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7 facts about MERF

1. MERF UPHOLDS THE BIBLE AND THE REFORMED CONFESSIONS.

The Evangelical Churches in the Middle East were largely established by Reformed Missionaries. However in recent days they have been influenced by unbiblical trends, superficiality and dead spirituality. Reformed Christians in the Middle East lacked active fellowship and cooperation with like-minded Christians elsewhere. They need encouragement from Reformed Churches and Believers worldwide. MERF aims to declare the whole counsel of God through all its activities.

2. WE FOCUS ON BUILDING UP LOCAL CHURCHES

The indigenous church is the best body to outreach to the local population. Members know the language and culture and they are accepted as part of the community. They are not regarded as foreigners nor do they have to return home to another country on furlough. However as a Christian minority, they need to be strengthened in faith and built up in confidence to outreach. They also need to be equipped to disciple new believers.

3. MERF USES RADIO AS A KEY EVANGELISTIC TOOL

In conjunction with Words of Hope, and The Back to God Hour, MERF uses radio broadcasts in Arabic to outreach to a potential audience of over 340 million people. A conversational style of programme is used with a man and woman discussing issues of importance. Listeners are invited to write in. The challenge of the Gospel is presented as the contact is developed over time with personal responses to letters.

4. WE PROVIDE AID IN TIME OF NEED

Aid is provided through National MERF Committees working through the local Church. MERF aims to 'do good to all - particularly to those who are of the household of faith'. The strategy is to equip people to be self sufficient rather than to just meet immediate needs.

5. MERF IS WORKING IN OVER FIFTEEN COUNTRIES

MERF is active in Evangelism, Church Extension, Biblical Training and administering Diaconal Aid in the Arabic speaking countries of North Africa, the Gulf States, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, as well as in the Sudan and Iran. MERF aims to strengthen the Church and to reach out in the name of Christ to the local community.

6. WE BELIEVE IN BIBLICAL TRAINING

The good news of the Lord Jesus Christ has implications for all areas of life. Its main purpose is to reconcile sinful man to the Sovereign God. It is 'the power of God to everyone who believes'. The Gospel is not relativised by human culture, but rather transcends it and redeems it. MERF uses the key strategy of equipping the Church through Biblical Training. The Bible in Arabic is central to the growth of the Christian.

7. THE WORK OF MERF IS BEARING FRUIT

Because of the involvement of MERF and the Reformed Family of Churches worldwide, the Church throughout the Middle East is being encouraged and strengthened. Non-Christians are responding to the challenge of the Gospel of Christ. They are being discipled by national Christians. Those in need are being helped spiritually and in practical ways .

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