leaders in Lebanon
A native ministry’s theology program enables men and women already on the mission field to study part-time to enhance their biblical, historical, and theological understanding. “With the influx of new Arab believers, the Arab Church is in need of theologically educated and biblically trained men and women who are equipped for effective ministry to their communities across the Arab world,” the ministry leader said.
Christ Revealed to Truth Seekers in the Middle East
“Jesus saved your life,” the American soldier told Saif* after he was freed from an ISIS prison. Who is this Jesus? Saif wondered, and he vowed to find him. What he discovered transformed his life and that of his family. “I am Christ,” the man in Mahdi’s* dream told him, and he instructed Mahdi where to look to find the answers he sought. When Mahdi obeyed the command and met Christian missionaries who presented him with a Bible, he knew he’d truly been in the presence of the Lord.