Peter takes refugee ministry online
By Kerry Allan | Europe
Peter Samir.
Five years after a wave of refugees and migrants came to Europe fleeing war and economic hardship, the chaos of a global pandemic prompted many to ask about the end times, says Peter Samir, who is joining SIM’s #HowWillTheyHear ministry.
“Questions were raised up among churches and Christians as to how to answer their questions during these uncertain times,” he says. But while the coronavirus crisis closed churches all over the world, Peter says God used his people to create thousands of home churches, discipleship groups and Bible studies online and give Christians a new opportunity to point to Jesus.
“Religion is a great aspect in the life of Arab people,” he adds. “The coronavirus crisis has been a blessing as God wants us to use different ways to show all Muslims in Europe looking for hope in their life, that Jesus Christ is their greatest security.”
#HowWillTheyHear mobilises UK churches to share the gospel with migrants and refugees across Europe. It also trains and sends Christians from overseas to help and support local churches as they reach out to refugees with the gospel and raises leaders among new believers from Muslim-background believers.
Within weeks of the onset of COVID-19, Peter launched five online groups, which now number more than 120 participants from Greece, Holland, Turkey, Germany and Sweden.
He also provides books and videos online for local churches in Europe to distribute.
“People are more engaged with the online groups because they can be ‘hidden’ behind a screen and they are going really well. Some have even invited families and friends from their origin countries to attend discipleship groups online,” adds Peter, who has been working in Muslim discipleship since 1990.
He is now keen to collaborate with churches, organisations and Christians to help them reach out to refugees and migrants.
“If you don’t know the language, you’re welcome to bring your Arabic-speaking believers or even seekers, to join discipleship groups or bible study and attend some training to equip and prepare them to be able to start a group among their friends and share the gospel with their family.”
For more information, please email mobilisation@howwilltheyhear.net.
10:14 prayer campaign
Every year, #HowWillTheyHear hosts a prayer campaign, inviting people to lift up refugees and migrants for 14 days, 10 minutes a day, starting 14 October. We would love if you joined us! Get the guided prayer resource right in your inbox by signing up today.
Please pray
• For families and young Arabic speakers in Europe to find their true way with Jesus.
• Give glory to God as he uses online meetings for his good purposes.
• For local churches to collaborate with SIM’s #HWTH ministry in reaching out to Arabic speakers in Europe.
First published on SIM UK's website.
Related stories
From Bible college student to Bible college Director
Joseph now trains pastors of the future, with help from one of his old teachers in West Africa. The joy and lasting value of Christian leadership training is epitomised by the long-term relationship between an SIM mission couple and a West African Bible college director.
Young women from rural Peru find discipleship and belonging in the city
As rural young women move to Peru’s cities for study or work, they face a world full of pressure, distraction, and isolation. Mission worker Lizzie is walking alongside them; offering friendship, discipleship, and a reminder of their worth in Jesus.
In Carrie’s classroom, Jesus is shaping hearts and minds for his kingdom
When mission workers with young families leave their home country, a major concern is how their children will get on. While the parents are out serving, the kids need stability, education, and spiritual nurturing. That’s where teachers like Carrie come in. Originally from Kansas, Carrie now teaches at a mission school in Liberia, part of Dakar Academy in Senegal, shaping young hearts and minds for God’s kingdom.
