Aisha* never expected to visit North Africa as a missionary trainee. When she first arrived in Europe, she did not even know Christ, but now, many years later, she had the joy of the Lord in her heart. This trip, a partnership between Reach Beyond and Ishmael’s Hope*, was her first opportunity to take the Gospel to people with whom she shared a common language.

Aisha served with James* and Sarah*, Reach Beyond missionaries, and three others on a rare kind of missions trip, one designed specifically for Christians with Middle Eastern backgrounds. During the 10-day trip, the team partnered with a local church, engaging in Arabic-language ministry directed toward refugees and asylum seekers. They spent time at the beach, on the streets, at the church, and in homes engaging in pre-evangelism and proclaiming the Good News to those willing to join the conversation.

God also gave the team unique opportunities to minister to displaced people. While meeting with a group of Syrian refugees, they received permission to pray for the young men, giving them a glimpse of what Christian hope and a relationship with Jesus are like. The team also worshipped with and encouraged believers who had left their homelands and settled in North Africa.

Through this trip, God provided Aisha and others with lessons in practical ministry and new avenues to explore for future work.

*Names changed for security