Middle East
SIM’s vision for the Middle East is to see the region transformed as lives are changed by the love of Christ through the message of the gospel.
Obeying God’s call and trusting Him, we encourage Christians in the Middle East to continue ministering to their neighbours with the love and truth of Christ, we support local ministry and discipleship initiatives, model vibrant Christian faith and mobilise the worldwide church to pray for the region.
Middle East
SIM’s vision for the Middle East is to see the region transformed as lives are changed by the love of Christ through the message of the gospel.
Obeying God’s call and trusting Him, we encourage Christians in the Middle East to continue ministering to their neighbours with the love and truth of Christ, we support local ministry and discipleship initiatives, model vibrant Christian faith and mobilise the worldwide church to pray for the region.
Communities where He is least known
God is at work in the Middle East in unprecedented ways through times of uncertainty and hopelessness.
We're excited about the growing opportunities to participate in His work! We’d love to receive gospel workers with a heart for the peoples of the Middle East, committed to learning language and culture and to serving with the local church, and with flexibility and resilience to serve in sensitive contexts.
We're looking for those willing to serve alongside local churches in creative ways, including teachers, healthcare workers, development specialists, businesspeople and professionals. Specific ministry placements are typically made after a period of learning language, building relationships and developing connections with local churches and ministries.
Majorities
Most people in the Middle East only know caricatures of Christian faith. Economic and political turmoil, conflict and pandemic are prompting many to ask questions – they need to connect with scripture and with Christians who can explain scripture to them.
Young People
Around one third of all people in the Middle East are under the age of 15. For the young people of the region, questions of identity, meaning and opportunity are increasingly complex.
Education and Theological Training
As we partner with schools and education centres, we influence lives, share truth and bring hope. And as we serve with theological study programmes, we equip local believers for ministry and church leadership.
Refugees
Regional conflicts and economic challenges have prompted huge movements of refugees. Displaced people are in every area. Churches are responding with practical assistance and trauma support, and by affirming dignity and providing spiritual nurturing.
Vulnerable and Marginalised People
Refugees are not the only vulnerable people in the Middle East. Those with disabilities often face restricted opportunity. Many migrant workers routinely face abuse and unjust treatment. And growing economic hardship and inequality are driving more to the margins of society.
Healthcare
Some of our colleagues serve in healthcare roles as we share Christ’s love in communities where he is least known. Many countries’ healthcare systems are stretched to breaking point, especially due to the pandemic and economic crisis.
Prayers
Give thanks that Middle Eastern believers are maintaining vital witness through church ministries and through media and internet initiatives.
Please pray that believers will be bold in holding our hope in Jesus, and in sensitively answering and discipling those who are seeking.
Give thanks for church programmes and online initiatives for children and young people, and for Christian schools and education programmes.
Pray for young people of the Middle East to find hope, identity and security in Christ.
Ask the Lord for more teachers who can reach out to people at all levels of society.
Pray for the witness of Middle Eastern churches to be strengthened through faithful ministry training.
Pray for justice for refugees, an end to conflict and for the displaced to be able to return to their homes.
Pray for persistence in compassion to refugees. And give thanks that as churches reach out, many are responding to Christ’s love.
Pray for our colleagues who serve alongside Middle Eastern believers to bring hope to those who are vulnerable.
Pray that those who are marginalised will have their dignity affirmed in Christ and find life in him.
Pray for more to come to serve in the region in medical and community healthcare roles.
As local and expatriate believers meet healthcare needs in their communities, pray that many they serve will encounter Jesus and find healing and wholeness in him.
Related stories
Related stories
Support Beirut during crisis aftermath
The massive explosion at Beirut’s port on 4 August has brought fresh devastation to the people of Lebanon. Find out how to help the immediate needs.
Memories of Christmas where it all began
SIM worker Kate, serving in the Middle East, shares some Christmas memories of her ministry in regions where Christ was born and the church was founded.
Welcome to Lebanon
As one blow after another assails this nation, the phrase above often carries the meaning: “There’s been another problem. This is life here, what did you expect? ” When Miriam* arrived in September to teach at a big Christian school near the capital, she learned many things fast.
Will he be proud of me
Following God is hard. Sometimes it’s at odds with our desire to make our family proud. But when we follow, we often get to see people come to faith in Christ. Read the testimony of one person who came to the Middle East and saw the family of God expand.
