The Arab Spring. Syrian refugees fleeing from the country’s conflict into Jordan and other surrounding countries by the thousands. The release of the anti-Muslim film trailer “Innocence of Muslims” that has recently sparked protests and violence around the globe.
Today’s world news is brimming with stories about happenings in the Arab world and the currents of transition running through many countries since the first uprising in Tunisia began the Arab Spring in 2010. And while the Christian population is falling in some Arab countries as some believers try to emigrate, those remaining often feel less secure because of rising tensions.
But in the face of political uprisings, protests and change, Arab Woman Today Ministries (AWT), based in Jordan, continues to press forward with its unchanging vision to equip and empower Arab women, and most importantly provide a platform to share Jesus’ love even in the midst of tumultuous times.
The ministry initially began in 1999 as “a radio program for the purpose of reaching and encouraging Arab women with the love of Jesus Christ through the medium of radio.” It has since grown into a multifaceted ministry with a website magazine, training seminars and networking opportunities for Arab women.
According to Ruba Abbassi, founder and director of AWT, the ministry reaches women over the air, on the ground and online.
Social media was implemented in the ministry in 2011, and Abbassi reported that the interaction on Facebook has been “so encouraging.” Already, 5,000 members are following AWT’s Facebook women’s group.
Because social media provides a platform for people to express opinions and feelings, Abbassi noted it has opened up new opportunities to minister to those who reach out to AWT in the online world. When AWT is able to immediately respond to questions and find the answers people are seeking, they feel they are cared for, she said.
With a passion to raise up Christian women leaders, one major focus of AWT is working with Christian Arab women in churches to equip and empower them — particularly those who have the potential to participate in a ministry or already lead one.
“Since 2003 we [have] invite[d] women from different countries to come to Jordan and [have] train[ed] them on leadership skills, life skills … all the aspects that are needed for the ministry inside the church and outside the church,” Abbassi said.
“If I really want to raise up qualified leaders, I work with qualified numbers,” she added.
“So we work with small groups because we want to give them all of our attention and focus and care, be able to just inspire them. … We’ve been doing this for years now and it’s been really bringing [about a] wonderful outcome … with the women.”
The theme of equipping and empowering women with relevant life skills can be seen through much of AWT’s offerings, like the self-defense course developed in 2009. In cooperation with the local police department in Jordan, each three-day course educates high school and college-age girls and those who have been victims of sexual harassment about daily risks they may face and the practical skills needed to defend themselves.
“It’s been successful because many of them [have] opened up a lot of hidden stories that they’ve had for many years, and we’re still working with them, helping them to overcome … problems,” Abbassi explained.
AWT also offers a networking conference for Christian women leaders. Abbassi expects about 50 women to attend the upcoming conference in November.
In addition to AWT’s many projects geared toward women, the current unrest in Syria has sparked aspirations to minister to refugees entering Jordan.
According to news reports about 300,000 Syrian refugees have fled into neighboring countries including Iraq, Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. Abbassi reported that thousands of Syrians are staying in refugee camps in Jordan and others are scattered throughout the northern part of the country. “We’re working on [a] project now to provide hygiene products for 300 [refugee] families,” she noted.
Also prevalent in many parts of the Arab world are the protests stemming from the recent release of the anti-Islam film trailer, “The Innocence of Muslims.” Abbassi said generally Muslims in Jordan felt “very upset” about the film, and evangelicals wrote an article in the newspapers condemning the film. She hopes it will not affect the relationships between Christians and Muslims in Jordan.
When asked what she would say if she could speak directly to the film’s producer, Abbassi said she would tell him that “he needs to stand up and apologize” to the Muslim nation for his act because “he offended Muslims all over the globe and offended us as Arab Christians because it hurt the feelings of our friends, neighbors and colleagues.” She added that because they live in the tension, Christians in the Arab region will be the first to be affected.
As she moves forward in her ministry Abbassi looks to the future with hope. “God has been providing [for the ministry] since 1999,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for me to wait upon the Lord and see how He will show His glorious provision and how He will be glorified through what we do — this is the most important thing.”
AWT is preparing a TV program, which they hope to broadcast early next year.
Due to the ministry’s recent growth, AWT moved into a new building in May. “The new building is really a blessing from God,” Abbassi shared, adding it offers a training center with full facilities for women.
But because the building’s loan must be paid off in three years, AWT is currently looking for 300 donors to give $1,000 each. “This way we can finish everything without losing the building,” she said.
Abbassi also asked for prayer for the ministry as it works in “different fields” and that the people they minister to will “become disciples and tomorrow’s leaders.”
Visit www.awtministries.com to support the ministry or contact WMU (Woman’s Missionary Union) Foundation, www.wmufoundation.com.
Share with others: