I will be joining MTW (Mission to the World) over the Summer as a Missions Intern in the Middle East.

I will be joining a team in a large city in the Middle East, engaging in daily language and culture study, with dedicated times throughout the week for discipleship, training, and Bible study. I’ll have the opportunity to use my photography, design, and other interests to connect with local people! I will be contributing to the longterm mission in meaningful ways by seeking to share Christ with locals I connect with, by helping learn more about the specific ministry context through ethnographic observations, and by connecting with the team in the regular rhythms of team life!

I will be in the Middle East for 6 weeks, starting at the beginning of June and ending in the middle of July.

While I can not name the exact location to protect the families and operations on the ground, I can say that the team is in the 10/40 Window. The 10/40 Window is the rectangular area of North Africa, the Middle East and Asia between approximately 10°N and 40°N latitude. Within this land mass lives two-thirds of the world's population — 4 billion people. 95% of these 4 billion people are unevangelized, and 87% are among the poorest of the poor, living on an average $250 per family annually. Tragically, only 3% of missionaries, and 1% of missions funds currently go to the 10/40 Window.

Since leaning into the call towards the Middle East, the way I see the world has completely changed. Being raised in America, the idea and understanding of grace courses through our veins without a second thought. In the last 3 weeks I’ve come to realize by no means is this a reality for everyone around the world. Having driven home a 37 year old Iranian who couldn’t grasp the idea of free speech and having talked to a 38 year old Saudi Arabian father who wouldn’t dare embarrass himself in front of his kids, I’ve come to realize that we forsake the culture of grace we are so enveloped in.

Oh that these people would know the love of Jesus. ”that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” Ephesians 3:17-19