"Come over to Macedonia and help us."
— Acts 16:9
Like the Apostle Paul’s call to Macedonia, A3 recently felt a nudge to work in Europe.
The Holy Spirit prompted us to serve leaders in the Middle East and North Africa catalyzed by our board of directors affirming the exploration before the Covid-19/Coronavirus pandemic.
Phill Butler, pioneer in mission partnerships, called me several years back challenging me to what he called, “The Last Mile” to reach North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. He believed this mile was a Discipleship Mile with the need for Leader Development and Disciple-Making to establish flourishing, sustainable churches in the region.
- See more about Phill’s life here: https://visionsynergy.net/phill-butler-memorial/
He said,
“Joe, I hear that A3 is excellent in this area. Would you join us in the Last Mile initiative?”
With this initiative, he introduced us to a partner from the region who has been discipling leaders throughout North Africa for several years. After several conversations, it became clear that God had called us to serve together. And he not only invited us to serve in North Africa but also with the diaspora communities of North Africans living in Europe and Canada.
Silk and I served with him two weekends ago in France, and the interactions were fabulous. Silk shared about Women and Leadership and the conversations and dialog were exceptional. Women and Men wrestled with how to best empower and enable women in the Muslim world for the calling God put on women’s lives.
I shared about the importance of Christ-like leadership and Jesus’ model of reproduction to establish healthy, sustainable fellowships across the region.
There were times of tears (of joy and sorrow) as we heard stories of pressure, persecution and families who had abandoned these precious leaders because of their choice to follow Christ. Their witness in the region is remarkable even in the face of the pressure they face. Several spoke of leaders they work with across the Mediterranean Sea who are in prison for their faith: in one case virtually every leader they work with is currently imprisoned.
It was a powerful week together. Please pray for these leaders as they try to serve Muslim Background Believers and reach Muslims for Christ. They are part of this critical “Last Mile” effort to make disciples and foster flourishing churches across the region.
Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
@jwhandley
@jwhandley
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