In a world where conflict and uncertainty often dominate headlines from the Middle East, organizations like NEO Leaders stand as beacons of hope, embodying the transformative power of Christ in the Middle East. As one of the leading Middle East missions organizations, NEO US - also known as the Near East Organization, Inc. - has been at the forefront of disciple-making and humanitarian work since 2005. Our mission is clear: to disciple passionate men and women from every segment of society to love and obey God, serve others, and multiply. This blog post dives deep into the heart of NEO, exploring our roots, our impact through Discovery Bible Study (DBS) groups, our role in Christian missions in the Middle East, and how we're addressing the spiritual and physical needs of communities across the region and beyond.

Founded with a vision to see the name of Christ proclaimed among the nations, NEO US has grown from humble beginnings in five countries—Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Cyprus, and Syria—to operating in 31 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe.  This expansion isn't just geographical; it's a testament to the Holy Spirit's movement, turning prayers into a global disciple-making movement. In the early 2000s, a small group of pioneers in the United States prayed for a nationally led initiative to fulfill the Great Commission in the Middle East, where less than four percent of the population identified as Christian at the time. Projections suggested this number could drop even further by 2050 without intervention. Responding to this call, NEO US was born, partnering with local leaders like Nadim Costa, who brought his experience from SAT-7 and Beirut's city council to shape a culturally resonant approach to evangelism and aid.

Among Middle East missions organizations, NEO US stands out by focusing on national leaders serving their own nationals. We believe that true transformation comes from within communities, not imposed from outside. This philosophy aligns with biblical models of multiplication, as seen in Jesus' commissioning of the twelve disciples in Matthew 28:19: "Go and make disciples of all nations." By empowering locals to lead, we've seen exponential growth. In 2024 alone, NEO US supported over 60,000 active DBS groups, trained 1,050 leaders, and welcomed more than 140,000 new followers into these groups. These metrics aren't just numbers-they represent lives changed amid chaos, from rocket-blazed skies in Beirut to refugee camps in Iraq.

The Heart of Our Work: Discovery Bible Study Groups and Discipleship

At the core of NEO US's efforts in Christian missions in the Middle East are our Discovery Bible Study (DBS) groups. These aren't your typical Bible studies reliant on commentaries or structured curricula. Instead, DBS is an accessible, interactive method where small groups-often husbands, wives, boys, and girls gathering under simple canopies or in homes-dive directly into Scripture. Participants ask guiding questions, such as, "What does this passage say?" "What does it reveal about God and people?" and "How will I apply this in my life?" This approach fosters personal discovery, obedience, and immediate action, creating a ripple effect as members invite others to join.

Imagine a sunny morning in Beirut's Achrafieh neighborhood, just after rockets have streaked across the sky. Over a dozen people gather on a back patio, the aroma of freshly grilled Lebanese flatbread mingling with the sounds of children playing. Some are followers of Jesus; others are seekers, restless and weary from ongoing violence. They open to Matthew 8:26-27, where Jesus calms the storm: "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!" As they discuss, hope emerges amid anger and fatigue. This scene, drawn from real gatherings facilitated by NEO US, illustrates how DBS groups provide spiritual resilience in turbulent times. In regions like Syria, where Christianity faces historical and contemporary challenges, these groups revive faith communities, offering peace that only Jesus can bring.

DBS has proven to be one of the most effective tools for catalyzing disciple-making movements, according to surveys of over 300 missionaries across 38 countries. It's not just about reading the Bible-it's about living it. NEO US emphasizes obedience to Christ, encouraging participants to align their daily lives with His commands. This discipleship model transforms individuals from learners into active multipliers, spreading the Gospel organically. For instance, in Egypt, our partnerships with local churches have revitalized one congregation, which now serves as a model for 420 others, overcoming cultural barriers through trust and shared vision.

As a key player among Middle East mission organizations, NEO US integrates discipleship with practical service, which is referred to as "access ministry."  This holistic approach addresses both spiritual hunger and physical needs, making the Gospel tangible. In 2024, we provided food assistance to 45,000 individuals, served 15,000 people with special needs, supported over 4,000 refugees in Egypt and at the Rafah crossing, educated 600 children at the Al Mahaba School, and trained more than 600 Yazidi women in health and hygiene.

Stories of Transformation: From Despair to Hope in the Middle East

The true measure of Christian missions in the Middle East lies in the personal stories of those touched by God's love. Take the story of a young woman fleeing a forced marriage. Bloodied and desperate, she arrived at a doctor's care, her life hanging by a thread. The doctor, a NEO partner, not only transfused his own blood to save her but also shared the story of Jesus, who shed His blood for humanity. Over time, she came to embrace the Gospel, finding freedom, and now leads a DBS group that empowers other women to recognize their worth in God's Kingdom.

Or consider the Yazidi women in Iraq, survivors of unimaginable horrors under ISIS. Paraded and sold into slavery, they escaped only to face further exploitation. When local churches conditioned aid on religious recitations, it deepened their trauma. A member of parliament, hearing of NEO's trauma therapy programs, approached us despite initial skepticism. "Do you plan to make my girls Christian?" she asked. Our honest response-that we couldn't force faith but would share biblical truths-opened the door. Thirty-two girls, including the parliamentarian, attended sessions that led  to healing and redemption. This partnership exemplifies how NEO US, as one of the premier Middle East mission organizations, builds trust without borders, fostering genuine transformation.

Hamid's journey highlights our focus on multiplication. Relocating from Iran, he embraced faith passionately and now leads over 20 DBS groups. He mentored others to start their own ministries, inspiring them with dreams of returning home to share Jesus' message. Similarly, Zubair—whose enemies assassinated his father during political turmoil—chose forgiveness through Christ.  chose forgiveness through Christ. Today, he pastors a church for displaced people in a MENA country, planning to bring healing back to his homeland.

These narratives underscore NEO’s commitment to gender equality, a core value in a region where women are often marginalized. We empower women in leadership and service, reflecting God's design for all as equal image-bearers. Programs like trauma therapy and skills training restore dignity, aligning with our broader goals of community transformation.

Strategic Priorities: Building a Sustainable Movement

NEO US's success in Christian missions in the Middle East stems from strategic priorities rooted in a Kingdom perspective. We ask: "Where is the Holy Spirit already at work, and how can we catch up?" This mindset drives partnerships, like those in Egypt, where former tensions with church leaders have evolved into collaborative efforts.

We prioritize nationals serving nationals, drawing from models like Ying Kai's in China, where training locals led to thousands of house churches. Research affirms this as the most impactful global missions strategy. Our leaders, often from challenging backgrounds, embody resilience like Khalil, who turned street ministry into a self-sustaining coffee shop and clothing store, welcoming society's outcasts and modeling Jesus' inclusive love.

Ministry entrepreneurship fuels innovation, adapting strategies to urban, rural, or remote contexts. Through our sister entity, SLED International (Serve, Lead, Empower, Develop), we deliver aid in restricted areas, supporting disabled individuals in Egypt, Bedouin children's education in Lebanon, Yazidi camps in Iraq, and more.

Obedience to Christ and multiplication of movements ensure sustainability. As Paul instructed Timothy (2 Timothy 2:2), we train disciples to teach others, creating generational impact.

Joining the Mission: Pray, Go, Give

As NEO US looks to 2025, we're committed to building capacity, recruiting passionate staff, developing sustainable finances, and enhancing programs. With over 225 staff and 7,000 volunteers, we're poised for greater reach, but we need partners. Romans 10:13-15 reminds us: "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!"

We invite you to partner with us among Middle East missions organizations.

Pray for safety amid violence, new leaders, and our team's pastoral care. Sign up for updates at www.neous.org/partner.

Go on a vision trip.  Contact Andrew Phillips at andrewphillips@neo-leaders.com.

Give to sustain operations and launch initiatives in North Africa and Europe—details at www.neous.org/partner.

NEO US is more than a missions organization; we're a movement embodying God's Kingdom in the Middle East's chaos. Through DBS groups, humanitarian aid, and disciple-making, we're changing narratives, one life at a time. Whether you're exploring Christian missions in the Middle East or seeking ways to support Middle East missions organizations, join us. Together, let's proclaim Christ's name, bringing hope where it's needed most. For more information on NEO, and ways you can follow the stories coming out of the region, here are a few ways you can connect.