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Persecuted for a Book He Didn’t Believe

Iranian refugee Hamid used to travel the world searching for truth. Little did he know what that would ultimately cost him. Photo by TEAM

Dec 21 2017

Hamid used to travel the world searching for truth, but he says it was like “you lose something, and you don’t know what it is.” That changed when he moved to Turkey and visited the St. Paul Cultural Center — a TEAM ministry made possible by generous people like you! When Hamid showed up with questions, a staff pastor shared the Gospel. Now Hamid is a growing Christian who works with and is discipled by TEAM missionaries. Looking back, Hamid has no doubt that God brought him there. Hamid Searched the World for Answers Life in Iran wasn’t hard for…

After 30 years of ministry in the Middle East, one missionary couple is taking their Muslim ministry to the States. Photo by TEAM

Oct 17 2017

Syrian refugee Ibrahim* instantly tensed when he saw the American couple approaching from across the park. Would they be friendly? What would they think when they realized he couldn’t speak English? “As-Salaam-Alaikum,” said the American man as soon as he was within earshot of Ibrahim. Ibrahim’s fears immediately melted away. This American knew the traditional Arabic greeting: “Peace be unto you!” Astonished and relieved, Ibrahim and his family made their first two American friends, TEAM missionaries Miles and Ava Douglas.* Two Nations, One Ministry When the Douglases moved to America after 30 years in the Middle East, it was amazing…

Cross cultural relationships aren’t neat and tidy. They require flexibility, humility and compromise. I felt this personally in my friendship with Burundian refugees this year. Here’s what I wish I would have known from the beginning. Photo by TEAM

Nov 01 2016

As a missions coach at TEAM, I love getting to walk alongside others who feel called to international ministry. But I was challenged early on by an applicant who asked, “What are you doing in cross-cultural ministry?” A little jarred, I honestly responded, “Great question. I can tell you that right now, I’m not involved.” That moment launched the past year of befriending and loving refugees in Knoxville, Tennessee. After that conversation, I did some research and found a local nonprofit agency committed to providing protection and assistance in refugees’ journeys. They set me up as an English tutor for…

As Muslims continue to migrate to the United States, the opportunity for Muslim ministry is greater than ever.

Feb 01 2016

Today, we welcome a long-term worker in the Middle East to the TEAM blog. He shares his thoughts on the unprecedented opportunity North Americans have today to engage in Muslim ministry. Because of governmental opposition to the Gospel and gospel workers in his region, his identity will remain anonymous. When I was a newcomer to the Middle East 30 years ago, I quickly realized that effective communication requires interpreting language through the filter of culture. For example, the common phrase “Bukra, Insha’Allah” is easily translated as “Tomorrow, if Allah wills.” But with time and experience, I learned that in application, the real meaning is…

Refugees in Athens are welcomed by Hellenic Ministries.

Nov 06 2015

As critical needs grow in the global refugee crisis, TEAM missionaries continue to partner with the local church to welcome the nations arriving on their doorsteps. Today we welcome a long-term worker in Greece to give us a snapshot of his work among refugees from the Middle East. Every European country has been impacted to some degree by the influx of refugees. Athens, Greece, where we live, is a crossroads for many of these refugees pouring into the European Union. The news stories capture much of the heartache, difficulties and challenges for the refugees. They also capture the challenge nations…

Christians in Austria gather to pray. Photo by TEAM

Oct 15 2015

As critical needs grow in the global refugee crisis, TEAM missionaries continue to partner with the local church to welcome the nations arriving on their doorstep. This month we are sharing these testimonies and hope you will follow along on TEAM’s social media and blog. Today, we begin seven days of dedicated prayer for global refugees and the missionaries among them. We invite you to join us and have created a daily prayer guide available for download below. DAY 1: Germany is expected to receive more migrants than any other country in the European Union (Source). In Dresden, a TEAM missionary partners with a local…

After the tragic murder of Khalid, a refugee from Eritrea in Germany, two missionaries were called into action and found themselves intersecting with Khalid's story in a surprising way. Photo by Jeff Ingram

Oct 12 2015

The global refugee crisis presents new opportunities for Christians to share the gospel in word and deed. As critical needs grow, TEAM missionaries continue to partner with the local church to welcome the nations arriving on their doorstep. This month we are sharing these testimonies and hope you will follow along on TEAM’s social media and blog. Today, Jeff Ingram, worker in Germany, gives his first-hand account of an event that made headlines earlier this year and shares how God has continued to involve his family in refugee ministry. One Monday evening in January 2015, my wife and I went mattress shopping in downtown Dresden….

Syrian woman in the camp for displaced persons in Qatma, Syria

Oct 07 2015

TEAM missionaries in Europe have long felt the effects of these migration trends in their ministries and daily lives. As critical needs grow, workers continue to respond to this changing landscape through the local church. Today on the blog, we welcome Doug Anderson, TEAM’s former associate director, who offers us a biblical foundation for loving the stranger. We’ve seen the frightening images of tsunamis propelling an avalanche of water ashore. We’re all familiar with the rush of water down a swollen river, bringing with it trees and debris, sometimes even homes. What emotions well up in you as you imagine…

Tag - refugee ministry

Persecuted for a Book He Didn’t Believe

When the Nations Come to Us

7 Critical Things I Learned as a Refugee Volunteer

Loving, Not Fearing, Your Muslim Neighbor

Muslim Refugees Find Christ in Greece

7 Ways to Pray for the Refugee Crisis This Week

Protests Lead to Refugee Ministry in Germany

God’s Heart for Refugees + 3 Ways to Help Right Now