What the Church in the Middle East Is Teaching Us About Courage, Community, and Following the Way of Jesus
A pastor receives a phone call telling him to go to the roof of his house. When he steps outside, a sniper’s red laser appears on the laundry on the line right beside him, and then a bullet flies through it—a warning shot that people know he is sharing the gospel….and to stop!
Stories like this are not rare in parts of the Middle East. For many believers there, following the way of Jesus carries consequences that most of us in Toronto will never face.
And yet, what stood out most from conversations with pastors and ministry leaders across Lebanon and Syria was not fear—it was courage, generosity, and an unshakable commitment to Jesus.
Listening to their experiences does more than expand our global awareness. Their stories hold up a mirror for us. They prompt an honest question for churches like ours in Toronto:
What kind of church are we becoming—and what kind of church is Jesus calling us to be?
One story that emerged from these conversations with Pastors Brett, Quincy, and Zareh about their recent trip to the Middle East and North Africa (M.E.N.A.) region centred on a pastor from Lebanon.
Costly Discipleship and Persecution
In many parts of the Middle East, faith intersects with family honour and cultural identity. Following Jesus is more than a personal choice—it can signal rejection of one’s family, community, and heritage.
Conversion, then, comes at great cost. One Druze believer grew up in a close-knit community. After encountering Christ through reading the Scriptures, he planted a church in his village, living out his faith despite the danger.
“When he told his family that he had become a Christian, his brother stabbed him… because you’ve dishonoured the family…”
Brett
He survived, and the attack only deepened his commitment to pursue love and reconciliation. Over time, he explained to his brother that his faith was meant to honour God, not harm the family. Signs of reconciliation emerged: his brother eventually gave him a giant cross as a peace offering—a gesture acknowledging wrong, even if not full agreement.
Threats beyond the family persisted—calls, messages, and warnings that following Jesus could be deadly.
One time, a person called him, said, ‘We know what you’re doing. You’d better stop, or you’re going to die. Go up to the roof of your house.’… the red [dot] of the sniper scope shoots through his kid’s clothes on a dry line … just shot a warning shot right by his head.
Brett
He pressed on, expanding his church and community work. Inspired by Scripture and the boldness of Jesus, he brought hope, education, and healthcare to families—including Syrian refugees—turning his church into a hub for healing and growth. Though threats continue, he has gained protection and respect from local leaders, whose eyes are now on the good he brings. His story echoes Joseph’s, born into a community that rejected him yet called to lead his people toward hope and survival.
Violence against church leaders is not uncommon. Even young believers stepping into ministry face opposition. Remarkably, many converts focus their efforts on discipling others and planting churches with quiet courage.
When you come to know Jesus you are rejected from all that you have known. You’re rejected from your lifelines, your family, your cultural support network. Your ability to function and live becomes unpredictable. So, it puts an extra onus on what the church needs to be. It can’t be an hour on a Sunday, and that’s it. The church’s got to serve as your family. If you’re going to leave your support systems for this new faith, you (the church) have to offer more than just a worship service.
Quincy
In regions where governments strain or fail, the church meets both practical and spiritual needs. Church buildings double as health clinics, training centres, and safe spaces for families navigating instability. The church’s work isn’t just about faith—it’s about meeting real, urgent needs.
As we continue to share these stories from our partners in the Middle East, we come back to this question and make it our prayer.
Lord Jesus, what kind of church are you calling us to become?