Arabic Ministry Workers

Forty participants of Arab origin from ten countries met in the Arabic Ministry Pre-Conference Workshop at the AWF EMERALD Regional Conference to share about their churches and discuss Muslim outreach.

Johan from Bmalke said the delegates at the conference were greeted with “a warm welcome and generous treatment.” It was the first time many of these pastors and leaders had gathered together, “an opportune moment … to share prayers, news and vision,” said Samir of Swaida. They discussed reaching the Muslim world not only in their own countries, but also among Muslim refugees and the immigrant population in Europe. The pastors discussed issues they had in common in their churches and various outreach strategies.

The pastors “realized they were not the only ones fighting, as there is an army around the world contributing to the spread of the Word,” said Naim. Another delegate, Essam, said, “I am delighted, and I have grown spiritually. My vision about ministry has been expanded.” Samih said, “This definitely will let us go back home with a new resolve and determination for work and service.”

The speaker for the Arabic Ministry workshop was Yassir Eric, an Islam expert and Director of the European Institute for Migration, Integration and Islamic Issues (EIMI). Many of these delegates attended the conference with financial support provided by the Christian & Missionary Alliance family.