Middle East (MNN) — Christians today only make up about 5% of the Middle Eastern population, down from 20% a century ago.
According to a report from PBS, some estimate the number of Middle Eastern Christians could be cut in half over the next eight years. Christians in the Middle East face religious ethnic cleansing, persecution, and many are emigrating.
While it may seem like Christians are funneling out, Biblica (IBS-STL) is funneling into the Middle East with the hope of the Gospel.
In 2012, Biblica reached over 125,000 children in the Middle East and North Africa with Children for Christ Discipleship (C4CD). This program brings the Bible to kids age 4 to 14 through songs, stories, and skits. They say this age range is when people are typically most open to the Good News of Christ.
Moving into 2013, Biblica’s Middle East/North Africa leader plans to expand the program. “We realized many parents are reading the Bible for the first time with their children. That’s why we decided the 2013 program will involve all family members.”
By catering to the parents along with children through C4CD, Biblica hopes that many families together will come to know Christ as their Savior.
Through multiple programs and outreaches, Biblica hopes to reach 8.48 million children and adults in the Middle East this year. But the danger there is very real, and specific project locations can’t be revealed.
Biblica staff asks for prayer as many of them work in volatile regions of the Middle East. Please pray for their safety and that they would make God’s name known in the face of hardship.
Biblica’s work in the Middle East still requires $1,816,766 in funds. Click here to give your support.
