Hope and Resilience Amidst Middle Eastern Challenges

Summary

Life and ministry in the Middle East is marked by both risk and remarkable opportunity. The environment is far less safe and predictable than what many of us are used to, with daily reminders of instability, poverty, and the ever-present threat of violence. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, God’s protection has been tangible—like a seatbelt, holding us fast through evacuations, bombings, and uncertainty. The prayers of our sending churches have been a vital part of that protection, surrounding us and those we serve.

Our primary focus has been among Syrian refugees, a community marked by deep loss, displacement, and, for many, a newfound faith in Christ that comes at great personal cost. Many cannot return home due to persecution, and some have lost everything, even their families, because of their decision to follow Jesus. The stories we hear are raw and heartbreaking, but they are also filled with hope and resilience.

One of the most surprising discoveries has been the vibrancy of local ministry. We expected to be doing more evangelism, but found instead that God was already at work—ministries led by locals and refugees themselves, especially among women. Yet, there was a noticeable absence of men in the church. Through prayer and God’s providence, doors opened to begin connecting with and discipling men, many of whom face not only spiritual but also profound material poverty. These relationships are complex, often entangled with issues like debt and survival, and require wisdom, patience, and much prayer.

We’ve also witnessed the power of the gospel to transform lives in ways that material aid simply cannot. While the needs are overwhelming—requests for money, medical help, and basic necessities—the hope that endures is found only in Jesus. One story stands out: a refugee who was saved physically and spiritually through the sacrificial act of a Christian who gave up his life so another could live and hear the gospel. This is the kind of love and hope that the Middle East desperately needs.

Our commitment is to live a cross-shaped life among those we serve, prioritizing the gospel above all else, and partnering with local believers for long-term impact. We are deeply grateful for your prayers, support, and partnership, and invite you to continue walking with us as we seek to see a world that knows Jesus.

Key Takeaways

- God’s protection is both real and necessary in places of instability. Just as a seatbelt secures us in a dangerous journey, the prayers of God’s people provide spiritual covering and peace in the midst of physical and emotional risk. This is not a guarantee of safety, but a reminder that God is present and active, even when circumstances are beyond our control. [36:31]

- The gospel’s power is most evident where material solutions fall short. While poverty and need are overwhelming, financial aid alone cannot bring lasting hope or transformation. Only the message and presence of Jesus can address the deepest needs of the human heart, offering a hope that endures beyond circumstances. [56:12]

- Ministry is often about fanning into flame what God is already doing. Rather than starting from scratch, it is vital to recognize and support the local believers and ministries that God has already raised up, even among the most marginalized. This requires humility, discernment, and a willingness to serve alongside others rather than in front of them. [43:42]

- The cost of discipleship is real and often severe for new believers. Many who come to faith from a Muslim background face rejection, loss of property, and even threats to their lives. Their courage and commitment challenge us to pray for boldness and to support them as they navigate the dangers of following Christ in hostile environments. [54:57]

- Sacrificial love is the heart of the gospel and the most compelling witness. The story of a Christian refugee giving his life so another could live and hear about Jesus is a powerful reminder that the gospel is not just words, but costly, self-giving love. This is the kind of witness that breaks through barriers and draws people to Christ. [58:44]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction and Context
[02:10] - Life and Risks in the Middle East
[05:30] - The “Seatbelt” of Prayer and Protection
[08:15] - Ministry Focus: Syrian Refugees
[12:00] - Refugee Stories and Challenges
[16:20] - The Barbecue Fan: Fanning Ministry into Flame
[20:00] - Discipling Men Amidst Poverty
[24:30] - Nazar’s Story and Music Ministry
[28:00] - The Role of the Local Church and School
[32:10] - The Cost of Faith for New Believers
[36:00] - The Overwhelming Needs and Limits of Aid
[40:00] - The Power of the Gospel: A Refugee’s Sacrifice
[44:00] - Living a Cross-Shaped Life
[48:00] - How to Partner and Pray

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Life and Ministry Among Syrian Refugees

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### Bible Reading

Mark 14:6-7 (ESV)
> But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me.”

John 15:13 (ESV)
> Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Mark 14:6-7, what does Jesus say about the poor and about himself? What is the context of this statement?
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the daily risks and challenges faced by Syrian refugees and those serving them? ([36:31])
3. What story was shared in the sermon that illustrates someone giving up their life for another? ([58:44])
4. What did the missionaries discover about local ministry among refugees that surprised them? ([43:42])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus says, “You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me”? What does this teach about priorities in ministry and life?
2. The sermon describes God’s protection as being like a seatbelt. In what ways might prayer act as a “seatbelt” for believers facing instability? ([36:31])
3. The story of the Christian who gave up his life for another refugee is a powerful example of sacrificial love. How does this reflect the heart of the gospel as described in John 15:13? ([58:44])
4. The missionaries found that God was already at work among local believers and refugees. What does this suggest about the role of outsiders in ministry? ([43:42])

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### Application Questions

1. The missionaries said that financial aid alone cannot bring lasting hope—only Jesus can. Have you ever experienced a situation where material help was not enough? How did faith or the gospel make a difference? ([56:12])
2. The cost of following Jesus for new believers in the Middle East is often severe, including loss of family and safety. What does this challenge you to consider about your own commitment to Christ? ([54:57])
3. The sermon described prayer as a “seatbelt” that protects and sustains. How can you be more intentional in praying for missionaries or believers in dangerous places? What might that look like this week? ([36:31])
4. The missionaries found that their role was often to “fan into flame” what God was already doing among locals. In your own context, are there people or ministries you could encourage or support rather than starting something new? ([43:42])
5. The story of the Christian who gave up his life so another could live and hear the gospel is a picture of sacrificial love. Is there a way you can show sacrificial love to someone in your life this month? What might that look like? ([58:44])
6. The missionaries described the importance of living a “cross-shaped life” among those they serve. What does a cross-shaped life look like in your daily routine, relationships, or work? ([59:40])
7. The missionaries expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and support of their sending church. How can you personally support or encourage someone serving in ministry, either locally or overseas, this week? ([01:02:52])

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Devotional

Day 1: God’s Protection in Unstable Places
Just as a seatbelt surrounds and protects us in a car, God’s presence and the prayers of His people provide real protection in the midst of danger and instability. Even when circumstances are unpredictable and frightening, such as evacuations, bombings, and threats, God’s faithfulness is evident in the way He shields and sustains His children. The reality of risk and hardship does not negate God’s care; rather, it highlights the power of prayer and the comfort of knowing that He is with us, no matter where we are or what we face. [36:31]

Psalm 121:1-8 (ESV)
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel most vulnerable or unsafe right now, and how can you invite God’s protection and the prayers of others into that situation today?


Day 2: Fanning into Flame the Gifts and Ministries
Ministry is not just about starting new things, but also about encouraging and nurturing what God is already doing among His people. Sometimes, the greatest impact comes from fanning into flame the gifts and ministries that already exist, especially among those who are overlooked or discouraged. By praying, seeking God’s guidance, and stepping out in faith, doors open for new relationships and opportunities to disciple and support others, even in challenging circumstances like poverty and cultural barriers. [43:42]

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV)
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Reflection: Who in your community or church might need encouragement or support to use their gifts, and how could you help “fan into flame” their ministry this week?


Day 3: The Power of the Gospel Over Material Need
Material poverty and overwhelming needs can tempt us to believe that money is the answer, but true and lasting hope comes only through the gospel of Jesus Christ. While practical help is important, it is the message of Christ—His love, sacrifice, and resurrection—that transforms lives and brings hope that endures beyond temporary relief. The gospel addresses the deepest needs of the human heart, offering a new identity, purpose, and eternal security that no amount of money can provide. [56:12]

Romans 1:16 (ESV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to rely on material solutions for deep needs, and how can you intentionally share or receive the hope of the gospel in those areas today?


Day 4: Sacrificial Love and the Example of Christ
The story of the Christian who gave his passport—and ultimately his life—for another refugee is a powerful reminder of the sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated for us. True love is willing to lay down comfort, safety, and even life itself for the sake of others, pointing them to the hope found in Christ. Such acts of selflessness not only change lives but also reveal the heart of the gospel: Jesus gave Himself so that we might live. [58:44]

John 15:12-13 (ESV)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Reflection: Is there a costly or uncomfortable step of love you sense God calling you to take for someone else this week? What would it look like to follow through?


Day 5: Gospel Priority Over Material Concerns
Jesus teaches that while caring for the poor is important, devotion to Him and the proclamation of the gospel must remain our highest priority. The needs around us can be overwhelming, but we are called to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, valuing Him above all else and trusting that as we serve others, our ultimate purpose is to make Him known. This perspective helps us navigate the tension between compassion and gospel proclamation, ensuring that our service is rooted in love for Jesus. [01:01:22]

Mark 14:6-9 (ESV)
But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”

Reflection: How can you keep Jesus and the gospel at the center of your priorities this week, even as you respond to the needs of those around you?

Quotes

when we went to the Middle East we expected I think we had in our mind we'll be doing much more evangelism than discipling or mentoring but what we discovered when we got these actually there's lots of ministries already happening from amongst the locals and even amongst the Syrian refugees so our church has two congregations the morning congregation is the locals well it's a bit of a mix really with some foreigners and then the second congregation which we are really working with are all Syrians they're all Syrians most of them are Kurdish so a type of Syrian and most of them are women as well [00:44:50] (38 seconds)  #LocalMinistriesThrive Edit Clip

So our denomination is the Nazarene denomination. And they have a focus really on looking at like social justice and social work. So they've actually established a huge school here in our suburb. And that maybe the school came first and then the church within it. So it's really cool to be part of people who really want to look after the poor and they want to look after the area and they love children and all of these kinds of things. So it's special. [00:52:40] (23 seconds)  #FaithAndSocialJustice Edit Clip

when we went, we went as gospel workers. We want to bring the gospel to our country and to Syrian refugees. And we're convicted of that.But when you get there and you see how much poverty there is, how much material there is, it's very overwhelming. And pretty much every day, someone, maybe not every day, every week, somebody's asking us for a large sum of money. You know, the order of hundreds of dollars, they need dentistry, they need money to cover their rent, pay for their kids to go to school, funeral costs, anything, you name it. And they're always asking the foreigners, whoever they can around them for money. And that's pretty overwhelming. [00:56:37] (41 seconds)  #OverwhelmedByNeeds Edit Clip

Thank you for everybody who's signed up to our newsletters, who's been praying for us. Thank you to the people who've been giving to us as well. We do need your financial support as well. So you can pray for us. You can care.You can giveRinka loves getting a reply to our emails. And I do too. And even if you want, you can go. If you have in your heart that you want to serve in the Middle East, come and talk to us. We'd love to share with you about how you could do that. [01:02:39] (30 seconds)  #GratefulForSupport Edit Clip

If you hold up your phone with the camera, you can just go like that and that will take you to a website and you can sign up if you wanted to sign up to our prayers. We alsoWe have prayer cards. We'll handSo we'll be here today after the service. And we'll also be coming back to the community dinner. That'd be great. Yeah. Thank you so much. Thank you, everybody. [01:03:33] (22 seconds)  #JoinTheMission Edit Clip