A Storm in the Desert

A podcast series produced by 9Marks chronicling the journey of our churches in the Arabian Peninsula.

  • People gathered outside RAK Evangelical Church Center at night, with string lights overhead and tables set up.

    On Ekklesia International

    By Andy Johnson, John Folmar, and Josh Manley, 9Marks and Reaching & Teaching

    In this episode, Mack Stiles and Ryan Robertson interview the leaders of Ekklesia International about our association of churches in the 10/40 window. They discuss how their network exists to plant and strengthen churches.

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  • Planting English Speaking Churches Among Unreached

    By Josh Manley, Jenny Manley, and David Platt, CROSS CON

    Planting English-speaking churches among the unreached offers a strategic model for modern missions, leveraging gospel-centered preaching, sound doctrine, and partnerships to make the gospel known.

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  • Aerial view of Dubai skyline with skyscrapers, highways, and Burj Khalifa at sunset.

    How Reformed Churches Are Growing on the Arabian Peninsula

    By Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, The Gospel Coalition

    Reformed churches in the Arabian Peninsula are thriving despite challenges, drawing on sound doctrine, gospel-centered preaching, and strategic partnerships with international and local believers.

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  • Facade of a modern evangelical church with arched windows and decorative patterns.

    Why Are International Churches Important?

    By Mark Collins, Great Commission Council

    International churches offer strategic opportunities for ministry, serving as spiritual homes for expatriates and platforms for cross-cultural gospel work. Learn why their role in missions deserves greater attention.

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  • Rows of wooden church pews with red cushions

    What Role Do International Churches Have in the Great Commission?

    By Caleb Greggsen, Radical

    International churches serve as unique opportunities for fulfilling the Great Commission, reaching both expatriates and locals. This article focuses on the role that healthy international churches should play in the Great Commission.

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  • Satellite image of Earth showing Asia, Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with visible landforms and bodies of water.

    International Churches Aren’t the Silver Bullet of Missions Strategy

    By Eric White and Dean Polk, The Gospel Coalition

    There's no silver bullet in the work to get the gospel to the peoples and places where it's not yet firmly established. Eric White and Dean Polk explain why more work needs to be done both through international and indigenous churches.

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  • Busy urban street with heavy traffic, showing cars and a motorcycle. Elevated train tracks run above the street, with high-rise buildings in the background. Sidewalks line the street, and there are signs and billboards on buildings.

    The Strategic Role of International Churches

    By Matt Tyler and Caleb Greggsen, Great Commission Council

    International churches commend the gospel to the world and are a key missions strategy for the Great Commission. They are launch pads for gospel ministry throughout the world, worthy of partnership, resources, and support.

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  • Urban canalside scene with modern buildings, palm trees, and reflective water under a clear sky.

    On Strategic Studies Abroad

    By Andy Johnson, 9Marks and Reaching & Teaching

    What role can studying abroad play in advancing the gospel? Andy Johnson explores how Christians can leverage international education to strategically engage in missions and support the growth of local churches.

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  • A child looking over a wooden church pew, with people sitting in rows and a man smiling at the child.

    Should Missionaries Join a Local Church?

    By John Folmar, DesiringGod

    Missionaries often face challenges in connecting with local churches. John Folmar, a pastor in the United Arab Emirates, argues that joining a local church is not optional but essential for gospel ministry.

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  • Open book displaying a map of ancient regions around the Mediterranean, including areas like Greece, Anatolia, and the Middle East, with annotations for historical journeys.

    The Global Ministry Opportunity We Don’t Talk About

    By Jason Seville, The Gospel Coalition

    Jason Seville sheds light on the overlooked opportunities presented by international churches, urging believers to consider how these congregations can catalyze gospel impact in global cities.

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  • Three people walking on a dirt road in a lush, tropical landscape carrying bundles of sticks on their heads.

    Indigenous Church or International Church?

    By Matt Tyler, Great Commission Council

    Should we focus our attention on planting international or indigenous churches? Matt Tyler discusses the biblical priorities and practical strategies for balancing these approaches in missions work.

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  • People walking on a plaza at sunset with palm trees and a distant tower in the background.

    International Churches: Detour or Another Tool?

    By Mark Collins, Great Commission Council

    An international church should endeavor to be growing in health, pursuing local relationships, and equipping indigenous leaders with the explicit goal of planting and strengthening other local churches.

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