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Related topics Global Mission Centers introduce new Bible studies for diverse communities Six new Bible study guides designed to share faith across cultures and religions.
In response to frequent requests for contextualized Bible study resources, the Seventh-day Adventist Church ’s six Global Mission Centers have developed six new study guides adaptable to local communities. ChanMin Chung, director of the Global Mission Centers, introduced the resources on October 11, during the 2026 Annual Council. These adaptable studies will provide church members and frontline workers with resources to share their faith with people from different traditions, including those who express interest through digital media. Chung explained that the centers focus on three mission windows: urban populations, secular and post-Christian communities, and the 10/40 Window. “Jesus is for everyone,” Chung emphasized. “We are not talking about headcounts or numbers. We are talking about people who need to know Jesus. That is why our six Global Mission Centers exist.” Bible studies for different audiences The new Bible studies are designed to help Adventist members and frontline workers share biblical teachings with people from different religious and cultural backgrounds. Recognizing that traditional approaches may not resonate with every audience, the guides introduce Scripture through familiar concepts and questions, providing a foundation that can be adapted to the unique needs of local communities. Among the guides introduced was Prophecies of the Coming Messiah , a 12-part Bible study series developed by the Global Mission Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations. Recognizing that many Muslims honor Jesus and want to learn more about Him, the studies explore Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah and their fulfillment in Jesus' life. “Our goal is to equip Adventists to use these 12 Bible studies with their Muslim friends to explore the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah and how they were fulfilled in the life of Jesus,” explained Petras Badahaur, director of the Global Mission Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations. “The studies encourage respectful conversation and careful reading of Scripture within relationships of trust and friendship.” The Global Mission Center for Urban Ministry also developed another study, Urban Life in the Word , to connect biblical teachings with the experiences of people living in cities. The lessons explore the same gospel message and biblical prophecies found in traditional Adventist Bible studies, but approach them through the realities and questions of urban life. “The intention is more than gaining biblical knowledge. The hope is that every encounter with Scripture will lead to a deeper relationship with the God who is love,” explained Manny Arteaga, director of the Global Mission Center for Urban Ministry. “At its heart is a simple yet transformative invitation: to fall in love with a God who knows us fully and loves us deeply.” Making the resources available The new Bible studies will be distributed to division leaders and mission directors, who will work with the Global Mission Centers to adapt the materials for their respective communities. Chung emphasized that the initial printed copies are intended for review and discussion rather than immediate public distribution, allowing local leaders to recommend changes before the studies are shared more broadly. Beyond the printed guides, the Global Bible School will make the studies available. Video versions are being developed to accommodate different learning preferences, allowing individuals to watch or listen to the lessons. To help members use these resources, the Global Mission Centers are preparing online training courses through the Adventist Learning Community . Chung also highlighted existing courses on the platform that help Adventists build friendships with people of other faiths. Following the presentation, church leaders joined in prayer to dedicate the new resources to God. The studies are expected to give Adventist members additional tools to share Jesus with people in their communities. This article was provided by the ANN . Get to know the region More Stories Topics

Six new Bible study guides designed to share faith across cultures and religions.

Global Mission Centers introduce new Bible studies for diverse communities

Related topics Celebrating Hussein’s Birthday A simple act of generosity opened the door to sharing God’s Word with a sincere seeker in the Middle East. Through prayer, friendship, and a gifted Bible, Hussein began discovering Jesus for himself.
I wish you could meet Hussein,* the security guard at the building where my wife and I live in the Middle East. From the moment we met him, we could tell that he was sincere in his faith and committed to living according to his beliefs. We liked him immediately. Over time, Hussein visited our home many times, and he invited us to his as well. We shared conversations about everyday life and, occasionally, spiritual matters. Whenever we invited him to join us in prayer, he graciously accepted. As our friendship with Hussein deepened by God’s grace, my wife and I sensed God leading us to take another step. We began praying for the right opportunity to give Hussein a Bible. One day, I noticed that Hussein seemed upset. He explained that his bicycle—his only means of transportation to work—had been stolen. He was anxious about finding a bicycle to borrow. That day, I began praying that God would provide a bicycle for my friend. Several months later, we unexpectedly received a gift of US$40. I was puzzled. It felt as though God had sent the money directly from heaven. As I prayed shortly afterward, a clear impression came to mind: Show Jesus to your friend. Buy a bicycle for Hussein. I set aside the money and began saving. But the country’s economy was worsening by the day. No matter how much money I saved, it was never enough to purchase a bicycle. I continued praying and saving and began visiting secondhand bicycle shops. I often imagined the joy of giving Hussein a bicycle for his birthday. When Hussein’s birthday arrived, my wife baked a cake, I prepared a special meal, and we invited him to our home for supper at 5:30 PM. Confident that God could still perform a miracle, I spent the afternoon searching for the bicycle we had prayed about for so long. At 5:00 PM, I returned home discouraged and empty-handed. My wife gently reminded me that God knew how much we wanted to help Hussein and how faithfully we had prayed. “He’s taking care of the situation,” she assured me. The evening was a wonderful surprise for Hussein. He was delighted and told us how grateful he was to have us in his life. We enjoyed the meal together, presented him with the birthday cake, and prayed a special blessing over him, thanking God for his life. But we still had no bicycle. The next day, while continuing my search online, I came across an advertisement for a bicycle in excellent condition at an unusually low price. The listing had been posted only 10 minutes earlier. I immediately called the owner and even gathered the courage to ask for a small discount. I was thrilled when he agreed. When I lifted the bicycle into the back of my car, I knew God had answered our prayers. With the discount, the bicycle cost exactly the amount I had saved over many months. As my wife and I admired this answer to prayer, we asked each other, “What if we give Hussein a Bible along with the bicycle?” We wrapped the Bible we had purchased months earlier, wrote a card, and prayed for the right moment to present both gifts. I carefully planned what to say. I knew Hussein would appreciate the bicycle. I hoped he would receive the Bible with the same enthusiasm. Indescribable Joy When we arrived at Hussein’s door with the bicycle, he was overwhelmed with emotion. But nothing prepared me for the expression on his face when he gently held the Bible and carefully turned its pages. He was amazed. He was delighted. And I’m not sure who was happier—Hussein or me. After two years of friendship, I was finally able to give my friend the gift I had prayed about the most. My joy was indescribable. A few days later, Hussein invited me to his home for tea. When I arrived, I found him reading the book of Genesis. His eyes sparkled as he told me that he had never read the Creation story before. I knew we had much to discuss, and I prayed for the Holy Spirit to guide our conversation. That evening, we talked about heaven, death, and God’s promises. I shared several meaningful Bible verses with him. As we spoke, Hussein continued turning the pages of his Bible. He seemed completely absorbed in God’s Word. Sensing God’s prompting, I asked whether he would like to study the Bible together. My heart leapt when Hussein eagerly accepted. That very week, we began studying Scripture together. God has been working in both our lives as we grow closer to Him and to each other. My heart is filled with gratitude. I stand in awe of the privilege of sharing God’s love with Hussein. I’m thankful for my wife’s faith-filled support and for the friends who prayed with us throughout this journey. Most of all, I thank God for providing the money for the bicycle, for giving us the courage to share His Word, and for leading a sincere seeker to discover the joy of learning about Him for the very first time. * Name has been changed  Every dollar given to Global Mission goes directly to frontline mission work, reaching remote villages and overflowing cities where millions of people are waiting to hear about Jesus. Three Ways to Give Mail — In the US: Global Mission, General Conference 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6601 In Canada: Global Mission, SDA Church in Canada 1148 King Street East, Oshawa, ON L1H 1H8 Online — GMsda.org/Give4 Phone — 800-648-5824 Transform Lives, One Month at a Time: Join Our Recurring Donor Family! Please remember Global Mission in your will and trusts. Visit Global-Mission.org/PlannedGiving or call 800-648-5824.  More Stories Topics

A simple act of generosity opened the door to sharing God’s Word with a sincere seeker in the Middle East. Through prayer, friendship, and a gifted Bible, Hussein began discovering Jesus for himself.

Celebrating Hussein’s Birthday

Related topics No Stones at SonRise
Illustrative image At Southern Adventist University’s SonRise Resurrection Pageant, Gabriela Phillips shares the story of Jesus with two Muslim refugee friends from Iraq.
The candlelit room and a deep voice transport us to the Passion Week’s final scenes. Beside me sit my friends, Mohammad and Khadija, refugees from Iraq, whom I’ve invited to the SonRise Resurrection Pageant at Southern Adventist University. A student portraying Mary Magdalene steps from the shadows. She explains how the Jesus she knew wasn’t a detached preacher of truth. He saved her life by writing in the dust and commanding that “those who are free from sin cast the first stone.” As we leave the church and walk to the next station of the pageant, Khadija clasps my hand and says, “We all need to live by the words of Isa, alyahi salam” (Jesus, peace be upon Him). And for the next few minutes, she imagines a world ruled by Jesus, a world where no one throws stones and sins are forgiven. Both Khadija and I feel drawn to Him as we reflect. A little later, as the Gethsemane scene unfolds, Mohammad wonders aloud who Jesus is praying to. Underneath his question lie many layers of theological debris, resulting from centuries of Christian-Muslim misunderstandings. I’ve told Mohammad before that I believe Jesus is God. “So, is God praying to Himself?” he asks. I could launch into a detailed explanation of the Trinity, but I don’t want to interrupt the Holy Spirit’s influence. “Jesus is praying to his beloved Father,” I answer simply. Over the years, I’ve learned that truth that is not presented in the context of a relationship seldom moves the heart. So, I add, “Just before coming to the garden, Jesus prayed for all who would one day follow Him. He was thinking of us all.” Next, we approach the court of Pilate. Mohammad hears voices calling for Jesus to be crucified and is confused. “Why would anyone wish to crucify Jesus, who is the purest of prophets?” he asks. He reflects on current events in the Middle East and the need to return to Jesus’ example. I’m curious to hear more of his thoughts, but our group is moving toward the crosses, and our conversation lags. Muslims view the crucifixion differently. In their story, God demonstrates His power by rescuing Jesus and taking Him to heaven before He dies. This interpretation upholds justice— Jesus’ innocence is vindicated and someone who is truly guilty is crucified in His place. For Christians, the cross represents God’s love through His willingness to die for humanity. As we stand at the scene of the three crosses, I explain to Mohammad what makes Jesus’ death different from that of the thieves beside Him: “In Jannah (paradise), God gave Adam and Eve everything they needed to live an abundant life because He loved them. He told them that their lives would continue forever if they didn’t sin, but that the consequence of sin was death. They chose sin, and ever since, we have all been subject to sin and death. Everyone except Jesus, who was sinless, which the Qur’an affirms. The only way death could touch Jesus was if He gave up His life. I believe He died on the cross, as prophesied in the Torah, and that He did so voluntarily to show His love. He was the Adam that didn’t sin. Death came into the world by the first Adam; deliverance from it came from the second one.” Mohammad listens quietly, while I pray for God to reveal Himself to us afresh. Finally, we move to the last scene of the pageant, where music about our risen Lord moves me to tears. “Brother,” I say, “this is the heart of my faith: because Jesus carried the sins of each sinner, we can be purified with the purity of Jesus, but death could not hold Him in the grave. On the third day, He was raised back to the right hand of God, where He rules with love. Soon, He will return as a just judge and will break open all the graves, for he is the resurrection and the path to eternal life.” Mohammad is also moved; this version of Jesus is full of hope. His response surprises me: “We Muslims need to return to Jesus, not the Jesus of Islamic scholars and traditions, but the real Jesus. We keep telling Christians with our mouths that we also love Jesus, that he is one of our prophets, while collecting stones with our hands. We need to listen again to Jesus, for he is peace for us too.” I left the scene sensing that Jesus not only had ministered to our needs, but He had also won our confidence, and now it was time to follow Him. More from Mission 360° Magazine Get to know the region Topics

At Southern Adventist University’s SonRise Resurrection Pageant, Gabriela Phillips shares the story of Jesus with two Muslim refugee friends from Iraq.

No Stones at SonRise

Related topics Global Mission Centers Boost Bid to Reach World
Global Mission Issues Committee also discusses missionaries and Mission Refocus. Global Mission Issues Committee also discusses missionaries and Mission Refocus.
By Adventist Mission staff Seventh-day Adventist leaders have taken steps to better integrate the world church’s 13 divisions and attached fields with six Global Mission centers, which help the church better understand how to start new groups of believers among non-Christian people groups. The Global Mission Issues Committee meeting, held April 2-3, concluded with three recommendations: for Global Mission centers to help divisions train local leaders to reach high-priority people groups; for divisions to invite Global Mission centers to be part of the process of selecting and training missionaries for their territories; and for divisions to invite Global Mission center leaders to their year-end meetings. Global Mission Centers director Kleyton Feitosa also announced the establishment of Global Mission center advisories that will meet online twice a year. “This is really going to enhance the work,” Feitosa said on the second day of the meeting at world church headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The advisories, which will include about 40 advisors, will allow for input and counsel from current leaders and people familiar each centers’ focus people group. Feitosa also announced new names for several of the centers to better reflect their purpose. The six Global Mission centers include the Global Mission Center for Adventist-Buddhist Relations, the Global Mission Center for Adventist-Jewish Relations, the Global Mission Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations, the Global Mission Center for South Asian Religions, the Global Mission Center for Secular and Post-Christian Mission, and the Global Mission Center for Urban Mission. The non-Christian people groups that the Global Mission centers are helping to reach comprise 63 percent of the world’s population, or 5 billion people. Those groups are at the heart of a world church initiative called Mission Refocus, which prioritizes resources for frontline mission work with people in the 10/40 Window, city dwellers, and secular and post-Christian people. General Conference executive secretary Erton Köhler unveiled plans at the meeting to nearly double the number of front-line foreign missionaries to 627 from the current 332 over the next five years. In addition, another 4,000 volunteers will join the ranks for those who serve in foreign countries. “We are together warning this world and preparing everybody in the four corners of this world for the second coming of Jesus,” Köhler said. He emphasized that the three angels’ messages in Revelation 14:6-12 begin with a call to go into all the world, preaching the everlasting gospel “to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (NKJV), and noted that church co-founder Ellen White also underscored the importance of reaching every people group. Reading a statement that she made in the General Conference Daily Bulletin on February 20, 1893, he said, “There is home missionary work that is to be done, and we hear the plea, so long as there is so much sin and such need of labor in our own country, why manifest such zeal for foreign countries? I answer, our field is the world.” Adventist Mission director Gary Krause recalled that Adventists initially thought that they could proclaim the gospel to the world by reaching the various people groups who had immigrated to the United States. But, encouraged by Ellen White, they made arrangements to send the church’s first missionary to a non-Christian country in the 1890s. The missionary, a single woman named Georgia Burrus, arrived in India in 1895. In another milestone, more than 50 missionaries were sent to China in 1916, he said. The church’s current emphasis on reaching non-Christian people groups has its roots in a global strategy approved at Annual Council in 1986. “We rejoice that a new Adventist church is being organized today every 3 ½ hours,” he said. “However, the challenge remains. … It's time for a Mission Refocus on how we as Global Mission centers are working with the divisions, working together in an integrated way to reach the 10/40 Window, to reach the post-Christian window, and to reach the urban window.” General Conference president Ted N.C. Wilson praised what he called a revitalization of the six Global Mission centers and asked all church division presidents “to be very intentional in involving themselves with the centers.” The first center was opened in 1989. Wilson also urged church leaders to benefit from the experience of their predecessors. “I encourage you to build on what has been created,” he said. “Mission Refocus is not just another nice term. It is, by God’s grace, to help us finish the work.” More Stories Topics

Global Mission Issues Committee also discusses missionaries and Mission Refocus. 

Global Mission Centers Boost Bid to Reach World

Related topics Tragedy Opens Doors One day, his message was clear: “I am depressed. I have no more desire to do anything, to go anywhere, even to eat.”
Khalid dreamed of learning Portuguese, an unusual goal for an Arabic-speaking Middle Easterner. But he wanted to be a tour guide, and a foreign language is a professional asset. That’s how I first met him. Khalid was excited to sign up for the free Portuguese classes I taught. He was an ambitious student and driven to learn. Khalid liked to stay after class and visit. I assumed he just wanted to sharpen his conversational skills. It didn’t take long, though, for us to become friends. Our conversations were long and engaging. Occasionally, we’d go out to eat together. I began praying for a way to talk with Khalid about deeper life issues or even spiritual truths. That opportunity appeared the day he messaged me, “My sister has been killed tragically.” Khalid learned she was crossing the street after finishing her university classes for the day when she was struck by a car and killed instantly. He and his sister had been close; Khalid was devastated. I reached out to him, but he disconnected. For a while, we had no contact. I respected the space Khalid needed; I knew how confusing grief can be. Then, after a week, I messaged him. In fact, I began messaging him often. Each time, I told him I was praying for him and his family. Khalid responded briefly at first and then more openly. One day, his message was clear: “I am depressed. I have no more desire to do anything, to go anywhere, even to eat.” I messaged Khalid back, asking him to meet me somewhere, anywhere, just so we could talk a bit. I was surprised when he suggested a small restaurant nearby. His younger brother joined us, and the three of us talked easily about life, sports, language learning, and university classes. I was grateful that in this simple setting, we could laugh together a lot, eat a little, and strengthen our growing friendship. It was only when we took a walk after the meal that the two brothers began talking about their sister and the pain of their family’s loss. Khalid shared how, in his worldview, he wasn’t allowed to grieve. Khalid had grown up believing that feeling depressed was evidence of spiritual weakness. “But I am grieving, I do feel depressed, and I’m supposed to accept this tragic loss as the will of God.” Tears came to him as easily as the guilt that overwhelmed him. The conflict between what he had been taught about life and what he was experiencing in life was hard to watch. As we walked, I began sharing how I had discovered that God understands me and cares about how I feel. I was able to tell Khalid about God’s love and how He shows it to us freely. I shared with him how grief is a normal emotion that we all experience when we meet loss. I shared what I’d learned in my university training about dealing with overwhelming grief. We talked about how God is in control even when painful things happen. In the end, we stood there along a busy street in the shadow of a highway ramp and prayed. That walk was the beginning of many more visits together. Khalid invited me to his home, and I began visiting him weekly. That regular time together has given us many opportunities to talk about life. Each week, we usually play a game of soccer, eat a meal, and then have a spiritual discussion. He is dedicated to his religion, and we both openly talk about our views of God, but each week, Khalid respectfully waits for me to pray before our meals in his home. As our friendship grows, I sense God has given us a foundation for more spiritual conversations. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to offer Khalid the comfort He has for him and for the privilege of opening to Khalid the blessings that are waiting for him as well. More from Mission 360° Magazine Topics

One day, his message was clear: “I am depressed. I have no more desire to do anything, to go anywhere, even to eat.”


Tragedy Opens Doors

Related topics Islam at a Glance Muslims seek to live their lives by fulfilling the traditions of their prophet. Islam is the official religion of 26 countries in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Islam is the world’s second-largest religion with some 2 billion adherents (25 percent of the world’s population). Muslims believe that Islam, a monotheistic religion, began in 610 when their prophet Muhammad began to receive revelations. Islam is an Arabic word meaning “submission” because obedience to God is a central theme of the faith. Muslims seek to live their lives by fulfilling the traditions of their prophet. Islam is the official religion of 26 countries in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Middle East. Most Muslims live outside the Middle East, in countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Some Islamic Worldviews Muslims believe in: • The oneness of God—no distinction within the Godhead • Muhammad was God’s last prophet • The Qur’an is the verbatim word of God revealed to Muhammad and all that we need to know from God • Jesus was a prophet and born of the Virgin Mary Common Ground Muslims, like us: • Believe in the second coming of Jesus (Isa al-Masih) • Don’t drink alcohol or eat pork • Place a high value on family • Believe in angels • Believe in resurrection and judgment Tips for Making Friends With Muslims • Learn your friend’s name • Show hospitality • Talk about current events—many Muslims realize that the last days will bring the judgment of God, and they want to be ready • Be respectful of differences when discussing spiritual topics • Ask about your friend’s family and be willing to share about your own • Ask questions about their culture and share about your own • Be open about your Adventist identity More from Mission 360° Magazine Topics

Muslims seek to live their lives by fulfilling the traditions of their prophet. Islam is the official religion of 26 countries in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, and the Middle East. 

Islam at a Glance

Related topics Praise God, No Internet! “I have never met a Christian before in real life,” Selim observed. When my husband asked Selim what he knew about Christianity, he responded honestly, “Only what I’ve seen in the movies.”
My husband slipped his computer into his backpack and sighed. “Let’s try the coffee shop.” With no internet in the apartment we’d just moved to as Global Mission pioneers in a closed Middle Eastern country, the coffee shop was the closest free internet access where we could contact our families and send in our monthly report. We set up in a quiet corner. Within a few minutes, we heard someone slowly, loudly repeating sentences in English. My husband and I exchanged knowing glances. A young man nearby, huddled under bulky earphones and leaning into his computer, was obviously absorbed in an online English-language class. We were surprised when he stopped at our table as he was leaving and asked in heavily accented English if his voice had disturbed us. “No, of course not,” my husband responded, inviting him to sit down. We learned his name was Selim. He was a civil engineering student at a nearby university. We could tell Selim welcomed the opportunity to practice his English. We made plans to meet for conversation time. Before the scheduled date arrived, though, we happened to meet again at the shop, all of us still looking for internet. But that day, the coffee shop’s internet was down too. With nothing else to do, we invited Selim to join us at a nearby restaurant for lunch. As our habit is even in public, we bowed our heads over our food to say grace. Selim was full of questions. “Did you pray before you eat? Are you saying a Christian prayer?” “Yes, we pray many times during the day, and yes, we believe in Jesus,” my husband explained. “I have never met a Christian before in real life,” Selim observed. When my husband asked Selim what he knew about Christianity, he responded honestly, “Only what I’ve seen in the movies.” That was our opportunity to explain that we are Christians but different from anything he had seen in a movie or a television series; we are careful about how we live, what we eat, and how we worship. Selim’s surprise turned into a confession as he opened his heart about what he saw as inconsistencies in his religion. “I’m even thinking about becoming an atheist,” Selim admitted. My husband challenged him to research other options before deciding and to keep practicing his English with us. Each time we met with Selim, our conversations deepened from everyday topics to personal life to faith. One day, he disclosed that he was thinking about learning more about religion and felt an emptiness in his heart. As I prayed, my husband quietly asked Selim if he wanted to learn more about Jesus. “Yes. But I would like to do my own research,” was Selim’s measured response. My husband pulled a New Testament from his jacket pocket. “This is the best place to begin learning about Jesus,” he said. Selim accepted the little book reverently and agreed to read it. We assured him we would be praying for him as he did his research. My husband and I continue to meet with Selim for English conversation. We continue to pray. He says he is reading the book we gave him. Soon after having that first lunch with Selim, the company showed up at our apartment to turn our internet back on. We still frequent the coffee shop, though, because Selim is still learning English, and God is still working! In answer to our prayers, long before we prayed them, God was working in Asli’s life. No one was near to explain; no one was available to guide her. But He kept near her as He waited for someone to tell her more. This region has not been sold to the enemy. These people are being preserved for God.  Please help Global Mission pioneers reach the 66 percent of the world’s population who haven’t had the opportunity to experience Jesus. WAYS TO GIVE ONLINE To make a secure donation quickly, visit Global-Mission.org/giving . PHONE Call 800-648-5824 MAIL In the United States: Global Mission, General Conference 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904-6601 In Canada: Global Mission SDA Church in Canada 1148 King Street East Oshawa, ON L1H 1H8  More Stories Topics

“I have never met a Christian before in real life,” Selim observed. When my husband asked Selim what he knew about Christianity, he responded honestly, “Only what I’ve seen in the movies.”

Praise God, No Internet!

Related topics Through Open Doors We must have looked a bit unusual as we stood quietly at their open door together; they were surprised that foreigners came to show respect.
My family and I had just arrived at our new assignment in the Middle East—a new country and a new culture. I felt like a small child as I viewed my surroundings, observing every detail to know what was expected of me. That’s probably why in those first few days in our new home, I noticed that our neighbor’s door was wide open every time I walked by. Trying not to look too curious, I kept my glances quick. The front room was always filled with people, many more than I would expect to see at any family gathering. Chairs lined the room where folk sat quietly. Portraits of what looked like priests or bishops hung on the walls. I wondered whether our neighbor’s house was actually a church. By the third day, I gathered my courage to ask another neighbor what was happening. She explained that the father of the family who lived in that home had been a high-ranking priest in their church. He had just passed away, and family and friends were paying their respects. Then, without even a pause, she asked me whether I’d be willing to visit the grieving family. Just the thought was intimidating! I had yet to learn the social norms and didn’t know what was acceptable. I know that grief is a sensitive cultural experience, so I also knew I could easily offend. But I couldn’t say no. My wife and two boys promised to support me. We must have looked a bit unusual as we stood quietly at their open door together; they were surprised that foreigners came to show respect. Graciously they welcomed us in and seemed to appreciate our attempt at a few Arabic words. That’s when I first met Tony, a man deeply grieving the loss of his father. With tears in his eyes, he described his father to us as his best friend, his advisor. He seemed to have so much on his heart that I suggested we go out to dinner to continue our visit. This was the beginning. Each time we met, Tony opened up more and more, sharing how heartbroken he was about losing his father. Each meeting gave us an opportunity to pray together. The prayers led to a deeper spiritual friendship. Tony began asking me questions such as “How can I know the will of God?” “How can I hear His voice?” “How can I deal with pain and suffering?” “Why are you different from other Christians I know?” I asked Tony whether he would like to study the Bible together, and he accepted! At present, we meet once a week, and we’re learning about the beauty of the Sabbath, how God is able to save us, and what happens when we die. Tony has accompanied my family twice to church and even brought a friend along the second time. He has begun to keep the Sabbath. Each Friday evening, Tony joins us for sundown worship. He is growing. Please keep him in your prayers. As Tony and I take this journey together, I’m humbled that God is teaching me perhaps as much as He is teaching Tony. I’m learning that we too easily slip past open doors, feeling too intimidated or inadequate to step inside. I need your prayers too. Please pray that I will walk through every door God opens to meet those who long to find hope in Him. Global Mission is all about reaching the unreached for Jesus. We do this in various ways, including through the service of Global Mission pioneers, urban centers of influence, Waldensian Students, and tentmakers who use their careers to share Christ. Please support Global Mission in the Middle East and North African Union with your prayers and donations at Global-Mission.org/giving. To see what’s happening in mission in the Middle East and North Africa Union, visit m360.tv/middleeast . More from Mission 360° Magazine Topics

We must have looked a bit unusual as we stood quietly at their open door together; they were surprised that foreigners came to show respect. 

Through Open Doors

Related topics Every Bicycle Needs a Bible
Reaching out to a security guard in the Middle East. Reaching out to a security guard in the Middle East.
By M.B., as told to Kathie Lichtenwalter I wish you could meet Hussein, the security guard for the building where my wife and I live as missionaries in the Middle East. From the time we first met him, we could tell he observed his faith carefully, and was living with sincerity. I liked him. Hussein has visited our home many times, and he has invited us to his. We have often conversed about the simple things in life and even sometimes about spirituality. At our initiative, he has graciously joined us in prayer. As our friendship grew stronger by God's grace, we sought to take a new step in our friendship. We began to pray for the right moment to give him a Bible. One day, I noticed that Hussein was upset. He impatiently explained that his bicycle, his only transportation to work, had been stolen. He was preoccupied with trying to find a bicycle to borrow. That’s the day that I began praying for a bicycle for my friend. Several months passed, and we received an unexpected gift of U.S.$40. I was puzzled. It seemed like God had sent the money directly from heaven. As I was praying a short time later, the distinct thought came to me, “Show Jesus to your friend. Buy a bicycle for Hussein.” I set aside the $40 and began adding to it. But the country's economy worsened by the day, and no matter how much money I saved, I did not seem to have enough to buy a bicycle. But I kept praying and saving. I also went to many second-hand bicycle shops. I began imagining what it would be like to give Hussein a bicycle for his birthday! Celebrating Hussein’s Birthday When Hussein’s birthday came, my wife baked a cake, I planned a special menu, and we invited him for supper at 5:30 p.m. Certain that God could still answer with a miracle, I went out looking for the bicycle that we had prayed about for so long. At 5 p.m. I returned home, unsuccessful and discouraged. My wife reminded me that God knows how much we wanted to help and how much we had prayed. “He’s taking care of the situation,” she assured me. The supper was a perfect surprise. Hussein was delighted! He told us how blessed he was to have us in his life. We enjoyed the meal together, presented him with the cake, and had a special prayer for him, thanking God for his life. But we had no bike. No gift. The next day, still searching for a second-hand bike, I was startled by an online post indicating that a Russian man had listed a bicycle for sale at a very good price only 10 minutes earlier. I couldn't believe the price, the photo, and the condition of the bicycle. I grabbed my phone, contacted the owner, and even bravely asked for a small bargain. The deal was made, and we met for the exchange. As I lifted the bicycle into the back of my car, I knew God had answered our prayers. The bicycle had cost the exact amount that I had saved over many, many months. As my wife and I inspected the answer to our prayers, we wondered out loud to each other, “What if we give Hussein a Bible with the bicycle?” We wrote a card and wrapped the Bible that we had bought many months earlier. We prayed for the best moment to present him with the gifts. I carefully planned what to say. I knew that the bicycle would be meaningful. I hoped that the Bible would be a sensitive step toward sharing truth. Indescribable Joy Hussein was overwhelmed with emotion when we arrived at his door with the bicycle. The bicycle looked impressive! But I never expected the expression on his face as he gently held the Bible and carefully turned its pages. He was in awe. He was delighted. But I don’t know who was happier — him or me. After two years of friendship, I was finally giving my friend and brother a Bible, the gift I had prayed about the most! My joy was indescribable. A few days later, Hussein invited me to his home for tea. When I arrived, I found him reading the book of Genesis. His eyes sparkled. He explained that he had never read the Creation story before. I knew we had much to talk about, and I prayed for the Holy Spirit to give me the right words. That evening, we spoke of heaven and death. I showed Hussein some beautiful verses in his new Bible. As we spoke, Hussein kept quietly leafing through the pages of the Bible. He seemed so engrossed with the Bible that I sensed God urging me to offer to study the Bible with him. I heard myself giving that wonderful invitation, “Would you like to study the Bible together?” To my astonishment, he accepted — and with great eagerness. That week, we began our Bible studies. That week, God continued His amazing work, and He is still working. Hussein and I are both growing closer to God and to each other. My heart is filled with thanksgiving to God. I am filled with awe by the privilege of sharing God with Hussein. I am thankful to my wife for her kind and faith-filled support. I am thankful to relatives in my homeland who have prayed with us for Hussein. I am thankful for believing friends who have prayed for us during this experience. I thank God for sending us the money to buy the bicycle and for giving us the courage to share His Word with someone who is thrilled to learn about God for the first time.  Mideast Tentmakers The married couple in this mission story work as “tentmakers” in the Middle East. As the world becomes more religiously polarized, many nations have closed their borders to church-based missionaries. Mission agencies call these nations “restricted access countries,” a term that applies to places where it’s politically or religiously challenging to share the gospel or worship openly. Adventist tentmakers are devoted believers who use their profession to work in a restricted access part of the world for the purpose of sharing God’s love in both word and deed. Read more: TotalEmployment.org . This mission story illustrates the following objectives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “I Will Go” strategic plan: Mission Objective No. 2, “To strengthen and diversify Adventist outreach in large cities, across the 10/40 Window, among unreached and under-reached people groups, and to non-Christian religions”; and Spiritual Growth Objective No. 5, “To disciple individuals and families into spirit-filled lives.” Read more: IWillGo2020.org .  More Stories Topics

Reaching out to a security guard in the Middle East.

Every Bicycle Needs a Bible

Related topics Juliana’s Incredible Miracle On the first day of school, I made a new friend, the only woman in the room wearing traditional clothes
When I found out that I’d be a Waldensian student in a veiled country, I began to pray for my future classmates. On the first day of school, I made a new friend, the only woman in the room wearing traditional clothes. Her name was Mariam.* The next day, I sat next to her, and we chatted together. She asked me whether I had any friends at the university. I told her, “Yes, I have you !” She was really happy. Later I learned that she didn’t have many friends in the class or at the school before I came. As time passed, Mariam became my closest friend at the university. She even said that I was like a sister to her. Mariam and I were taking a public speaking class together, and we had to make presentations in front of the class. She chose to give a speech on the similarities and differences of major world religions. Mariam asked me to help her prepare the presentation, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to discuss my faith with her. She told me twice that she was interested in reading the Bible. I told her that I would look for one for her. One day Mariam expressed that she’d never met people as kind as the other Waldensian Students and me, that we were totally different from other people. She also said, “Juliana, I want to be like you.” I was so shocked because I knew that I had a lot of weaknesses in my character and often made mistakes. The only thing that came to my mind to answer her was, “Mariam, I make a lot of mistakes, but I try each day to follow Jesus’ example. He was good with people and in everything He did when He was here on earth.” After that conversation, my personal relationship with Jesus began to change. When I read the Bible, I wanted to learn more about Him and to be more like Him. I just wanted others to see the love of Jesus in me. One weekend, Mariam invited me to her house. Little did I know that I was about to experience an incredible miracle. For four days, I became a part of Mariam’s family. Even though her family was of another faith, I decided that I had nothing to hide and that I would be myself and live my faith. So, I did everything that I normally do: spent time with God in morning devotions, prayed before meals, and kept the Sabbath. One night, Mariam and I were in her room. I saw her holy book sitting on the little table beside her bed. I asked to look at it, and we started to have a wonderful conversation about faith. We were able to talk about the Creation story and about the plan of salvation. “Mariam, would you like to read about these stories in your very own Bible?” I asked. “Yes!” she responded. And then I presented her with a Bible in her language. She took it with her hands and hugged it. She was so happy! I was shocked about that, but then I reasoned that the Holy Spirit must be working in her heart. Later that night, before going to sleep, I stepped out of the room, and when I came back, she wasn’t there. And the Bible wasn’t there either. I was so worried. After a few minutes, Mariam appeared in the room and told me that she showed the Bible to her parents. Now I was really worried and thought to myself, I won’t be sleeping in this house tonight! But, unexpectedly, she told me that they were happy and thankful for the gift. I was so relieved and praised God silently. What an incredible miracle! The next day, I returned to school. That week we had to make our presentations in front of the public speaking class. As Mariam began her presentation about different religions, she spoke confidently. Before, she was very shy and would read directly from her notes. But this time, she didn’t look nervous at all. When we finished our presentations, I told Mariam that she did an awesome job! I asked her how she managed to present so well. She said that it was because she was reading the book that I’d given her. Later that week, she told me that she was reading the story of Jesus and really liked it. She had read about 10 chapters. I’m sure that God is working in Mariam’s life. Please pray that Mariam will keep reading and continue to allow the Holy Spirit and the Bible to transform her life. The author participates in the “Waldensian Student” initiative, a frontline mission approach in which Seventh-day Adventist students live, study, and serve in secular universities in specific countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa. • For information on how to become a “Waldensian Student,” contact Questions@adventistmission.org. • To sponsor their unique ministry, visit Global-Mission.org/giving and select the “Waldensian Student” Program. • Watch stories about “Waldensian Students” at m360.tv/waldensian. More from Mission 360° Magazine Topics

On the first day of school, I made a new friend, the only woman in the room wearing traditional clothes

Juliana’s Incredible Miracle

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