You get committed individuals ready to turn the world upside down.
The room was alive with energy as young adults from across the MENA region gathered under the theme “Upside Down,” inspired by Acts 17:6: “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here.” Their enthusiasm was unmistakable as they engaged in the training, worshiped, prayed, and shared testimonies (two of which are this month’s stories) of both challenge and hope—each committed to finding fresh ways to live out the gospel where God has placed them.
The event was organized by Rafael Porto, who leads this ministry initiative and continues to mentor young adults across the region to serve intentionally. Throughout the week, speakers including Pr. Rick McEdward, Secretary of the General Conference (G.C.); Alfred Asiem, G.C. Associate Youth Director; Pr. Denis Sand, MENAU President; Ricardo Palacios, MENAU Ministerial Liaison; Mark Coleman, Gulf Field President; and Carlos Biaggi, Middle East University President, brought practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement.
Ashraf Fawzy, MENAU Publishing Resources Director, and Amal Fawzy, MENAU Women, Children, and Family Ministries Director—both longtime locals—led cultural awareness training. With candor and insight, they shared insider principles and practical tips for avoiding missteps and engaging with respect in the region’s diverse contexts. Psychologist Roseane Alonso guided participants through testing designed to help them better understand themselves and how their unique strengths fit into God’s work. Fun team-building activities put those insights into action, strengthening bonds and showing how collaboration can magnify strengths and support weaknesses and enable teams to demonstrate to those around them what a community of true believers looks like.
Over 60 people attended the training, 45 of them students who, with passion and resolve, are giving their youth, energy, gifts, and talents to God’s work in the MENA region—ready to turn their world “upside down” with the hope of the gospel.
Let us pray: Lord of the harvest, thank you for these workers giving the best years of their lives for you. Protect them, provide for their needs, continue to guide them–and please send us more.