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A crack in the door
In the Middle East, many doors are tightly closed, locking
Middle Easterners in with the darkness.
But Bible League-trained Christians eagerly watch for
a crack in the door—a small opening through which
to spread the light of the Gospel.
Sometimes the door opens on one group of people, and
not another. But Middle Eastern Christians patiently
wait, ready to implement careful, extra-sensitive approaches
when the Spirit makes a way.
In some places, ministry is just beginning. In other
places, long-suffering Christians have been glowing steadfastly
for years. And despite the suffocating darkness, it is
the light of God that shines through them.
The darkness comprehends it not
Islamic hostility—combined with the threat of terrorism
and the added heat of international pressures—has
made the Middle East an undeniably volatile mission field.
In many places, sharing the Good News about Jesus with
Muslims is forbidden, and the authorities often strictly
enforce laws designed to keep Christians in their place.
Brokenness and openness among Muslims, where it can
be found, is often held in bondage, fearing backlash
from angry neighbors, families, and friends.
Not a spirit of fear
But Christians in the Middle East long to see God illumine
the darkness in their lands. They work comfortably
and dynamically among their own people—in places
that are tightly closed against the efforts of anyone
else.
One soul at a time, the Spirit is using the Word of
life to transform lives and break spiritual bonds. The
body of Christ in the Middle East is growing.
While there are stories of restrictions and persecutions,
there are also stories of breakthroughs over the radio
airwaves and in personal relationships.
Christians face countless risks, including death, yet
they continue to discreetly share Jesus with their countrymen.
The "veils of mystery" surrounding God are
falling away, as many come to know Jesus as their Savior.
Making dark places light
In spite of overwhelming odds, many churches have been
planted. New bodies of believers are being established
in areas where there were none before. And these Middle
Eastern Christians are being further trained to take
the Light of Jesus with them wherever they go.
Their firm conviction: Open the door a crack, and the
light pours in.
A ray of hope
Please pray for the brothers and sisters seeking to establish
and shepherd new bodies of believers in the Middle
East, who face overwhelming persecution and resistance
to the message of hope that they long to bring to their
fellow countrymen. And petition God to open the doors
in the hearts of Middle Eastern peoples, and to flood
their weary, dark lands with His Light.
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To send Bibles to pierce the dark in the Middle East, click
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“He shouted at us to go back to where we came from…” Read
more
As they entered the village, they prayed for an open
door. Several hours later, they found themselves in
the village elder’s living room! Read more
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Middle East