Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful.
Christian leaders working across the Middle East say a growing spiritual openness amid war, displacement and political instability is leading thousands to explore faith in Jesus Christ, but warn that local discipleship structures are struggling to keep pace.
Speaking to Church Mission Society (CMS), regional leaders described the scale and speed of this spiritual awakening as unprecedented in recent generations. They said interest in Christianity has spread rapidly among people displaced by conflict and those disillusioned with corruption and social collapse. This movement began during the Covid-19 pandemic and has continued through ongoing regional and global crises.
One regional leader, identified as ‘S’ for security reasons, said: “Everything is shaking, but in the unseen, God has been preparing hearts.” She shared that many are encountering Jesus while fleeing violence or coping with loss, including a woman displaced by the war in Syria who said losing her home ultimately led her to faith.
While leaders report that tens of thousands are now engaging with Christianity, they warn that growth has exposed serious gaps in pastoral care and long-term discipleship. In some countries, increasing restrictions on religious freedom mean converts from Muslim backgrounds cannot safely attend traditional churches, leading to the rapid growth of discreet house churches and online Bible studies.
CMS chief executive Andy Roberts said the core challenge is not evangelism but the lack of sustained, culturally appropriate discipleship. He warned that a growing “discipleship gap” could negatively affect the future of the Church in the region if left unaddressed.
In response, CMS is prioritising locally led discipleship, leadership development, digital ministry and the support of small, protected faith communities. S emphasised that the future of the movement lies in grassroots leadership, adding: “The harvest is huge, but we cannot continue with business as usual.” (Source: Christian Today)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.(Hebrews 12:28,NIV)
God, we praise You for reaching out to the poor and thirsty souls of the Middle East in the midst of war and political instability, and for giving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Pour Your grace into each heart, and help them stand firm, trusting in You more deeply. See the need for leaders, and send workers who will guide Your people with Your Word. Raise up servants who serve with willing hearts and joyful spirits. Through Your people who love You, let the gospel be proclaimed boldly and without hindrance so that our eyes would be fixed on Your eternal kingdom, and the Middle East would become a land of hope in You.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
