In the summer of 2025, I had the privilege of joining the Jenkins Center trip to the Middle East. This experience was an incredible blessing, and I am deeply grateful to have been part of it. Our team spent approximately ten days in the country, consisting of students from both Southern Seminary and Boyce College.
A significant portion of our time was spent meeting with ministry leaders and missionaries. As we listened to their testimonies of how God is working through them and debriefed as a team after each meeting, we were challenged to think both biblically and strategically. These conversations provided us with greater clarity about the region’s needs and helped us envision what a faithful future ministry might look like there.
My favorite part of the trip was evangelism. On the first day, I struggled to connect with local people and find those who spoke English. Several of my teammates had the same experience, and by the end of the day, many of us felt discouraged. The next morning, however, we gathered for worship and prayer before going out again. As we reminded one another of the Holy Spirit’s presence with us, our hearts were strengthened and our boldness renewed. That day was completely different. We all had opportunities to meet people and share the gospel. It was powerful to see God answer our prayers and turn our discouragement into joy and confidence through worship and prayer.
Another way God worked through this trip was by giving me fresh motivation for my studies. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Islamic Studies under the supervision of Dr. Ayman Ibrahim. As I shared with the locals about my academic focus, I had opportunities to engage in deeper conversations with Muslims who genuinely wanted to know my thoughts on Islam. These interactions encouraged me to study with greater diligence and to steward this calling faithfully.
Looking back, I am most grateful for the friendships I formed with locals, the gospel conversations we shared, and the chance to see how God is at work in the Middle East. The Lord expanded my heart with greater compassion for Muslims and gave me a renewed desire to understand, love, and reach them with the gospel. I am also thankful for Dr. Ibrahim’s leadership and his faithful example of serving his students and Christ’s kingdom. To our God, who deserves the worship of all nations, and to everyone who prayed for this trip, Shukran!