About the Ministry
Around the Middle East, sports activities act like an open door into relationships and conversations with the youth in Majority communities. In war-torn regions where conflict is a way of life, Malik and Sarah use athletics and play to connect with the next generation and share the message of the Gospel.
Malik is the Team Lead for using sports as Youth Outreach in the Middle East. The focus is on relationships that open doors for deep discipleship. Together, Malik and Sarah organize events for sharing Good News among youth throughout Egypt and in neighboring countries. The two of them shepherd their own team, discipling them as Christ-following leaders and equipping them to, in turn, disciple the young people responding to the gospel message at evangelistic sports events and camps. This couple has a heart for discipling believers and strengthening the persecuted church in sensitive countries, teaching and encouraging the believers.
Ministry Focuses
Meet the Ministry Leaders: Malik and Sarah (pseudonym)
Malik says, “I was born into a Christian family, but my father wasn’t a believer. We prayed for him to know Jesus. Two months after he trusted Jesus, he died. It was horrible, because he was the person I loved and depended on the most.
I started to blame Jesus, and I decided that there is no God. For one year, I lived and thought as an atheist. During that year, I had very bad relationships and drank alcohol too much. I attended church, but only to please my family. I was invited to a Christian conference, but I went just to enjoy it.
While people were praying, I began to realize I am a sinner and to see there was no meaning to my life. I told God, ‘If you are there, show me yourself.’ At that moment, I felt strongly that I am loved by my Heavenly Father. I repented of my sin and decided to follow Jesus.”
Sarah grew up in a pastor’s family ministering in a large city in the heart of the Middle East. All of her growing up happened with the backdrop of civil war, with the sounds of bombs and fighting. God used this to develop a tender heart and a deep understanding of trauma. Sarah has used this unique background to minister to children, creating educational settings with trauma-informed care and activities.
Together, Malik and Sarah have personal and deep understanding of the kind of pain so many youth in the Middle East and North Africa carry. This couple is committed to helping young people discover the love of the Heavenly Father who wants to know them and be known by them.
