In November, representatives of the Middle East Reformed Fellowship (MERF) fields and support bodies came together for the International Council (IC) at the John Calvin Centre in Cyprus.
40 years on from small beginnings in Beirut, Lebanon, in the 1970s, MERF now has a ministry in every major country dominated by Islam.
Giving thanks
God has provided, through generous supporters, for the work to be sustained and expanded, despite economic recession in the West and the near collapse of Cyprus banks. Ministry commitments have continued to be met, with sufficient reserves to face the instability and uncertainty of conflicts and crises in the ministry regions.
A new, younger generation of active MERF volunteers from around the world are stepping up to serve on MERF fields, support committees and boards to bring the gospel of peace and hope to the troubled Islamic world. Older colleagues say it is encouraging to see this digitally-savvy generation bringing fresh perspectives and vigour to the faithful telling of the ‘old, old story’ of Jesus and his love.
Some highlights of the November meeting were as follows.
Indonesia
In this group of islands with the largest Muslim population, there are growing numbers of gospel broadcast listener communities in the main languages of the large islands of Java and Sulawesi. Radios are provided freely for groups which form the nucleus of new churches in rural locations. Many Bible leadership training programmes are organised. Remarkably, MERF-supported school teachers trained at Bible colleges in Makassar can teach Christianity in government-run schools.
Ethiopia
The radio broadcasts reach out to the majority Orthodox and Muslim elements, but also train up a large population of professing evangelicals whose knowledge is shallow. Broadcasts into Somalia are followed up with careful visits and discreet practical support to believers who receive death threats.
South Sudan
The ongoing partisan conflict has brought death, suffering, homelessness and hunger. It has become more and more tribal. Leaders on both sides claim to be Christians. In addition to daily gospel radio broadcasts promoting peace and forgiveness in Christ, MERF has co-ordinated with South Sudanese churches to fly blankets, mosquito nets and fishing gear to hungry, displaced people in remote areas. An intensive three-month biblical training programme in Lokichoggio (northern Kenya) has benefited the large refugee camp nearby, along with others from neighbouring countries. The church on the compound and outreach in local communities has grown, ministering to large numbers of Turkana and their children.
Egypt
MERF encourages and supports 40 national church planting projects, including several in Cairo, the capital. It is incredible that the government now provides land freely in new developments for the building of churches. MERF’s solid Arabic books and Sunday School materials are widely used, even by Orthodox priests!
Pakistan
The Bible Believing Church Council witness has extended beyond Lahore to establish congregations and a fourth Calvin school in Faisalabad (bringing the total number of students to 2,500). The cable TV Urdu preaching ministry reaches far beyond. An annual Family Conference is attended by thousands. MERF partners with Westminster Biblical Missions to encourage and support this faithful witness.
Gulf and Arabia
A pastor from one of the Gulf States spoke of the great growth (literally hundreds) in the mixed expatriate congregations including three new church plants. Prayer is needed for the believers caught up in the deadly conflict in Yemen. There are many secret believers, even in Saudi Arabia, who appreciate the Arabic media ministry on the Internet and the radio.
Sudan
The Muslim-dominated Khartoum government still provides free air time for a weekly hour of Christian broadcasting on both TV and radio. Reports of persecution it seems are sometimes exaggerated.
Syria
Mary, from Damascus, spoke movingly at the conference about the dangers of the attacking IS forces, yet believers are having a great impact on nominal Christians and Muslims alike. Her enthusiasm in such circumstances put many of those present to shame. Some Christians have understandably fled, but churches have grown in numbers. Practical ministries include distributing food, medicines, drinking water and fuel to needy displaced families. Women gladly attend the Bible studies and prayer times, while meeting to do handicrafts. In the midst of serious social deprivation the emphasis on meeting spiritual needs was heart-warming.
All International Council sessions were interspersed with prayer, but most moving was the final season of prayer in different languages, yet with all united in Christ and in his service.
