Making Disciples in the Middle East Amid Challenges and Triumphs

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."—Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)

The Great Commission is not a suggestion—it’s a calling. When Jesus gave this final instruction to His disciples before ascending into heaven, He wasn't just giving them a task; He was sharing His heart. The command to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach is central to the Christian faith. It’s the lifeblood of our mission on earth. And while this call applies to all nations, it carries unique weight in regions like the Middle East, where following Jesus often comes with a cost.

The Biblical Foundation: Why Making Disciples Matters

At the core of Christianity is not just belief but discipleship—a lifelong journey of following Jesus and helping others do the same. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus doesn’t just say “make converts” or “build churches.” He says make disciples. That’s a process involving relationship, teaching, obedience, and spiritual growth.

Discipleship is transformational. It multiplies. It’s not confined to Sunday services; it’s lived out in homes, workplaces, and even in places of persecution. Wherever the Gospel is preached and lived out with love and truth, lives change.

The Reality on the Ground: Challenges in the Middle East

The Middle East is a region rich in biblical history. It’s the birthplace of Christianity. Yet today, being a follower of Jesus there is often met with resistance, fear, and even persecution.

In many Middle Eastern countries, conversion from Islam to Christianity is illegal, and those who choose to follow Jesus may face rejection from their families, loss of employment, imprisonment, or worse. Churches may operate underground. Bibles may be scarce. And yet, amidst all these challenges, the Church is growing.

Believers meet in secret. They whisper prayers behind closed doors. They lean into the strength of the Holy Spirit in a way that many in more open societies may never fully understand. And in doing so, they embody the essence of what it means to be a disciple.

The Power of Discipleship: Changing Communities from Within

Discipleship doesn’t just change individuals—it transforms entire communities. As people come to know Jesus and begin to follow His ways, the effects ripple outward.

Marriages are restored. Families begin to pray together. Communities once marked by fear and division begin to experience peace and hope. Christian values like forgiveness, generosity, and service begin to shape daily life.

How You Can Help: Pray, Give, Go, Advocate

You may not live in the Middle East, but you can still play a vital role in what God is doing there. Here’s how:

1. Pray

Prayer is not a last resort—it’s our first response. Here are some ways to pray:

• Pray for boldness and protection for believers.

• Pray for open hearts among those seeking truth.

• Pray for discipleship efforts to be fruitful and Spirit-led.

• Pray for the raising up of local leaders and church planters.

2. Give

Support ministries like 4G3, actively making disciples in the Middle East. Your giving can help provide:

• Bibles and discipleship materials.

• Training for local leaders.

• Resources for underground churches and outreach programs.

3. Go

If God is calling you, consider short-term or long-term missions in the region. Opportunities exist to serve in medical missions, teaching, business development, and more—all while making disciples.

4. Advocate

Raise awareness in your church or community about what God is doing in the Middle East. Host a prayer night, share testimonies, or invite a missionary to speak.

The Call is for All of Us

The Great Commission is alive and well in the Middle East. Despite trials, despite persecution, despite every attempt to silence it, the Gospel is moving forward. Disciples are being made. Lives are being transformed. The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

As followers of Jesus, we’re all part of this mission. Whether you’re on the ground or across the ocean, you have a role to play in making disciples of all nations.

Let’s stand with our brothers and sisters in the Middle East. Let’s pray. Let’s give. Let’s go. Let’s live the Great Commission—together.