Together—they will be unstoppable

I’d like to tell you about a couple in North Africa named Irfan and Marwa that will be attending a very special gathering. They will be joined by several other couples and families from across North Africa and the Middle East that are actively engaged in preaching the Gospel and planting churches in this region. 

“Irfan is such a workhorse for the Gospel,” said Nasser al’Qahtani, the Regional Team Leader who is organizing the gathering in a secure location. “He has been committed to proclaiming the hope of Christ among his people. He leads some of the most creative initiatives for bringing people together to hear the Gospel. But he and his family have paid the price. They face significant pressure and opposition.”

Adding to the unique demands of his ministry, Irfan recently contracted COVID. “It’s hard for leaders like Irfan to slow down and find the time to refuel,” said Nasser, who reported that Irfan was recovering from the virus, but desperately needed rest and refreshment. “He is a key leader and encourager, not only within his own nation, but among the other team members that work within this region.”

Nasser’s heart has been to bring this regional team together for a summit. “Over the past two years, we’ve been creating a sense of team like never before. These leaders are all very dynamic on their own, but together—they will be unstoppable.”

This is also my heart for this region. In the past, we have held smaller summits, but now new doors have opened, new workers have joined us, our regional leadership has changed, and the global pandemic has affected everyone. It will be both timely and strategic for these leaders to come together.

The gathering will be focused on unity and cooperation and is expected to cost $23,000 US. As these servants of the Gospel come together, they will not only celebrate the oneness they have already experienced in Christ, but they will be laying the foundation for collaborative efforts into the future. 

Nasser has also been very deliberate about not only including the men at this unique gathering—their wives and children will also be in attendance. “It’s critical that families participate in an experience like this,” said Nasser, “because they serve together, and they pay the price together.”

Nasser explained that Irfan’s wife, Marwa, has been such a critical part of their ministry, not only as a support to her husband, but as an active and engaged leader in her own right. She is just as involved in discipling others and offering herself as a godly example to others.

“At this gathering, we want the women to be seen and acknowledged, as well as blessed and refreshed in their faith,” said Nasser. “And we want them to get to know one another so they can provide the support that each of them needs. They have all sacrificed so much for the sake of the Gospel.”

Irfan and Marwa will also bring their twenty-year-old son to the gathering and their teenage daughter, both of whom are actively involved in the ministry and eager to be a part of the time together with other servants of the Gospel.

“Within these cultures, family is everything,” said Nasser. “We want these families in particular to be refreshed together. If we are to invest in the work of the Gospel in this region, then we must support them. They are the future of the Church among their people.”

With that in mind, I want to invite you to give generously to the work of Multiply, so that we can continue to provide support and encouragement for workers like Irfan and Marwa who are committed to preaching the Gospel and planting churches within their region. Despite the pandemic, we are forging ahead with mission initiatives like this that are making a difference in today’s world.

Will you help us equip this ministry and the global Church to meet the challenges of our times?   

Please pray about how you would like to be involved.

• $1000, designated to River of Life Ministries, will help one leader’s family from North Africa and the Middle East attend a regional summit like the one Nasser is planning

• $500, toward the work of Multiply, helps provide ongoing training and resourcing for new workers who are being sent out globally
• $100, toward Multiply’s global work, will supply workers with Gospel literature that proclaims the hope of Christ

God is at work in the world today, and he is inviting us to invest in those who are serving faithfully and laying down their lives for the message of the Gospel.

Let’s continue to work together that the world may know Jesus.

Thankful for your partnership in the Gospel,

Vic Wiens
Interim General Director