A BridgeBuilder’s experience in the Middle East

By SooYoung Lee

My six weeks in the Middle East this summer has been a real eye opening experience. Having been interested in the Middle East before I left, this trip has really confirmed my passion to reach out to the Arab nations as a qualified doctor in the future.  

When I first arrived I was struck by the culture heavily influenced by Islam and the poverty and corruption that were present. 

During my time there, I gradually became more immersed in the culture-I visited many hospitals where I got to find out more about the healthcare system and the needs of the local people. Spending time at a nursing home for a couple of days also gave me a good opportunity to talk to the elderly and see the differences between care in the West and in the Middle East. 

I also helped with the prison ministry which I found a very humbling experience being able to talk to the foreigners there and provide spiritual support. 

I can't forget the mobile clinic I went on with a group of Christian healthcare professionals who gave up their weekend to treat people in the villages with no access to healthcare for free.
Spending time with evangelical Christians out there has been invaluable. I was overwhelmed by their abundant generosity and hospitality towards me and the people around them and it was so encouraging to see their enthusiasm and passion for Jesus even under pressure and discrimination from their own country.
Hearing many stories of what it is like to live as a Christian in the Middle East has really made me aware of the needs of Christians around the world and urged me to pray more for Christians in around the world.  

I had a wonderful experience of talking to two locals with whom I shared the Good News. I really felt that God was leading my conversation and allowed them to listen with an open heart and I could see them thinking about what I said and asked me many questions. I am now really praying that there will be many opportunities like this in the Middle East where people can hear about Jesus. Overall, my trip to the Middle East has had a positive impact in my life in many ways.  

I am certain that God has big plans for his people in the Middle East and I am looking forward to serving in the Middle East in the future.  

SooYoung Lee

Experiences

Read some quotes from others who wrote about their experiences with the short-term project and Highway Taster:

Highway Taster
'It was so special to visit sacred places and to discover such diversity... I love nature very much, so I really enjoyed the trips to Golan and the desert. We met many people with a lot of knowledge and experience. They thaught us a lot. which really was indispensable.' 

'It was awesome to sleep in the desert. It was very dry and quiet and you think about how Jesus did that while He stayed in the desert for forty days.' 

'On the one hand, my understanding of the situation in Israel and the Middle East has increased, because now you have experienced it yourself. But on the other hand, I understand even less, because it so very complicated. But it is for sure that I have learned much about it.'

Short term project
'I am highly enthusiastic about what God has taught me about His plan and His covenant with Israel, which is today as much current as at that time. My faith is deepened by meeting Jewish people and seeing how they experience and serve God. It may sound odd, but it feels like I have discovered an 'other side' of God, that I did not know yet. ' 

'I have discovered God's father heart for His people anew. Also all His promises. And He taught me a lot by this. Especially that I did not give Him my whole 'own self' yet. I very much want Him to guide me, but unintentionally I said to God: You can guide me, but only if I become a nurse, because that's want I want to do. God showed me that I really have to give this to Him. I received so much peace after that, so liberating. ' 

'In the beginning we felt a distance. We only stayed for two and a half month and according to them that was a period that was too short. Sometimes it seemed that they weren't in to contact so much. We were fed up with this, but decided to give it over to God. Somehow we managed to win the confidence of the youngsters. We had a good laugh, but also cried together. Now it's almost time to say goodbye, we hear a hundred times a day: 'Why do you have to go? It is unfair! Please come back. We love you!' It was great to get to know these youngsters and to be able to be part of their world.' 

'I have learned how to say that a day is good or bad. Yoom il basal (onion day) or yoom il asaal (honey day). When a couple of residents had peed on the floor and the cleaner had to clean it for me every time, I said to her that it was a 'yoom il basaal'. She had to laugh very much and said that it was a urine day. Most of the people here have a great sense of humour. '