Connecting believers around the world
All over the world, believers have moved from their home countries to new destinations abroad, in search of brighter opportunities. Some are forced to relocate due to war, persecution, or economic turmoil, while others have moved for ministry purposes or even for love. Regardless of their reason for leaving their homes, they all face new challenges as they adjust to a new life and culture overseas.
The Diaspora Ministry first started in 2022 as a means to connect with former Horizons staff members who had relocated abroad, so that the team could continue to follow up with these believers, disciple them, and help them find welcoming local churches. Surrounded by fellow believers and a strong support system, these new settlers can feel welcome and less isolated, and have access to a faith community—so they remain grounded in their faith.
Since its beginning, the Diaspora Ministry has grown to include many new people who were not previously connected to Horizons. There are now online groups of believers meeting in France, Germany, and Canada—and Horizons staff members regularly travel to encourage these communities. Staff and ministry partners also help organize discipleship conferences to strengthen and equip the diaspora.
In France, an online Bible study, founded by staff members Annie Hamilton and Dolly Deeb, provides fellowship and discipleship for women who do not have a local church. Over time, this group has become like a family, growing to 12 women who are discipled in their walk with the Lord.
In an exciting turn of events, five of these women were able to meet in person earlier this summer. Dolly was in Europe to connect with believers through a variety of ministry events—one of which was a conference in Brussels that served Christians from Muslim backgrounds (CMBs). The five women greatly benefited from this time together, gaining a sense of connection and support. They no longer felt alone in their faith journey!
A conference brought believers together in Brussels.
A newer member in the French Bible study group who we’ll call Fida (not her real name), a Syrian Kurdish woman, recently shared her story with the group. They were deeply encouraged by her testimony:
It all started with Fida’s husband, who encountered the gospel through social media. Though he hadn’t been seeking it out, something he saw intrigued him, and he began learning more. Eventually, he placed his faith in Jesus. When he shared this with Fida, she was stunned. In disbelief, she even organized a family intervention in hopes of convincing him to return to Islam. But he stood firm, and his steadfast conviction sparked curiosity in her.
Fida began her own exploration. She discovered the teaching of apologist Brother Rachid, whose programs helped her see inconsistencies in the Qur’an that she hadn’t noticed before. She eventually set it aside and started exploring Christianity more seriously. Sermons, online resources, and—most importantly—the New Testament began to speak to her heart.
Though she didn’t have a vision or dream, the Truth confronted her clearly and powerfully. In time, she told her husband, “I’ve accepted the Lord too.”
Today, they are growing in their faith together, and we are so grateful to have Fida as part of our Bible study.
Watching her read Scripture for the first time and respond to the Word of God is such a joy.
Please pray for Fida and the other women in our group—that they would continue to come regularly and grow in their relationship with Christ. It is a privilege to walk alongside these women, to learn from one another, and to witness God's faithfulness at work in each of their lives. We are excited to see how God will work through this group for His glory!
It is stories like these that make the Diaspora Ministry so worthwhile. Believers need community, fellowship, and regular discipleship to grow in their faith, and that is what the Diaspora Ministry is providing these people as they establish roots in new countries.
