TORONTO–(CANADIAN CHRISTIAN NEWS SERVICE)– SIM and MECO International (Middle East Christian Outreach) are joining hands in a determined effort to drive the gospel forward as we work with churches and other organisations in the Middle East.
The region offers one of the biggest gospel opportunities of our generation, and this new initiative will seek to put more workers into Middle East countries.
Both SIM and MECO leadership teams believe that together they are far better able to take the good news of Jesus to where he is least known than either could have done individually.
Mike Parker, MECO International Director, said, “This is a historic moment for both organisations.
“It represents a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to proclaim Christ and make disciples where he is least known, to live out the love of Christ and to partner with churches and other organisations to strengthen Christian witness across the Middle East.”
Joshua Bogunjoko, SIM International Director, said: “In the midst of all the turmoil of the Middle East, the Lord is doing remarkable things.
“We pray the Lord will use our joining to further his Kingdom and draw many into the light of Christ.”
The move will allow SIM to make a formal entry into the Middle East, while MECO’s long-held desire to see more workers mobilised for service in the region will be realised.
The intention is that the new ministry structure, based in the Middle East, will become fully part of SIM, allowing MECO’s international board to dissolve.
Immediate responsibility for these developments in the Middle East has been taken on by Keith Walker (SIM’s International Strategic Development Director) and Mike Parker.
In Canada both MECO and SIM Canada remain as separate entities and prospective missionaries can apply to serve in the Middle East through both agencies.
For more information, please contact John Denbok (john.denbok@sim.org).