Strengthening Indigenous Churches

MERF does not start from scratch. It assists national churches already active in the countries of Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, the Arabian Gulf and Indonesia, etc. It ministers to isolated underground churches in several Muslim countries that are closed to open gospel ministry.

MERF's strategy is simple—faithful, indigenous missions. Empowering nationals to carry out the Great Commission is effective. Believers fluent in the language and culture of their land know best how to witness to their own people. Also they need no visas, and the cost of supporting them is a fraction of that of foreign workers.

The indigenous church is the best body to do outreach to the local population. National Christians know the language and culture and are accepted as part of the community. They are not regarded as foreigners nor do they have to return home to another country on furlough. As a Christian minority in an Islamic sea, however, they need to be strengthened in the faith and built up in confidence to reach out to others. They also need to be equipped to disciple new believers.

MERF encourages fellowship and promotes Christian unity

Reformed Christians in the Middle East and North Africa have often lacked active fellowship and cooperation with like-minded believers. One of our chief concerns is promoting Christian fellowship  among Christian leaders in the Middle East who hold to the Reformed faith. This is designed to stimulate a true vision of service and a fervent zeal in witnessing for Christ. To this end we promote the unity of the body of Christ by helping Reformed churches in the Middle East and beyond to work together as part of God's Kingdom.

MERF brings Reformed and Presbyterian churches and denominations together within the Middle East and connects them with older Reformed and Presbyterian churches in other parts of the world. It aims to facilitate Christian service and ministry in the spirit of the unity of faith which binds faithful believers together, and gives great opportunity to use spiritual gifts and share Kingdom resources.

Your support of fellow-believers is vital!