Middle East and North Africa: A Different Type of Influencer

“Our greatest need is not for more preachers but for more catalysts. We’ll benefit most from encouragers behind the scenes rather than speakers in the limelight.” 

– Hussam, Associate Regional Secretary for Training in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) 

This is why student leaders and staff from three North African movements explored the character of Barnabas earlier this year. As they engaged with Scripture together at a four-day IFES gathering, perspectives shifted. A fresh vision for ministry emerged. 

Followers of Christ in this region often need to keep their faith out of the limelight due to widespread persecution from family or government – we previously described how students in one of these three countries must now meet in secret.  

Yet, behind the scenes, the church has been growing, and new opportunities for student ministry have emerged. Until recently, the movement in another of these countries mostly consisted of international students from sub-Saharan Africa. But links have developed with six locals – a graduate couple and four students – who are eager to build indigenous ministry.  

It was one of those students who clearly grasped the influence she could have: 

“I’d never thought that I could be a Barnabas. But I learned that I could encourage others and help the church grow in this way – you don’t have to be a pastor or worship leader to do that. I want to take this back to my country and be a Barnabas in my church and at my university.” 

This is good news for campus. Behind-the-scenes encouragement will boost the spirits of young believers facing persecution. And this ministry will have a broader impact. It can also positively influence the many students who face struggles like depression, homelessness, addiction, and identity crises. 

To help the catalysts-in-training navigate such issues, another MENA movement’s general secretary was present at the conference. As a professionally trained counsellor, Dr Fuad offered biblical and clinical input on mental and emotional health, including anxiety and addiction. 

One student noted how their perspective was enlarged: 

“The session on addiction was so important – it wasn’t just about cigarettes and alcohol but showed how we can be addicted to anything that pulls our focus away from God. It’s really important to talk about this.”   

The students returned inspired and better equipped to be Barnabas-like influencers, sharing God’s encouragement behind the scenes. Let’s pray for them: