Engaging the Diaspora for Christ

Millions of Lebanese and Syrian people fleeing war and economic collapse have emigrated to destinations across Europe and North America in search of greater opportunities. Many are Christians, but as they resettle, they face deep loneliness, culture shock, and isolation from the close-knit communities they left behind. 

In response to the growing need, Horizons launched its Diaspora Ministry in 2022. Our staff walk alongside displaced believers through online Bible studies, discipleship classes, and in-person visits. They also host discipleship conferences to strengthen and encourage believers in their faith, and connect them to local churches where they can flourish in Christian community.

In Canada, an online group of 30 believers meets regularly for Bible study and discipleship. Last year, a Cubs to Lions conference, based on the Family by God’s Design curriculum, brought together 55 believers to grow in their faith. In Germany, Horizons’ Pastor Nihad visits regularly to organize discipleship conferences, while a ministry partner leads an online Bible study for 20 Kurdish believers. 

In France, where local churches are few and often lack cultural understanding, a group of 12 women from Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Iraq, Morocco, and Egypt has found much-needed fellowship online. Launched two years ago by Horizons staff Dolly Deeb and Annie Hamilton, this Arabic-speaking group of Christians from Muslim Backgrounds (CMBs) has already completed the Cubs to Lions course and is now studying the gospels together. 

The newest member, an Egyptian woman who had been living in France for over a year in loneliness and isolation, found encouragement through the group, and even saw a marked improvement in her eyesight after the other women prayed for her.

This is just one example of how the Diaspora Ministry is serving people who might otherwise be isolated and marginalized to find healing and genuine community with other like-minded believers, both online and in-person.