Called to Serve His Church
Introducing some of our New Students in the Bachelor of Theology Program
Every year, we have the privilege of welcoming a new cohort of students who have answered God’s call for ministry and seek to be better equipped for this sacred mission. While we have been doing this since 1960, the novelty of this task has not worn out. Each cohort brings new faces, new life stories, and a renewed testament to the incredible work God is doing across the Arab world.
This year, we are blessed to welcome nineteen new Bachelor of Theology Students from all over the Arab world. These students are eager to grow in their effectiveness. As they embark on this journey, our prayer is that their faith will be deepened, their biblical and theological understanding enhanced, and their ministry skills sharpened. The following is a glimpse into the lives of some of these new students in their own words.
Katrina – Serving in Egypt
I was raised in a working-class family in Upper Egypt, one of six siblings. My parents worked tirelessly to provide for our family while instilling in us a simple yet steadfast faith in Jesus. However, I often struggled to understand how God was truly present in our lives. By the time I turned fifteen, I began to wrestle with questions about my belief in Jesus as God, grappling with why He allows suffering, and what truly happens after we die. This left me searching for the truth.
One night, my father gave me a Bible to read. As I immersed myself in the Scriptures, John 3:16 specifically touched me: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." That same night, I dreamed of Jesus calling me to follow Him. From that moment on, my life was forever changed.
I began serving in the church, starting with Sunday school and eventually joining the women’s ministry. Later, I sensed God calling me to serve beyond the borders of Egypt, with a focus on evangelism and discipleship. With a deep desire to understand God’s word more fully, I was led to study theology to strengthen both my ministry and my understanding of God’s word.
One night, my father gave me a Bible to read. As I immersed myself in the Scriptures, John 3:16 specifically touched me: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." That same night, I dreamed of Jesus calling me to follow Him. From that moment on, my life was forever changed.
I began serving in the church, starting with Sunday school and eventually joining the women’s ministry. Later, I sensed God calling me to serve beyond the borders of Egypt, with a focus on evangelism and discipleship. With a deep desire to understand God’s word more fully, I was led to study theology to strengthen both my ministry and my understanding of God’s word.
Elias – Serving in Morocco
I grew up in a devout non-Christian family, surrounded by prayer and fasting. Even though I loved God, I often felt a sense of distance from Him, especially during tough times when it seemed my prayers went unanswered. Despite my efforts to please Him through good deeds, I struggled with a profound sense of disconnection from God.
When I started asking challenging questions to a religious leader, he dismissed me without answers. This left me frustrated and searching for the truth, leading me to question my faith. I eventually turned to the Bible. As I read the Sermon on the Mount, I felt it speaking to me. Shortly after, I had a dream of a lamb saying, "I was sacrificed for you." This encounter led me to follow Jesus, and my relationship with God transformed into a personal, intimate bond. I found peace, freedom from fear, and a deep sense of His presence, even amid persecution.
Currently, I lead a church in Casablanca, spreading the Gospel through media, especially on Facebook. I believe God is inviting me to help build a movement in Morocco to strengthen believers. Studying Theology will deepen my understanding of Scripture and equip me for this ministry.
When I started asking challenging questions to a religious leader, he dismissed me without answers. This left me frustrated and searching for the truth, leading me to question my faith. I eventually turned to the Bible. As I read the Sermon on the Mount, I felt it speaking to me. Shortly after, I had a dream of a lamb saying, "I was sacrificed for you." This encounter led me to follow Jesus, and my relationship with God transformed into a personal, intimate bond. I found peace, freedom from fear, and a deep sense of His presence, even amid persecution.
Currently, I lead a church in Casablanca, spreading the Gospel through media, especially on Facebook. I believe God is inviting me to help build a movement in Morocco to strengthen believers. Studying Theology will deepen my understanding of Scripture and equip me for this ministry.
Ferjani – Serving in Tunisia
Growing up in an uneducated family in Tunisia, I focused on studying and excelling in sports. However, in 2009, I began to drift into drinking and smoking. Soon after, I found myself drawn to extremist ideologies and even contemplated traveling abroad to pursue what I believed at the time was a noble cause. My view of God was shaped by fear, perceiving Him as distant and punitive. I also struggled with feeling disconnected from my father. Years later, after several experiences and a mental health crisis, I heard God’s voice saying, “Do not fear, I am with you.” This led me to join a Christian group, and my life was completely transformed. In Christ, I found peace, purpose, and my true worth in Christ, overcoming my past struggles and psychological crises. My despair was transformed into hope through Jesus.
Today, my ministry focuses on sharing God’s word and reaching souls, both in person and through social media. My vision is to deepen my knowledge of Jesus by studying theology to serve effectively, especially in Tunisia and Morocco, where spiritual needs continue to grow.
Today, my ministry focuses on sharing God’s word and reaching souls, both in person and through social media. My vision is to deepen my knowledge of Jesus by studying theology to serve effectively, especially in Tunisia and Morocco, where spiritual needs continue to grow.
Bruce – Serving in UAE
I battled severe heart and liver issues that doctors were unable to resolve, prompting my family to seek the prayers of a highly regarded religious figure. However, nothing changed until I encountered Jesus. I started secretly reading the Bible even with opposition from my family.
At the age of twelve, I watched a cartoon about Jesus that sparked my curiosity, and later in life, I found a video on YouTube about Christ. That changed everything. Through faith, I was healed, and since my baptism, I’ve been free from illness.
Though my family initially rejected my newfound faith, prayer softened their hearts. Now, I am fully devoted to serving God, sharing His word, and living of purpose, grounded in the assurance of His protection and love. I began preaching on social media and later joined the Apostolic Church as a worship leader, where I dedicated myself to serve and evangelize. I am now pursuing theology to be better equipped to spread God’s message.
At the age of twelve, I watched a cartoon about Jesus that sparked my curiosity, and later in life, I found a video on YouTube about Christ. That changed everything. Through faith, I was healed, and since my baptism, I’ve been free from illness.
Though my family initially rejected my newfound faith, prayer softened their hearts. Now, I am fully devoted to serving God, sharing His word, and living of purpose, grounded in the assurance of His protection and love. I began preaching on social media and later joined the Apostolic Church as a worship leader, where I dedicated myself to serve and evangelize. I am now pursuing theology to be better equipped to spread God’s message.
Bushra – Serving in Lebanon
From a young age, I was raised in Syria with the strict religious practices of my family’s faith. However, religion felt like a set of rules, and God seemed distant and harsh. Despite intense prayer, I struggled to connect with Him. In 2014, due to the ongoing war in Syria, I moved to Lebanon in search of safety and stability. With a young daughter to care for, I turned to a local church that provided food, clothing, and furniture. The love and kindness of the people in that church drew me in, and I became deeply moved by their teachings. I realized I wasn't a slave to rules, but a beloved child of God, able to communicate with Him personally.
Today, I proudly call myself a daughter of the Lord. My daughter, who grew up attending Sunday school, is now actively serving in the church as well. My ministry began with teaching church groups, leading women’s Bible studies, and serving in Sunday school.
Today, I proudly call myself a daughter of the Lord. My daughter, who grew up attending Sunday school, is now actively serving in the church as well. My ministry began with teaching church groups, leading women’s Bible studies, and serving in Sunday school.
Valentin – Serving in Syria
Before encountering Jesus Christ, my life felt aimless. Raised in a communist family that dismissed the existence of God, I adopted similar beliefs. As a result, I felt a profound emptiness inside. I wrestled with deep questions about life, purpose, and the mysteries of what lies beyond death.
As I grew up, I met a barber who became an unexpected friend. He introduced me to Jesus and gave me a Bible. One day, he invited me to church, where a sermon on God the Father deeply moved me. I cried, overwhelmed by God’s love and touched by a verse posted on the church door: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This marked the beginning of my spiritual journey.
Today, I pastor two churches in Aleppo and Al-Shahba, serving over 700 people. My vision is for God to use me to bring hope to the Kurdish community and to empower youth, women, and children. By pursuing theological education, I will be able to better fulfill my calling.
As I grew up, I met a barber who became an unexpected friend. He introduced me to Jesus and gave me a Bible. One day, he invited me to church, where a sermon on God the Father deeply moved me. I cried, overwhelmed by God’s love and touched by a verse posted on the church door: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This marked the beginning of my spiritual journey.
Today, I pastor two churches in Aleppo and Al-Shahba, serving over 700 people. My vision is for God to use me to bring hope to the Kurdish community and to empower youth, women, and children. By pursuing theological education, I will be able to better fulfill my calling.
Students in the Bachelor of Theology program have a long road ahead of them. This degree is our main vocational program and is designed for those who are busy in ministry. As our students start this journey of theological education and leadership formation, our prayer is that they submit themselves to the work of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work on the affective, behavioral, and cognitive areas of their lives.