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
Help Missionaries Disciple Believers in the Middle East/North Africa
Though a woman and her family were followers of a native religion, they attended a local church, learning about God’s love and receiving care when they requested it. When the woman’s husband became ill and they were unable to pay their electric bill, she cried out to God for help. Shortly thereafter, two church members came to their home, prayed with them, and gave them the needed funds.
Comfort Those Who Are Persecuted in North Africa
A young man who is a believer in Christ zealously shares his faith in his country. But his family is Muslim, and when his mother requested that he help her buy sacrifices for several Islamic holidays, he was uncertain how to respond. When he asked a native ministry leader for help, they prayed together, and he chose to leave his home for one month. When he returned, the situation was better, but his experience with his family is not unusual.
Share The Richness Of Christ’s Love in Palestine
A young man with special needs lives in a home run by a native ministry, and one of his favorite pastimes is to sing for others, especially the song “Majesty.” Each time guests visit the home, he is always eager to sing for them as well as pray. “When you hear him pray, it is a wonderful confirmation that he knows the Lord as his Savior,” the ministry leader said.
Reach Out To Refugees in Türkiye
Christian workers from a native ministry visit a refugee camp once every two weeks and not only distribute supplies for their basic needs such as medicine, heaters, food, water, and clothing, but also build relationships with the families who have lived there for many years, gifting them with New Testaments and answering their questions about Christ.
Support Microenterprise Projects in Iran
An illiterate widow with no way to support her family was presented with an opportunity to make rugs through a microenterprise project developed through a native ministry. The woman is a believer, and when church members told her about the project, she cried with joy because she had been a professional rug maker in the past.
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.