When One Faithful Disciple Says Yes

Sam* and Ahmed* have long been committed to sharing Christ’s love in the Near East. As OM workers, they come alongside small fellowships, building relationships and encouraging local believers in some of the hardest-to-reach places.

In 2023, after years of waiting due to restrictions on foreigners, they were finally able to visit a new region. There, they launched a training focused on reaching least-reached people groups while helping participants build financial sustainability.

Progress was slow until Sam received a phone call that changed everything. A long-lost acquaintance introduced him to Hossein*, a local believer with a deep hunger for God. Hossein quickly became a “person of peace,” someone who embraced the vision of Discovery Bible Study (DBS) and ran with it.

Casting the vision

When Sam visited Hossein in 2024, he found a man fully devoted to discipling 22 people, despite limited resources and little financial support. Hossein was preaching, reading Scripture and encouraging others to follow Christ. When Sam introduced the DBS method—a simple, reproducible way to study the Bible and apply it—Hossein embraced it wholeheartedly.

Growing fast

With mentorship from Sam and Ahmed, Hossein began multiplying what he had learned. Within six months, the original group of 22 had grown to over 100 people, spread across 13 groups in neighboring villages. Two children’s ministries were launched, reaching 80 children, and three university groups were started by young leaders Hossein had trained.

Sam reflected on why this ministry grew so quickly compared to others. The difference? Hossein’s full-time commitment. While many disciples juggle ministry with other jobs, Hossein was fully focused on the work of the gospel.

“If someone is faithful and devoted to God,” Sam said, “we need to think seriously about how we can support them to do ministry full-time.”

Please Pray:

• For Hossein and other leaders to remain strong and protected as they share the gospel.
• For more “persons of peace” to rise up in the Near East.
• For economic growth and sustainability to support full-time ministry.
• For the DBS movement to reach a third generation and beyond.

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*Name changed for security reasons.