What an honor it is to serve the Lord in this country. These past months have been a season of steady labor and sober reflection as we have entered a new year. As I look at what God is doing here, I often feel pressed between two realities: the eternal urgency of the Middle East and my own deep sense of inadequacy. So many have left in a time when we need more laborers—not fewer. This land does not need better methods; it needs a miracle.
As I write this letter, my aim is not merely to inform you, but to provoke you to pray. I sincerely believe that your intercession at this moment is a lifeline. The pulse of ministry in this country is weak, and only the glory of God can sustain and revive His work here. Please consider setting aside extra time to pray for this land and for the Middle East as a whole.
Please don’t misunderstand this letter as complaint. I would not trade these circumstances for anything. I desire patience to have its perfect work, and I want nothing that comes apart from God’s divine intervention. Humanly speaking, watching missionaries leave and churches close in a Muslim country—while the harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few—can feel like a small fish swimming upstream in a river of sharks. From an earthly perspective, this could lead to despair, but in Christ, this is the very weakness where God delights to display His strength.
In a recent letter, I mentioned the training of a young man. Our efforts have been resisted, and he is currently walking through physical pain and spiritual sifting. Please pray that his faith would be preserved and strengthened through this trial.
At the same time, my meetings with an older brother in our church have become clear divine appointments. God is stirring our hearts toward discipling new Middle Eastern believers through an online institution. Please pray for wisdom, unity, and open doors as we seek to follow His leading.
My wife and I have also taken on a student who works as a psychiatrist in a hospital. It was not difficult to steer our conversations toward the Gospel—she initiated them herself. She has many questions and has openly admitted she is searching for truth. Please pray that the Lord continues His work in her heart.
Another dear friend whom I’ve had the privilege to disciple has grown far beyond my expectations. He now takes his Bible to a café and reads for hours every day. Years ago, two young women who were interested in the Gospel were ready to receive Christ. An appointment was set, but on that very day, contention arose between them, and they never returned or responded again. Recently, in that same café, those same women saw my friend reading his Bible, recognized him, and approached him—more curious than ever about Christianity. Please pray for them, as they have already faced threats from family members because of their interest.
As pastor of the church here, the Lord has led us to observe the Lord’s Supper more frequently—on the first Sunday of each month. We now devote the entire service to beholding Who Christ is and what He has done. During the preaching, God has directed us to address what is presently hindering our unity with Him and with one another, allowing space for self-examination before we partake together. This past Sunday, witnessing genuine tears of gratitude for His broken body and shed blood was a deeply precious moment for our church.
Please pray for the spiritual growth of our congregation—that we would lift His name high and that God Himself would add to His church.
With gratitude and dependence,
—Missionary #6506
