21 July 2026
Return to the Middle East. It is hard to believe I have already been back in the Middle East for seven weeks. Summer has certainly been an adjustment! Temperatures have reached 47°C, with yesterday a ‘feels like’ temperature of 51°C because of the humidity. Every day makes me thankful for the gift of air-conditioning!
Health
Thank you for faithfully praying throughout my cancer journey. My first annual checkup in May confirmed that I remain cancer-free. Although scans showed some abnormalities, the doctors are confident these are only the effects of surgery and radiotherapy. I still experience some joint-pain, a side-effect from the medication and low energy-levels caused from the intense heat, but overall, I am doing very well. God has been so faithful.
Living in Uncertain Days
The conflict across the Middle East has intensified once again and continues to affect daily life in Bahrain. Warning sirens, missiles overhead, the distant rumble of interceptions and interrupted sleep have become the normal. It would seem infrastructure is the main target for now. I remain deeply thankful for God’s protection and for the defence forces who have intercepted many of the missiles and drones – some only seconds before impact. These days remind me that our security is found not in stable circumstances, but in the Lord who remains our refuge and peace.
Book Kiosk Ministry
The book kiosk continues to provide wonderful opportunities for gospel conversations. A local man recently returned to tell us how much he was enjoying reading the Study Bible he had purchased, later bringing a friend who also bought several Christian books. Another young local, having just bought five Christian books asked if we knew someone who could answer his questions in Arabic. It was a joy to connect him with a mature Arabic-speaking believer who could continue those conversations. During the same week we also sold three Arabic Bibles—one to a Saudi believer, another to a young local man and the third to a local couple. It is always a privilege to place God’s Word into people’s hands, trusting Him to continue His work in each life.
Mall Labourers
Alongside the kiosk ministry, our relationships with mall workers continue to deepen. As trust grows, so do the opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love in practical ways. Over the past two weeks, we helped two trolley-attendants return permanently to Bangladesh. Krishna returned to care for his seriously ill mother, while Solaimon went home after struggling with the heartbreaking loss of his 13-year-old daughter five months ago and the pain of being separated from his family. Last week, we distributed 5 kg bags of rice to 26 cleaners whose salaries are now three months overdue. Yesterday, I spoke with a young cleaner who was desperate to return home but had no money, while his recruitment-agent continued to withhold his passport. His deep sense of helplessness and entrapment was heartbreaking. Knowing these workers have little voice, I raised their situation with the acting mall manager, who appeared genuinely concerned and promised to contact the company’s management. Yet I couldn’t help remembering what workers from the same company told me years ago: Their company is bigger than the LMRA (Labour Market Regulatory Authority)”.
Earlier this month we distributed 50 medical kits to trolley attendants and workers at Tubli Labour Camp – medical supplies and a card with Exodus 15:26: I am the Lord who heals you. These simple gifts have opened many doors for conversation, prayer, and sharing the love of Christ. They remind people that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God. My hope is to give out additional medical kits for the cleaners and security guards in the coming months.
Labour Camp
Whilst visiting the labour camp on Thursday, I distributed the monthly biryani meal for the workers. Behind every smile is a different story of sacrifice, worry and heartache. Amid the regional tensions and the personal struggles each man carries, I encouraged them with Jesus’ words: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world; Despite the hardships they face, they listened attentively and welcomed prayer. It is a tremendous privilege not only to provide practical support but also encourage them from God’s Word and pray together. Today I took Sharif to the airport for Bangladesh – his wife is very sick with severe pre-eclampsia. Please also remember Saydul, who has begun a third round of dialysis following complications from a badly botched kidney-surgery in Bangladesh two years earlier.
Street-Cleaners
During these exceptionally hot weeks, a friend and I have been taking cold drinks and fresh fruit to street cleaners two or three mornings each week. Their work is physically exhausting, yet they often go unnoticed despite the invaluable service they provide to the community. Our conversations are usually brief, but we hope these simple gifts offer not only refreshment but also encouragement. Above all, we want each person to know that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved – not only by those around them, but by God, who knows them, cares for them, and treasures them.
Dispensary Update
After pausing plans because of the regional conflict and my trip home, we have begun exploring the vision for a migrant workers’ dispensary once again. Several medical professionals have expressed interest, but this is still exploratory. At the end of August, I have been invited to share the vision with a small group of Christian doctors and healthcare workers. The project is still in its early stages, but I would deeply value your prayers for wisdom and clear direction as we move forward. Above all, pray that this ministry would develop only according to His purposes and bring hope, healing, and the love of Christ to those it will one day serve.
Prayer Points
• Praise God that my annual checkup confirmed I remain cancer-free.
• Pray peace and protection over the Middle East during these uncertain days – as believers pray, we would react the way Jesus would and be a testimony in these days of uncertainty but opportunity.
• Pray for the Book Kiosk Ministry, that those reading God’;s Word would come to know Christ.
• Pray for the migrant workers – especially Sharif and his wife, Saydul, Krishna, Solaimon and their families and those facing financial hardship – that they would know God’s provision, healing, and hope.
• Pray for ongoing opportunities to share Christ’s love through the mall ministry, labour camp visits, and outreach to street-cleaners.
• Pray for the migrant workers’ dispensary, asking God to bring together the right team, provide the necessary resources, and make His timing and leading unmistakably clear.