“See, I am doing a new thing!”
The Middle East, one of the final frontiers of global mission work, is home to 500 million people across 23 countries. In Arabic-speaking regions, the number of young people using social media platforms has been growing explosively. In this context, where the evangelisation rate is just 0.01 percent, “smart evangelism” is emerging as a strategic new approach.
Digital “gospel advertisements” that highlight differences between the Quran and the Bible or proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God are reaching individual Muslims. Some who encounter these messages are accepting the gospel and becoming “Muslim-background believers.”
One of the greatest strengths of online ministry is its low cost and high impact. Missionary Hudson, who has been using Facebook and Instagram for evangelism for seven years, reports that Muslim truth-seekers are responding positively to these gospel ads. Unlike the past, when satellite TV broadcasting required enormous costs, digital gospel advertising allows for deep, personal engagement with Muslims at a fraction of the expense.
“Online ministry is not a magic key, but it is not optional either. It is a method we must use,” Hudson explains. “When we combine the strengths of online and offline ministry, we are witnessing a true missionary revolution.”
Before visiting Türkiye, Hudson ran targeted gospel ads in one specific region and received responses from 100 people. He later met 56 of them in person, and most of them accepted Christ. This method, known as “smart outreach evangelism,” demonstrates how combining online and offline efforts can spark innovation in missions.
In February 2023, with only 50,000 KRW (about 40 USD), Hudson launched gospel ads that generated 234 responses, one of which led to more than 200 ongoing conversations. Between 2019 and 2024, he reached 170,000 people across 14 Arab nations through gospel advertising and distributed digital Bibles to 3,549 individuals.
Conversions are not rare. One example is Karim, a Syrian refugee in Türkiye, who encountered the gospel through an online ad. Over four years, he received online discipleship training and recently met Hudson in person. “Discipleship is even more important than evangelism itself,” Hudson emphasises, as he encourages and equips others to begin smart evangelism.
Together with the Last Call Ministry, he pursues “Vision 2030,” a bold goal to bring the gospel to 100 million people across the Arab world’s 500 million population by the year 2030.(Source: Gospel Prayer Newspaper, Edited Version)
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.(Isaiah 43:19-20,NIV)
God, thank You for opening the way for the gospel in the Middle East through digital technology. Thank You for letting thirsty hearts meet Jesus. Lord, keep caring for these new believers and make their faith grow strong. In this dry land, raise up people rooted in Your truth to bring life and hope. Let the life of Jesus overflow in this region. Break down every power of the enemy, and let Your righteousness stand firm here.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
