The astonishing multiplication of ministry efforts in the Near East leaves leaders in awe of how God is at work.
“The LORD will march out like a champion, like a warrior He will stir up His zeal; with a shout He will raise the battle cry and will triumph over His enemies.” — Isaiah 42:13
Sam* and Ahmed*, workers with OM in the Near East, have long been dedicated to sharing Christ’s love and equipping believers in the region. They supported small fellowships across several countries but entering a different country remained a challenge due to restrictions on foreigners. Finally, in 2023, doors opened for them with a local church in that country to launch a training programme designed to reach the least reached while fostering financial sustainability for local believers. “At first, we focused on building relationships with local churches and pastors, but, we hadn’t yet found solid footing,” Sam recalls. The training was used as an access ministry to see where God led.
Then, an old acquaintance connected Sam with Hossein*, a local believer with a deep hunger for God and a heart for his community. Hossein became the person of peace they had been praying for — a catalyst for miraculous growth in reaching communities with the gospel. Through these divine connections, God is opening doors and transforming lives.
Without vision, people perish
“Where there is no vision, the people perish….” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV). This timeless truth resonates deeply in the story of Hossein — a man faithfully working to make disciples in his community under challenging circumstances.
In 2024, when Sam visited Hossein, he witnessed the dedication and sacrifice of Hossein as he poured out his heart, sharing the Word of God with 22 individuals despite limited resources and no consistent support. Hossein’s ministry reflected a heart for God’s mission, but it lacked the structure and focus needed to truly thrive. Inspired by Mathew 28: 18-20, Sam shared the vision of Discovery Bible Study (DBS) — a simple, transformative method that empowers individuals and groups to engage deeply with Scripture, uncovering what it says about God, humanity and the call to follow Jesus. Sam recalls, “When I went over there, Hossein took me around to meet some of the people he ministers to. I could see his love for his community and his desire to draw people closer to Christ. But I knew he needed a tool — a vision that could multiply his efforts.”
Hossein embraced the DBS method with a heart of obedience and faithfulness. Through structured discovery, his group began to encounter God’s Word in transformative ways, growing in their understanding of His character and their commitment to living as disciples.
Mentoring
Sam and Ahmed stood as powerful examples of mentorship tailored to the unique challenges of believers in the Near East. With their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for reaching those who do not know Christ, they offered Hossein and his group the guidance they needed to grow and thrive.
Ahmed, who served with Campus Crusade in North Africa for 15 years and led a Bible School with OM in the Near East, brought a wealth of experience in DBSs, discipleship multiplication and sharing the love of Jesus with people from other faiths. His deep understanding of the cultural and spiritual dynamics of the region made him a vital coach for Hossein and his ministry.
Sam’s mentorship was especially meaningful, as his minority background gave him a unique connection to Hossein’s mission field. As someone who embraced Christ nearly 26 years ago, Sam intimately understood the complexities of reaching his own people — a people group steeped in a deeply guarded religious tradition.
Sam’s family was part of a religious minority in the region that has long been difficult to reach. The community has faced persecution and often lived in isolation from outside influences. However, times are changing. Increasing openness among this minority group has led to surprising opportunities for the gospel. Sam and Ahmed were at the forefront of this movement, partnering with Hossein as he faithfully worked among the community.
A mission transformed
Hossein’s work began with simple acts of discipleship — gathering people to read the Bible, encouraging them in their faith and pointing them to Jesus. However, under the mentorship of Sam and Ahmed, his ministry gained clarity and momentum. Ahmed introduced the DBS method, a simple yet transformative approach to discovering God’s Word. Sam provided culturally nuanced insights and encouragement, understanding firsthand the struggles and triumphs of ministry in a challenging context.
Sam and Ahmed’s mentorship was more than just guidance — it was a partnership in the Spirit, rooted in a shared vision for God’s Kingdom. They equipped Hossein with tools to lead effectively, empowered his group to multiply, and helped them experience the transformative power of God’s Word. Through faithful mentorship, God is raising up workers like Hossein to bring light to the most unlikely places, proving that no people group is beyond His reach.
Only God
In just six months, the transformation was nothing short of miraculous. What began as sharing God’s Word with 22 believers blossomed into more than 100 people, spreading into 13 vibrant groups across neighbouring villages, including two second-generation groups. Beyond this remarkable growth, two children’s ministries were established, now pouring into the lives of 80 children. Even more inspiring, two young leaders mentored alongside Hossein are now leading three university groups of about 20 students.
This astonishing multiplication caused Sam to stop and reflect. For years, he and Ahmed poured themselves into conducting hundreds of DBS training sessions across various countries. Yet, the kind of exponential growth seen in Hossein’s groups had never materialised elsewhere. Why?
One important aspect Sam recognised is Hossein’s complete and undivided devotion to sharing the good news of Christ with others. Unlike many others balancing ministry with the demands of multiple jobs, Hossein had surrendered fully to God’s work, allowing him to focus all his energy, time and heart on building God’s Kingdom. Sam’s realisation highlighted two critical truths about establishing a ministry that bears lasting fruit:
1. A heart fully surrendered to God: The key to transforming communities is finding near-culture individuals like Hossein — those whose hearts burn with an unquenchable desire to see God’s Kingdom advance, no matter the cost. Their faithfulness, perseverance and obedience become the foundation for God’s work.
2. Full-time commitment to ministry: For the seeds of the gospel to thrive, the sower must be wholly present. Supporting workers like Hossein enables them to dedicate their lives entirely to the mission, freeing them from the distractions of survival and allowing them to focus on multiplying disciples.
The fruit being borne in the Near East is a vivid reminder that when God is at work, the impossible becomes possible. Let this story inspire us to seek out, support, and empower those who are wholly devoted to the mission of Christ. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).
*name changed