Our Mission Journey: From Local Church to Global Outreach
The Call to Pastoral Ministry
When I became a pastor, I knew my responsibility was more than just preaching sermons. As pastors, we are called to shepherd Gods people encouraging them in joyful moments and standing with them in times of sorrow.
Paul reminds us in Romans 12:15, Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
A Bit About Me
Beyond preaching and teaching, I found myself deeply involved in my congregations daily lives driving people to appointments, helping them move, interpreting for them, counselling them through struggles, and sharing the gospel with newcomers. However, I struggled with a sense of dissatisfaction. While I was committed to my pastoral duties, I felt that God was calling me to something more.
I prayed earnestly, seeking clarity from the Lord: Lord, if I am not called to be a pastor, show me what You want me to do.
Seeking wisdom, I reached out to experienced pastors and mentors. The consistent response I received was: You need to multiply yourself through discipleship.
This confirmed the importance of raising up new leaders, yet I still felt that there was something more.
My Journey
In June 2011
A Divine Encounter in Los Angeles
In June 2011, I attended a Persian-Armenian leadership conference in Los Angeles with my wife. This was my first time connecting with a large group of Persian Christian leaders and former Muslims who had come to Christ. The conference was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit many were speaking in tongues, praying for each other, and experiencing healing.
During a special session, two guest speakers one Italian and one American, were introduced as having the gift of prophecy. As the congregation prayed, one of them walked directly toward my wife and me, took my hand, and said:
I believe God wants us to prophesy over you.
I was astonished. These men did not know me, yet they spoke about my past struggles, the questions I had been asking God, and the doubts I had wrestled with. Then, they spoke of my future, confirming that God had a specific mission for me beyond pastoral ministry.
This experience deeply moved my wife and me. We wept as we felt Gods confirmation over our lives.
After returning to Vancouver
40 Days of Fasting and the Call to Missions
(2012-2023)
The Turkey Refugee Project (2012-2023)
After returning to Vancouver, I committed to 40 days of fasting. During this time of prayer and seeking, God spoke to me clearly: “Mission”
I asked, Lord, where do You want me to go? I initially thought of Pakistan, where I had accepted Christ, but the Lord said, No. Instead, He placed Turkey on my heart.
At first, I resisted. I did not speak the language, nor was I familiar with the culture. But through continued prayer, I realized this was His calling for me.
By Gods grace, I developed a 10-year project focused on discipling Farsi-speaking refugees in Turkey. From 2012 to 2023, I traveled to Turkey every year, staying for a month each time. Despite language barriers and cultural differences, God blessed the ministry abundantly.
Through our efforts, we witness over 600 baptisms and thousands of people coming to Christ. Using digital platforms like Yahoo Messenger, Skype, Facebook, and Zoom, we were able to disciple refugees remotely for 11 months of the year while spending one month physically in Turkey.
My Journey
In June 2011
A Divine Encounter in Los Angeles
In June 2011, I attended a Persian-Armenian leadership conference in Los Angeles with my wife. This was my first time connecting with a large group of Persian Christian leaders and former Muslims who had come to Christ. The conference was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit many were speaking in tongues, praying for each other, and experiencing healing.
During a special session, two guest speakers one Italian and one American, were introduced as having the gift of prophecy. As the congregation prayed, one of them walked directly toward my wife and me, took my hand, and said:
I believe God wants us to prophesy over you.
I was astonished. These men did not know me, yet they spoke about my past struggles, the questions I had been asking God, and the doubts I had wrestled with. Then, they spoke of my future, confirming that God had a specific mission for me beyond pastoral ministry.
This experience deeply moved my wife and me. We wept as we felt Gods confirmation over our lives.
After returning to Vancouver
40 Days of Fasting and the Call to Missions
(2012-2023)
The Turkey Refugee Project (2012-2023)
After returning to Vancouver, I committed to 40 days of fasting. During this time of prayer and seeking, God spoke to me clearly: “Mission”
I asked, Lord, where do You want me to go? I initially thought of Pakistan, where I had accepted Christ, but the Lord said, No. Instead, He placed Turkey on my heart.
At first, I resisted. I did not speak the language, nor was I familiar with the culture. But through continued prayer, I realized this was His calling for me.
By Gods grace, I developed a 10-year project focused on discipling Farsi-speaking refugees in Turkey. From 2012 to 2023, I traveled to Turkey every year, staying for a month each time. Despite language barriers and cultural differences, God blessed the ministry abundantly.
Through our efforts, we witness over 600 baptisms and thousands of people coming to Christ. Using digital platforms like Yahoo Messenger, Skype, Facebook, and Zoom, we were able to disciple refugees remotely for 11 months of the year while spending one month physically in Turkey.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
(Matthew 28:19)
This project was a testimony of Gods faithfulness. However, as the 10-year plan concluded, I sensed the Lord leading me to the next mission.
(2023)
The Israel Project (2023)
In 2016, my wife and I visited Israel on a Christian tour. During this trip, Unlike in Turkey, there were no established Farsi-speaking Christian platforms in Israel.
In 2023, I spent three months in Israel working with Persian Ministry International (PMI), undergoing leadership training and connecting with local churches. I felt a deep burden for the 250,000 Persian-speaking Jews living in Israel, most of whom had never heard the gospel.
We had planned to move permanently to Israel and establish a discipleship program for Persian Jews. However, due to the war in 2023, we had to pause this project.
I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
(Genesis 12:3)
Though our physical presence in Israel is on hold, we continue to pray and seek Gods timing for the next steps.
(2023)
The Israel Project (2023)
As I prayed for my next mission field, God directed my attention to a Christianmajority country in the Middle East where many Persian and Afghan Muslims travel annually for vacation. This nation presents a strategic opportunity to establish a Farsi-speaking church and discipleship platform.
We are currently in the early stages of this 10-year project, seeking the Lords guidance, building connections, and preparing for what He has in store.
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
(Romans 10:14)
For security reasons, we are not publicly naming the country at this time. However, as the platform develops, updates will be available on our website.
Let's Get
Social
