What does it mean to follow Jesus in one of the most dangerous places in the world? How do believers live out their faith in Gaza—caught between Hamas, Israeli forces, and deep cultural hostility?

This week, Alex and Scott sit down with Pastor Hanna Massad, former pastor of Gaza Baptist Church, to hear his firsthand story of shepherding believers in a context of persecution, poverty, and war. Pastor Hanna shares the history of the Christian presence in Gaza, the challenges of ministering in “three fires,” and how even today the small evangelical community continues serving their neighbors with food, water, and the hope of Christ.

Together, they explore the heartbreaking realities of life in Gaza, the opportunities for the gospel in the midst of conflict, and the importance of remembering our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer far from the world’s headlines.

Key Topics Covered

• The history and decline of the Christian presence in Gaza
• Life and ministry in “three fires”: militant Islam, Israeli presence, and tension with traditional Orthodox churches
• Stories of persecution, loss, and God’s sustaining grace
• How Gaza Baptist Church continues serving through relief and gospel witness
• What Western Christians need to understand about Palestinian believers today

This episode is sponsored by Reformation Heritage Books, publisher of How to Lead Your Family by Dr. Joel Beeke—a short, practical guide to biblical leadership in the home. Use code LEADABWE at RHB.org for 20% off through September 30.

With more than 3 billion people who have never heard the name of Jesus, the harvest is still plentiful but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37–38). Is God calling you to the mission field? Visit abwe.org/SendMe to begin the conversation.

Do you love The Missions Podcast? Support the show and get access to bonus content, a private Signal thread, webinars, and more by becoming a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium.

The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Catch the third and final season of Cloud of Witnesses at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.

How do we view other Christian factions like Catholics and Eastern Orthodox?

Alex and Scott explore how Evangelical Protestants should view Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox believers in the context of global missions. They address the question of whether these groups are “reached” by the gospel, if they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, if they should be evangelized, and finally if we should consider those groups in our mission strategies.

Alex and Scott stress that while unreached people groups deserve priority, revitalizing and strengthening existing Christian communities is also vital to prevent spiritual decline and that a balanced approach is needed in both breaking new ground and building up existing foundations.

Key Topics Covered

• Definitions of “reached” vs. “unreached” in missiological terms.
• Theological and practical considerations for viewing Catholics and Orthodox believers as brothers in Christ.
• The historical precedent for re-evangelizing Christianized but nominal regions.
• The dangers of neglecting existing Christian communities in mission strategy.
• The need for unity in presenting the gospel across denominational lines.

Download the transcript for this episode.

Being a godly husband and father isn't about one big heroic act, it's about showing up every day. Men need a simple, practical plan to stay faithful in the daily grind. How To Lead Your Family is a no-nonsense guide, from author Joel Beeke, that gives the biblical foundation, Christ-centered encouragement, practical advice for men to purse the high standards that God calls them too. Get 20% off your copy today when you use the promo code: LEADABWE. Additionally, new email subscribers can get 10% off a future order. We are thankful for Reformation Heritage Books for their sponsorship of this episode!

With over 3 billion people in the world who have never heard of Jesus, the global need is tremendous for workers to go into the harvest fields (Matthew 9:37-38). Is God calling you to missions? We'd love to have a conversation with you on how you can use your gifts and talents to advance the Great Commission at home and abroad. Visit abwe.org/SendMe for more information and to take your next step in missions.

Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber!

Premium Subscribers get access to:

• Exclusive bonus content
• A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts
• Invite-only webinars
• A free gift!

Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium

The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.