M and S
Once the birthplace of Christianity (Acts 11:26), Operation World now lists the country where we are serving as the most unreached nation of the world. Less than 0.01% are evangelical believers.
Tragically, its rich biblical heritage now lies mostly in literal ruins. Almost everyone believes that to be of this nation is to be Muslim, the Bible has been corrupted, and Jesus is not the Son of God.
Making disciples, then, involves persuasively answering these objections using apologetics, which M gets particularly excited about. But it also means discerning the heart behind these questions, such as from past experience/distress. S’s psychology training can then be an important unlocking tool and bridge to the gospel. The good news is that these people are extremely warm and hospitable, and often surprisingly open to talking about Jesus and spiritual things.
Through ‘vision trips’, incredible gospel opportunities, answers to prayer, and personal relationships, God has moved us to want to serve him here. We long to see lives once shattered and displaced by trauma restored through the true hope of Christ our suffering redeemer, and his promised new creation.
This land now has more refugees than any other country in the world, estimated at over 4 million (the UK has around 125,000)
Many refugees have found basic work to meet physical needs, yet still have shattered lives due to past traumas. Christian refugee outreach is well-established but has lacked any psychological input, which is where S is putting her experience and training to use.
Daily life will be language learning, friendship evangelism in homes or tea-houses, and serving in the apologetics and refugee ministries
Most importantly, we are rooted and serving in a local church. Please pray for S with her migraine condition, and for perseverance, especially when it’s hard!
M also hopes to pursue a PhD in philosophy as this would open many doors for interfacing with questioners about Christianity and sharing the gospel more publicly. Christians have even been given opportunities to preach the gospel to hundreds of imams-in-training because of a desire among Muslim scholars to hear how Christian philosophers address the weightiest questions that are being asked. How thrilling!
