A letter from the Middle East

The Kaaba in Mecca

This letter from a brother somewhere in the Middle East reveals how the Word grows and multiplies despite persecution. The Word advances but not without cost.

My dear brother Joshua

Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your message, your love, and your prayers. Your words touched me deeply, and I thank the Lord that you have not forgotten me, but have continued to carry me before Him during one of the hardest seasons of my life.

I thank God for you, my brother. From the beginning of the ministry here, you were among the first people who encouraged me and believed in what the Lord was doing. You were not simply a supporter, but a brother, a friend, and a partner in prayer and in the vision. I am truly grateful to God for you.

After my arrest, I spent eight months in prison, going through isolation, interrogations, and severe psychological and physical pressure. I came out with some health effects, but I also came out with a deeper faith, greater spiritual maturity, and a clearer understanding of the calling the Lord has placed before me. 

In the midst of the pain, I experienced the faithfulness and presence of Christ in a way I will never forget.

My situation is still sensitive. I remain under surveillance, my movement is restricted, and I continue to face pressure and harassment because of my faith and ministry. Because of this, my ability to communicate with you directly is limited—not because I do not want to, but due to the circumstances and surveillance. In the coming season, I will try, with wisdom and at the right time, to find a safer way for us to communicate more personally.

Yet my heart is full of hope. I do not believe what happened was the end of the ministry. I believe the Lord is using this season to deepen its roots and prepare it for what is ahead. My vision remains the same: to see the church here continue to grow in faith and maturity. I’m trusting God to raise up a new generation of faithful leaders and servants, and to become more fruitful, impactful, and far-reaching for the glory of Christ. I believe what is ahead is not simply a return to what was, but a new and stronger season, led by the Lord in ways deeper than we can see right now.

Continue to pray for the brothers who are still in prison, some of whom are facing serious physical and psychological effects. Pray also for the church in this land, and for me—that the Lord would give me healing, wisdom, protection, and grace to lead faithfully in the season ahead.

Thank you, my brother, for your friendship, your love, and for standing with me throughout this journey. I am grateful to God that our paths have met in this calling. I believe that the One who began this work is faithful to complete it, and that one day we will see with joy and fruitfulness what we have sown with tears for His glory.

I love you in Christ,

Your brother Ahmed