Hope Restored

Whether it is running a Christian bookstore, reaching out on a university campus or planting a church, OM Near East operates through relationships and, wherever possible, in partnership with the local church. The destabilization of the area, specifically with regard to the Syria crisis, has resulted in tens of thousands of refugees displaced into surrounding countries and countless more stricken by the turmoil within Syria. Each month, new stories come out of Syria and surrounding refugee areas of the overwhelming need, heartbreak and depravity of the situation people are facing. Large parts of the region have been facing drought and with the addition of conflict, many are struggling to survive. OM teams in the region are confronted daily with individuals who have lost not only their homes and possessions, but also family members. Teams are overwhelmed by the needs as they encounter people who have lost hope. Workers faithfully offer aid and loving care. The Syria crisis has opened the door for many who would otherwise have had no opportunity to hear the gospel to realise hope in Jesus. With approximately 80 OM workers in the Near East field – Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq – this is a season of significant breakthrough and there is a palpable sense of faith and expectation for what God is doing and will continue to do. In this predominantly Muslim part of the world, OM is seeing hope restored, communities transformed and people following Jesus. This success though does not go unchallenged. Muslim background believers still face significant persecution from their families, communities and governments. They need prayer for strength, as well as, support the community of believers as they navigate what can be a very painful journey and wrestle with issues of fear, faith and truth. Please pray: • For all those affected by the crisis in Syria. • For the OM workers in the field to have wisdom and discernment to know how to respond to the needs of the people they are serving. • For Muslim background believers to have the endurance, courage and faith to stand firm in the face of persecution. • That the Lord would continue to make His name known among these nations. • That the Lord would send more laborers into the harvest field of the Near East. Ben is an enthusiast photographer, blogger and writer. He loves listening to, experiencing and then sharing stories about what God is doing. He is currently on a six-week communications internship in the Middle East and is excited to see and hear what the Lord is doing in this region of the world.