MIDDLE EAST
*LOCATION SENSITIVE*
(Restricted Access)
Michael + Jasmine
Michael and Jasmine (not their real names) work with an organization that sends missionaries to people who have little or no access to a church in their own language or culture. They were working to advance the gospel through education and medical outreaches and underground church movements in the region. Michael and Jasmine were working in Aland prior to the civil unrest, and they still supervise and support other missionaries in the field serving in nearby countries.
Anchor Verse of 2023
Matthew 16:26 “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
Bob + Suzanne Robertson
Jordan has been a unique oasis of stability in the Middle East for many years and is now one of the major refugee hosting countries. This past year, Bob and Suzanne have focused on helping local Arab churches which serve a great number of Iraqi refugees who fled from ISIS in Northern Iraq and settled in Jordan. COVID-19 brought new stresses to an already taxed region, and refugee support (physically and spiritually) was an increased emphasis this year.
Anchor Verse of 2023
Ecclesiastes 11:4, 6 “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” “Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”
Edmon + Roberta Aoun
The Aouns do pastoral training as well as evangelism in the city of Byblos, Lebanon - an ethnically and religiously diverse city in northern Lebanon - where Christians are a distinct and misunderstood minority. Because this region has a tragic historical past of religious tensions, the Aouns work with key neighbors to foster redemptive relationships and mentor several small family teams.
Anchor Verse of 2023
Micah 3:8 “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might…”
Near East Organization (NEO)
Nadim + Julie Costa
The Costas focus on serving refugees (especially in Syrian refugee camps), youth, disabled youth, and survivors of abuse. They’re also actively expanding, developing leaders in new areas (like Yemen). During COVID, they also leveraged technology and social media to reach more people with recorded training sessions and bible studies. This is dangerous work: not only have the Costa’s leaders been assaulted by religious radicals in Syria (and the surrounding countries), but relief workers in that region (including members of their team) have been killed.
Anchor Verse of 2023
Psalm 91:1-2 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”
