Holy Spirit Guides Christians to Address Region, Refugee Crisis

Members of Empowered21‘s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regional cabinet recently gathered in Istanbul to discuss challenges in the region. Topics of discussion included persecution, the refugee crisis and empowering the next generation. The cabinet, which is comprised of ministry leaders from closed nations in the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf States, made several crucial decisions.

To start, the 26 MENA leaders in attendance agreed upon a united mission to work together for spiritual transformation in the region. Additionally, many pastors and ministry leaders came spiritually weary as they continue to face daily persecution. Speakers Kim Sam Seong, president of Kairos Ministry International and Henry Madava, senior pastor of the Christian Victory Church Network in Ukraine and founder of the international ministry Christ for All Cities, delivered messages of encouragement to those in attendance.

The region has also been impacted by accelerated people movement from the Refugee Highway. MENA leaders committed to supporting the social and spiritual needs of refugees in Europe and the Middle East.

Finally, to empower the next generation, MENA will identify and sponsor youth from each member country to participate in the Empowered21 Europe Congress, which will be held in London during 2016.

“Despite the turmoil in this region, testimony from MENA leaders revealed that God is doing a great work in these nations by the power of His Holy Spirit,” said Empowered21 President and Global Co-Chair William M. Wilson. “I commend these leaders for their dedication to meeting the spiritual needs of this region and pray for their safety as they face daily persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ.”