Mohammed* is an Emirati Bedouin from the Northern Emirates. He loves his camels, and he invests lots of time and energy in caring for them. He oversees regular blood tests to ensure they are healthy. He watches his racing camels exercise at the nearby camel track. He drives to another farm to gather milk from his she-camels.

Recently, Brad met up with Mohammed in a virtual video call. The couple and little boy are still hoping to be granted asylum in the European country where they live. Mohammed expressed concern for his wife. Fear of their past, present, and their future is threatening Miriam. She was raised in a VERY conservative part of her homeland. The new faith she and Mohammed confess would absolutely not be an option if they were to be sent back to their home country. 

Mohammed has continued to grow in his faith. He chose to follow Christ after studying the Bible with Brad for many weeks. Miriam believes but is not yet ready to confess Christ. Mohammed is seeing hope for his small son in the Savior. As Covid was running rampant around the world Mohammed’s employer went out of business. He was jobless until he took a job that saw him work 12–14-hour days, 7 days a week, for 6 months on a special project.

While spending the evening at a local park, Mary* and her children began interacting with an Emirati family. Eventually, Mary* sat on the family’s blanket, drank tea, and chatted with a young Emirati mother while they children played together. At the end of the young mother invited Mary* and her entire family to visit their home the following week.

In many countries around the world, it is dangerous to turn to follow Jesus. Your family may persecute you, or the government may. The risks are high, and persecution is guaranteed. In one country within a 4-hour flight of Dubai, a young new Christian believer was being discipled secretly by a pastor. However, one day her safety was threatened, and the pastor helped her leave.

Charlie walked through the alleys of the souk as the sun began to set. As he made his way past different vendors he stopped and looked at souvenirs that he could take home to his family. He looked up and noticed a a young guy, probably around his age staring at him. Charlie smiled at him and the guy smiled back and then walked through a doorway.