SIM Middle East

God is at work in the Middle East in unprecedented ways and we’re excited about the growing opportunities to participate in His work. Our workers serve in a wide range of roles in several countries, building relationships through which they share the love and truth of Christ.

Corniche in Beirut. Varun Shiv Kapur from Berkeley, United States, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Key Ministries

Sharing Life in Church and Community

Our multi-cultural teams intentionally embed themselves in local communities, learning language and growing in cultural understanding. They engage meaningfully in church life and serve in a wide range of roles — from compassionate ministries and education (across all levels) to theological training, healthcare, Bible translation and distribution, business initiatives, and professional vocations. Through this holistic witness, we seek to reflect Christ in both word and deed.

Coptic Church in Egypt. someone10x, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Coptic Church in Egypt. someone10x, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Spiritual Landscape in the Middle East

The Middle East has a rich and ancient Christian heritage dating back to the earliest days of the gospel. Despite this, the region has endured centuries of political, social, and religious upheaval. Today, small communities of believers remain, often facing persecution, isolation, and sectarian division. Yet, amidst the challenges, God is at work in powerful and unprecedented ways. 

We see doors opening through seasons of hardship and uncertainty, and there is a deep hunger for hope and truth. Many local believers and churches are faithfully standing firm and reaching out. There is a growing opportunity for gospel workers who are willing to learn, adapt, and serve alongside the local church with cultural humility, resilience, and a deep love for the peoples of this diverse region. 

Communities Where Christ is Least Known

Neglected majority

Many across the Arab world, though not materially impoverished, have had little or no meaningful encounter with the gospel. Deep spiritual hunger lies beneath the surface. Trust takes time to build in these communities, but with patient relationship-building, there is real opportunity to speak into the brokenness and reveal the grace of Jesus.

People on the move

Widespread conflict and economic instability have led to large-scale displacement. Refugees and internally displaced people can be found in nearly every corner of the region. Local churches and mission partners are reaching out with compassion — addressing immediate needs while nurturing displaced individuals toward finding a spiritual home in Christ.

Vulnerable and marginalised

Countless people live on the margins of society, facing systemic injustice, limited opportunity, abuse, and exploitation. Growing inequality has driven many deeper into hardship. Here, there is real opportunity for the Church to affirm dignity, provide practical help, and share the hope of the gospel through intentional, holistic ministry.

Contact SIM Middle East

Email: Connect@sim.org

Please pray

  • Give thanks that Middle Eastern believers are maintaining vital witness through church ministries and through media and internet initiatives
  • That believers will be bold in holding out hope in Jesus, and in sensitively answering and discipling those who are seeking
  • Give thanks for church programmes and online initiatives for children and young people, and for Christian schools and education programmes
  • For young people of the Middle East to find hope, identity and security in Christ
  • Ask the Lord for more teachers who can reach out to people at all levels of society
  • For the witness of Middle Eastern churches to be strengthened through faithful ministry training
  • For justice for refugees, an end to conflict and for the displaced to be able to return to their homes
  • For persistence in compassion to refugees. And give thanks that as churches reach out, many are responding to Christ’s love
  • For our colleagues who serve alongside Middle Eastern believers to bring hope to those who are vulnerable
  • That those who are marginalised will have their dignity affirmed in Christ and find life in him
  • For more to come to serve in the region in medical and community healthcare roles
  • As local and expatriate believers meet healthcare needs in their communities, pray that many they serve will encounter Jesus and find healing and wholeness in him

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