In the letter to the Galatians, we find an interesting insight from Paul. He tells us that after his encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus, he went to Arabia (Galatians 1:17) and stayed there for a long time. Paul writes that he received the gospel not from any human being but directly through a revelation from Jesus Christ. So, his stay in Arabia, where he was taught by the Lord Himself, transformed him from being the gospel’s chief opponent into its foremost champion and theologian. Much of the New Testament we read today was revealed to Paul in Arabia—that is, in present-day Saudi Arabia. The original apostles—Peter, John, and Jesus’ brother James—recognized the grace Paul had received and extended their hand to him as a sign of fellowship (Galatians 2:9). Paul thus received a mandate, an approval from the “pillars” of the church, to go to the Gentiles (non-Jews), while Peter was to go to the Jewish people. The educated Paul, who had studied under Gamaliel, was to go to the uneducated, while the “uneducated” Peter was to go to the educated Jews. Neither of them would rely on their previous experiences but on the Holy Spirit. Both had been with Jesus and received the gospel directly from Him, though in different ways (Acts 4:13).
It is the same today. We are completely dependent on the guidance, revelation, help, strength, and gifts of the Holy Spirit to advance God’s kingdom. Those of us who travel to different countries on various mission assignments rely on God’s grace—something I experienced the first time I came to Saudi Arabia. The rain had just eased, but so much fell at once that flooding occurred in many places—this in a desert land. The word became alive: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19). I wholeheartedly believe this applies to the Arab countries, and that God is opening doors that were previously closed.
Through the many guest workers in the country, hundreds of small house churches have sprung up. They exist everywhere—in houses and apartments. To a large extent, the gospel has been a hidden, underground activity due to the real consequences that can follow, but increasingly the gospel has gained ground. Just think of all the prayer that has taken place in these relatively small house churches throughout the country. Prayer changes things—it’s just a matter of reading the Book of Acts. My visit was very much appreciated, not because of me, but because of what we as a church in Uppsala have received from the Lord to steward and pass on: the word of faith (Romans 10:8).
In Arabia, as well as in all the countries, there is a great demand for teaching about faith. When we provide it, signs, wonders, and miracles occur. The gifts of the Spirit are present, and people are blessed—this was also evident during my second trip to Saudi Arabia. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for teaching from the Word. People want seminars on various topics, and so we are exploring how we can assist our brothers and sisters in the land that early received Paul, where he received the gospel we preach today. Imagine if we could start more regular teaching in the country—only the Lord knows what will then happen.
Therefore, we are so grateful to all of you who support our mission work, enabling us to reach the unreached, equip the believers, be present on the ground, and pray the prayers of faith that move mountains.
God bless you!
Åke Carlson, traveling preacher
