NEAR EAST
by Ava Moore
DEMONSTRATING AND PROCLAIMING HIS LOVE Every year, the Mercy Appeal enables OM to respond to the urgent needs of suffering people around the world. Sarah* is one of many workers you have supported. Through your compassion and generosity, Sarah and her team are able to share the love of Jesus with Muslim refugees in the Near East by providing crucial medical care.
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Meeting the medical needs of the community opens so many doors to meet their emotional and spiritual needs,” Sarah shares. “They want to know more about Jesus when they see us honestly and compassionately serving and loving them.” Sarah is part of a team of medical professionals who have been running a health-clinic since 2016 in the Muslimmajority country in which she grew up. Through clinic days, hosted in local churches, to home visits, Sarah and her
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team have many opportunities to give medical assistance, provide health education and have spiritual conversations through the relationships they build. Many of the individuals the team serve are Muslim refugees. Sarah expresses that while many Muslims feel ashamed to enter a church building, the medical clinic gives them a reason to come into a church. They receive help and also have an opportunity to hear the Gospel.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE HIS LOVE When a new believer heard that the medical team were coming to her area, she introduced them to her Muslim father, the leader of the community. He granted permission to conduct a clinic, and the team were able to serve 144 people, ministering to them through prayer and sharing the Word as well as providing practical medical attention.
During follow-up home visits, the team would start by going over the medical needs and prognosis, but would soon find that the conversation naturally progressed to the patient’s other concerns and worries. “With each issue that comes up, we share a Bible story to encourage them and see how they respond,” Sarah explains. “We always offer to pray for them before we leave and follow up with those who express interest.”
Thank you for your generous gifts to the Mercy Appeal which enable workers to share God’s love among the least reached.
