When Mackenzie boarded the plane to visit her missionary friend in a Middle Eastern country, she expected an adventure filled with sightseeing, new foods, cultural exploration, and a glimpse into her friend’s new life. She never anticipated how deeply the trip would touch her heart and change her life.
As she took in the country’s boundless deserts, open skies, and rugged mountains, she felt the awareness of years of biblical history. She had not expected to feel such heartache on her trip, but she couldn’t escape the heavy burden on her spirit.
“This is the land of the Old Testament. And this is the land where Jesus walked with His disciples,” she thought. “But only about 2% of the population here knows Jesus.”
During the trip, Mackenzie’s heart continued to break for the local people. For the first time, she was truly aware of this modern-day tragedy; despite living in the land where Jesus walked and taught, less than 5% of Middle Eastern residents have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36
When Mackenzie returned home, her burden for missions in the Middle East only deepened. She began praying, connecting with other missionary friends, and researching Christian mission organizations. She ultimately decided to serve with SIM USA because of the support they offer missionaries at every step of the journey.
“It was my first time living long-term overseas, and I wanted more guidance. So I went with SIM USA,” she said.
The journey was far from easy, with Mackenzie facing delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, two years later, she found herself living in the same country where she had felt a deep burden for the Middle East during her initial visit.
Mackenzie’s first two years here were filled with language learning, cultural acquisition, and relationship building. Being a single woman, these friendships with locals were especially critical to Mackenzie as she built community.
For women like Mackenzie, there are unique opportunities for women in missions, especially in communities where friendships hold deep value. One local family practically “adopted” Mackenzie, welcoming her into their lives. She shared meals with the family, attended a graduation, and sat with them in their hardships.
“They are still very much tied to the majority religion, Islam. But I’ve had the opportunity to share tidbits of the gospel with them,” Mackenzie said. “That’s pretty much the case with all my connections in the Middle East.”
Mackenzie’s experience highlights the joys and challenges of Christian ministry to Muslims in a region rich in history yet thirsting for hope. Mission in the Middle East is crucially important, but relationships require patience and persistence.
Mackenzie became close friends with Samiya, the oldest daughter in a native Muslim family. Samiya helped Mackenzie practice the local language, while Mackenzie encouraged Samiya during difficult times. When Samiya faced a series of struggles and sicknesses, her family said she was cursed.
“They’ve taken her to three different hospitals and done so many tests. It’s been rough. Her family is convinced she was cursed. She’s had a lot of hardships and really sad things happen in her life,” Mackenzie explained. “So, I have been able to share a little more about the hope of the gospel with her.”
When Samiya’s illness required her to be hospitalized elsewhere, Mackenzie visited her. She wrote a heartfelt “get well soon” card in the local language to encourage her friend and practice the language she had been teaching her. Through the card, she also shared Biblical hope.
Knowing that Samiya struggled with anxiety, Mackenzie wrote 1 Peter 5:7 in the card: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
When Mackenzie arrived at the hospital, she expected just a few other visitors. Instead, she encountered a gathering of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, siblings, and Samiya’s parents. The room was overflowing with Samiya’s Muslim family members.
Mackenzie warmly greeted Samiya, handing her the card.
“Read it out loud! I want my family to hear your encouraging words,” Samiya prompted.
Mackenzie took the card, aware the entire family was watching and listening to her. She softly read the Bible verse, unsure how everyone would react.
To Mackenzie’s surprise, family members began hugging and kissing her face.
“Thank you! Thank you!” One cousin whispered, hugging Mackenzie.
“Thank you for your beautiful words,” Another cousin smiled, kissing her cheeks and embracing her.
Although they weren’t Christians, they were deeply touched by Mackenzie’s sharing of scripture and inspired by the love that she showed Samiya.
In a Christian setting, Mackenzie’s next instinct would have been to lead the group in prayer, asking for God’s healing and provision in Samiya’s life. However, Mackenzie knew she needed to respect the Muslim family.
Aware that openly praying over Samiya in the name of Jesus might make them uncomfortable, Mackenzie chose a different approach—the ministry of presence and friendship. Her card, presence, and words of encouragement spoke volumes.
“Thank you so much for coming,” Samiya’s mother said, taking her aside. “It has been so hard. Thank you for your kindness.”
Her experience highlights the significance of patience and presence in Middle Eastern missionary work. Although Mackenzie didn’t explicitly share the gospel during her hospital visit, she trusts God is at work. She sees doors gradually opening to share the gospel with them as she invests in her relationship with Samiya and her family. In Christian ministry to Muslims, the genuine trust and openness needed for gospel conversations often take years to develop.
“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James 5:7-8
Mackenzie’s teacher at language school, Farah, quickly became her friend. However, Farah felt hesitant to invite Mackenzie to her conservative Muslim family’s home. Farah’s male relatives enforced rules restricting her activities and limiting her outings to work and home.
“I want to spend time with you,” Farah said, “But I can only go to school and home. And it’s not good for you to come to my house… I don’t know how my family will react.”
Understanding Farah’s situation, Mackenzie showed her grace. Since meeting outside of school wasn’t possible, they made the most of their time in class, sharing stories, laughter, and life updates.
After weeks of deepening their bond in the classroom, Farah gave Mackenzie an unexpected invitation.
“My cousin is getting married. Would you like to come to the wedding?” Farah asked.
“Of course! I would be honored,” Mackenzie said, smiling.
At the wedding, Mackenzie respectfully embraced the cultural traditions, wearing a modest ankle-length dress and covering her arms and head. Farah proudly introduced her to her mother and sister, who warmly welcomed Mackenzie and expressed their excitement at meeting Farah’s new friend.
“We have heard so much about you, Mackenzie,” Farah’s sister exclaimed. “It is so great to finally meet you! I would love to invite you to my home.”
Mackenzie and Farah exchanged delighted smiles, recognizing this as an opportunity to spend time together outside the classroom.
In the months since that wedding, Mackenzie and Farah have been going to Farah’s sister’s home twice a week. They cook, share meals, and sometimes talk about God.
“I’ve shared some things about Jesus with them. Farah is very much in love with Islam, but she sometimes reads the Injil,” Mackenzie explained.
The Injil is the Arabic name for the Christian gospel. Although Muslims do not believe in the deity of Christ, the Injil is described by the Qur’an as one of the four Islamic holy books. Since Farah and her sister read the Injil, Mackenzie recognizes an opportunity to have deeper gospel conversations with them.
“I know they’re so entrenched in Islam. I’m sure they both want me to become a Muslim. So, this is a challenge, but it’s a good challenge. I see God opening doors with this family slowly,” Mackenzie reflected.
Mackenzie and Farah’s friendship illustrates the power of faithfully building relationships in Muslim ministry. Initially, their interactions were limited to the language school, with no opportunity to meet outside class. Yet, through persistent prayer, God opened the door for their friendship to flourish. Now, the two women enjoy spending time together weekly, a testament to God’s faithfulness in using relationships to create meaningful connections in Muslim ministry.
“Pray often, and remember that building relationships here, though challenging, is deeply rewarding,” Mackenzie advises those considering ministry in Muslim communities.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ.” Colossians 4:2-3
Sharing the gospel in the Middle East is critically important, and our vision at SIM USA is to see the Middle East transformed as lives are touched by the love of Christ through the gospel. Are you interested in Muslim Ministry with SIM USA? Connect with a SIM USA missions coach here to learn how to support missions in Muslim countries.
Please pray that missionaries in Muslim countries may be patient and faithful as God works through their ministries.
Names have been changed for the privacy and safety of our workers, ministry partners and those we serve.