Jordan (MNN) — Another major challenge surfaces in Jordan. The country’s Deputy Prime Minister says hardly a day passes without drug busts at the border with Syria. According to the United Nations, new production techniques and increased demand led to more drug smuggling this year.
Jordan already struggles on several fronts. “Jordan is the only country in the Middle East without oil, and natural resources are [scarce],” Fadi Sharaiha with MENA Leadership Center says.
“It is very tough, not to mention the impact of COVID-19 and [shutdowns] on a very fragile and struggling economy,” he continues. Plus, unemployment is skyrocketing, and Jordan hosts the second-largest number of refugees per capita in the world.
“Those, I would say, are ingredients for disaster in any country.”
The crises make life even harder in Jordan. The increased need provides Gospel opportunities, but believers aren’t always able to respond. MLC helps ministries get the tools and training they need to do more in the name of Jesus.
Do more good
A few years ago, MENA Leadership Center helped ministry leaders in Jordan identify problem areas. Now, those same believers are discovering solutions to their biggest challenges.
MLC provides more than education, Sharaiha explains. “It’s not only signing up for a course. Yes, we do have online courses. We have on-site courses as well, but it is a process; it’s not a transactional thing,” he says.
“It’s counseling [and] coaching; it’s a relationship.”
“The training inspired me to new approaches to ministry… I began to implement the material, combining both the passion and skills for a more significant impact in God’s kingdom. Thank you for the abundant, precious resources you left in our hands.” – Key Ministry Leader from Jordan
(Photo, caption courtesy of MLC)
Along with mentorship, Christian leaders gain networking opportunities. Soon, believers can expand their reach using the skills they acquired through MLC, Sharaiha says.
“We are building the capacities of those different ministries and thus will increase their impact. That will also affect their presence as Christians in the region.”
Help MLC train 300 leaders across the MENA in 2022.
“Please pray for unity among the Bride of Christ in Jordan, and also that they will have a fresh vision,” Sharaiha requests.
“Pray that Jordan will remain a safe place for people to come from all over the region and that the Church would be light and salt.”
Header image depicts a skyline in Amman, Jordan. (Photo courtesy of Claire/Pexels)
