Arabic HM
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Next date for Arabic HM:
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Arabic HM reports from the meetings in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the UK...
Germany Report...
In October of 2016 the Arabic Church of Germany assembled in Stuttgart for HM training from as far away as Frankfurt and Berlin (or should I just say all over the country?). It was a powerful week training that simultaneously felt like being at a family reunion at times as the group shared their stories with one another and talked about sorting life out in Germany over meals and between sessions. While the hardships that so many of our brothers and sisters there have faced in recent years have been extreme, they’ve continued to seek God’s plan and timing, their joy for the Lord and trust in Him was palpable.
The group was composed of some long time believers as well as some very new believers but each of them left with hope, a vision and a plan to take advantage of the unique opportunity to share Jesus with the 1,300,000 Arabic refugees presently in Germany. God is at work!
In October of 2016 the Arabic Church of Germany assembled in Stuttgart for HM training from as far away as Frankfurt and Berlin (or should I just say all over the country?). It was a powerful week training that simultaneously felt like being at a family reunion at times as the group shared their stories with one another and talked about sorting life out in Germany over meals and between sessions. While the hardships that so many of our brothers and sisters there have faced in recent years have been extreme, they’ve continued to seek God’s plan and timing, their joy for the Lord and trust in Him was palpable.
The group was composed of some long time believers as well as some very new believers but each of them left with hope, a vision and a plan to take advantage of the unique opportunity to share Jesus with the 1,300,000 Arabic refugees presently in Germany. God is at work!
Arabic HM Germany 2016
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Arabic HM Germany 2016
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Switzerland Report...
The first HM with our Arabic church network partners in 2016, took place in Switzerland in early May. Participants gathered from across Switzerland with Holland and Finland also represented. Some of the young leaders have been in Switzerland for some time, whilst others are newly arrived from the Middle East, including countries such as Syria and Iraq. It was a precious time together as we opened the word of God and grappled with leadership values that will serve these young leaders for the rest of their lives. Praise God for opportunities like this in Europe in these days. ‘…and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.’ 2 Timothy 2:2 |
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Austrian Report...
In the autumn of 2015 we travelled to Austria to connect with the Arabic Church in Vienna. With so many refugees arriving in Europe, and Austria being a key destination, this was a very timely training. Indeed, we had several leaders from Syria and Iraq who are now refugees having fled war and persecution. Their stories were often heart wrenching, and their testimony to Jesus glowing. He is a faithful God indeed! We value your prayer as we develop this strategic initiative with the Arabic Church in Europe. One participant, M*, is presently living and studying in Finland. The son of an imam in Syria, M* fled to Russia to escape the war in his home country. Finding Russia unwelcoming, he then barely escaped with his life as he crossed the border into Finland. Here he found a warm welcome and refuge. During his stay in a refugee facility, he was visited by two Christians. He argued and dismissed their attempts to befriend him, demanding they do not return. Following a move to another refugee holding facility, he was once again visited by Christians. This time we decided to challenge the pastor head on, and in time, the Lord opened his eyes and his heart, and he came to a place of surrender to Jesus. It was a costly decision; "Jesus or my family?" Accepting Christ, M* was then totally rejected by his family. This hurts deeply, but the joy at knowing Jesus was so evident as he recounted his story. |
One couple fled Libya with their daughter after their son was murdered because of his stand for Jesus. They survived a treacherous sea crossing and on-going threats from some travelling with them. When picked up from their over-crowded boat, the Italian Navy were astonished they were the only three not wearing life-jackets. When asked why, their reply was simple, "If God can keep us safe in Benghazi, He can certainly keep us safe on the open sea". (HM Austria participant) "Thank you so much for this training. I need it so much. It will help me teach the bible to others." "I felt like I was dying in my spirit. This teaching has made me alive again" |
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UK Report...
A new venture got underway in May 2015 as we connected with the Arabic Church network in London. This was part of the bigger picture of History Makers being used as a tool to equip young Arabic leaders across Europe. Leaders gathered for 4 days of training just north of London. It was an encouraging time of seeking God and going deeper in our understanding of what it means to be called as a leader. With the rapid demographic changes occurring across Europe, this is a key time for such an initiative. |
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