As the new academic year begins, we would like to take this Fall season to introduce you to students at TMAI Training Centers around the world. From now until December, please enjoy testimonies and updates from the field, from current graduates and students in the TMAI family.
Raised for Such a Time as This
As we watch what is unfolding in Israel and Gaza and we continue to pray for Christians suffering in the region, we are also mindful of the ways that God has sovereignly raised leaders in the Middle East for such a time as this.
One such testimony is below. A graduate of a TMAI training center in the Middle East/North Africa region, Karim* shares his testimony with us:
“I had a past filled with wrongdoing. I lived a double life as a nominal Christian, indulging in drugs, heavy drinking, theft, and even violence.
In 2019, I was overwhelmed by guilt and fear of punishment. My younger brother, who had recently found faith, shared the gospel with me. After embracing the Lord, He helped me abandon my sinful ways and I found joy in reading the Bible.
I was drawn to ministry through my love for being constantly immersed in the Word. Initially, I served in the church library and later led a weekly book club. This experience made me realize the importance of formal training beyond just reading books.”
I value the sound preaching in my church but identify a need for more expository preaching.
The Transformative Power of God’s Word
In a region where an abundance of Christian media or books is not found, God used Christian brothers and the power of His word to transform Karim’s heart.
This immersion in and love for the Scriptures overflowed in his life as a desire to share the gospel with others. In this, Karim realized that books were not sufficient in teaching him how to share the good news.
“Learning about [the TMAI Training Center] from a friend, I found it instrumental in bolstering my confidence and understanding of hermeneutics.
[The Training Center] not only improved my leadership and teaching skills but also helped me better apply the knowledge in my own life. I shared my learning with my fiancée, enhancing her understanding of the Bible.
The mentorship and classroom learning were invaluable, and I’m grateful for the donors who made this program possible in [the Middle East], where sound teaching is scarce.”
A Life of Service Despite Challenges
More than learning how to study and teach the Bible, Karim’s time studying at the TMAI training center transformed his everyday life.
“Post-graduation, I began substituting for adult Sunday School classes and teaching in youth meetings and church conferences. Teaching the word to my church brethren brings me immense joy…
Living in a region hostile to Evangelicals, I value the sound preaching in my church but identify a need for more expository preaching. Despite the challenges, witnessing the transformation in the young men’s approach to the Word in my church has been incredibly uplifting.
The impact this program has had on me and my community is immeasurable, fostering growth in our churches and nurturing a deeper love for the Word.”
Even amidst the real risk of living and worshipping God in this region, Karim’s continued service and joy in knowing and proclaiming Jesus Christ as his Savior is an enduring testimony and witness throughout the Middle East.
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While this school’s location has only been operating for a few years, the gospel impact is already tangible.
By God’s grace, your support has helped to shape Karim’s life forever—along with many around him. Even now, thanks to your support, the school is consistently training men, even during the threat of persecution and war. All of this contributes to the expansion of the gospel across the region. Thank you for your many prayers and provisions for Christians in the Middle East.
To learn more about this training location, please click HERE.
*Name changed for security purposes
