MERF UPHOLDS THE BIBLE AND THE REFORMED CONFESSIONS.
Many of the Evangelical Churches in the Middle East were established by Reformed missionaries. In recent times, however, they have been influenced by unbiblical trends, superficiality, and dead spirituality. Reformed Christians in the Middle East have 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.
MERF FOCUSES ON BUILDING UP LOCAL CHURCHES.
The indigenous church is best placed to reach out to the local population. Indigenous believers know the language and culture and are accepted as part of the community. They do not require visas and are not regarded as foreigners, nor are they required to return home to another country on furlough. As a minority in their own countries, however, Christians need to be strengthened in faith and built up in confidence to reach out. They also need to be equipped to disciple new believers.
MERF USES RADIO AS A KEY EVANGELISTIC TOOL.
In conjunction with ‘Words of Hope’ and, ‘The Back to God Hour’, MERF uses terrestrial radio broadcasting to reach out in 14 languages to a potential audience of more than 340 million people. Many listeners respond to the invitation to request further information. The challenge of the Gospel is presented as the contact is developed over time, with personal responses to letters. In more recent times, through five internet radio stations and the use of social media increasing numbers of Arabic and Farsi speakers around the world are able to communicate directly with MERF staff.
MERF PROVIDES 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.” MERF seeks to respond to urgent needs as they arise, however, our strategy is to equip people to be self-sufficient rather than to respond to emergencies only.
MERF IS WORKING IN MANY COUNTRIES.
MERF is active in evangelism, church extension, biblical training and diaconal aid in Arabic-speaking countries and East Africa and Asia. MERF aims to strengthen the church and reach out to the local community.
MERF BELIEVES IN BIBLICAL TRAINING.
While the main purpose of the Gospel is to reconcile sinful man to the sovereign God, the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ has implications for every area of life. The Gospel transcends and redeems human culture. It is “the power of God to everyone who believes.” Through the provision of biblical training MERF endeavours to equip the Church in the vital work of evangelism and discipleship.
THE WORK OF MERF IS BEARING FRUIT.
Through the collaborative efforts of MERF and the Reformed family of Churches worldwide, the Church throughout the Middle East, Africa, Pakistan and Indonesia is being encouraged and strengthened. Non-Christians are responding to the challenge of the Gospel of Christ; converts are being discipled by national Christians, and those in need are being helped both spiritually and materially.