Our Mission

History

The Near East Ministry was founded in 1963 and is inspired by Isaiah 19:23-25:

‘In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.”’

Isaiah foresaw a future in which Israel and the Arab nations will serve the Lord together, and that they will bless the world through their unity in worship. Near East Ministry has always been inspired by this vision, and feels called to serve in a region full of contradictions in order to usher in reconciliation between Jews and Arabs. By doing so, our organisation wants to revive Christians and churches in the Netherlands through serving, learning and praying.

Serving with love

The Near East Ministry has built an broad network of partnerships among Jews and Arabs in the Middle East. Our workers provide practical and pastoral support with humility, perseverance, faithfulness and unconditional love for the people they serve. Christians who want to partner with us in building bridges of peace and reconciliation, are welcome to join our team. There are many opportunities to serve short and long-term in the region.

Learning at the source

The word of God is the key source of our inspiration and motivation at the Near East Ministry. We are eager to teach about the Jewish roots of our Christian faith and God’s mission in this world.

'Learning' is key in all our activities. We organise Shabbat meals to learn, pray and celebrate together. Additionally, we have book clubs and organise prayer journeys to the Middle East. Lastly, our summer conferences also facilitate learning and spiritual growth of Christians from all church backgrounds in the Netherlands.

Praying with expectation

Prayer is key for our work in the Netherlands and the Middle East. We commit all our workers and activities to the Lord in prayer. We feel compassioned for the people we meet and serve, and want to pray for and with them. With a firm hope and great expectation that the Lord will hear and answer our prayers according to His will.

The Near East Ministy has prayer groups all across the Netherlands who meet monthly to pray for the ministry and the workers sent to the Middle East. Additionally, our organisation sends out prayer letters and organises prayer meetings for Israel and the Arab world.