by Major AmyJo Ferguson
Since we took up our appointments in the Middle East in February 2024, we’ve traveled a lot. We have the privilege of visiting Salvationists around the Middle East Region who often meet in each other’s homes and church compounds, which are large facilities with many chapels where Christians are allowed to gather.
United Arab Emirates is our homebase. We live in Abu Dhabi where we worship on Sunday mornings. The corps in Abu Dhabi has a wonderful family atmosphere, and the people there love to meet in fellowship.
On Wednesdays, we travel to Dubai, which is a rich and beautiful city. It is a testament to hard work and ingenuity. It is a privilege to worship with the people there and to see their commitment to The Salvation Army. In Dubai there is a brass band, and often others in the church compound will pause to listen to the band play.
We also oversee the three corps in the country of Oman. Unlike Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which created mountain ranges of buildings from the desert plains, Oman is a country between the mountains and the sea. It is very green, especially during the Khareef season when the autumnal monsoons come. Along the roadsides fruit vendors sell fresh sweet coconuts, mangoes, papayas, and many varieties of bananas. The people in Oman are as welcoming and beautiful as the place they live.
There are two corps in the country of Bahrain. They are known for their spirited and Spirit-led worship. They love to sing and are full of passion. Bahrain is the location of the Middle East Regional Headquarters.
The first official corps in the Middle East was in Kuwait so it boasts a large, established corps with many programs like thriving women’s and men’s ministries, as well as Sunday school, junior soldiers, and a brass band. We recently visited the Kuwait Corps to celebrate their 16-year anniversary.
While every place is unique and a blessing in its own way, we find that we are welcomed with love and open arms everywhere we go. Like all Salvationists, the soldiers in the Middle East enjoy fellowship together. Christians are in the minority in these countries, and it can be difficult to be a follower of Christ in the Middle East. Because of this there is much rejoicing when we join as a family of brothers and sisters in Christ.
This is especially amazing because the soldiers in the Middle East come from around the world. While most of the soldiers are from India, we also have soldiers from South Africa, Brazil, Canada, Uganda, Zimbabwe, the Philippines, Nigeria, and Kenya. Despite coming from many different cultures and places they appreciate each other and the privilege of worship. This is seen in the structures of the corps themselves. Because there are only two officer couples in the region, most corps are led regularly by committed soldiers, with everyone lending a hand.
Like officers everywhere, we are blessed to be able to serve.
